Steel Pools Buyer's Guide

Steel Pools have two main advantages price and weight. Steel Pools are the heaviest of all types of swimming pools making a steel pool very solid and safe. As most will know steel will eventually rust BUT, with the methods of modern day manufacturing a steel pool can be made with a life span of 20 years.

Steel Pool Install Guide

Before you install your Steel Pool there are two very important things you will need to do to make the Steel Pool perfectly round and level. You will want to level out the ground to do this we recommend you use a laser type level. To get your Steel Pool area round all you need to do is measure halfway out from the center point with the tape measure held in the center and walk in around the installation area keeping the tape straight.

Clearing the Steel Pool area of all rocks and vegetation etc will also need to be done, we would recommend you allow about 2ft extre around the Steel Pool area, so if your Steel Pool is 16" you will need to clear a Pool area of 18" round.

Now you have cleared the Steel Pool area you need to make it level. We would recommend that any high level ground be dug down to level the area out. If this is not possible as is some times the case you will need to make sure any low ground filled is firmly packed (Do NOT use sand or sandy soil to level out any type of pool).

Now your Steel Pool area is all level and smothed out you can start assemaling the Steel Pool. Start by connecting the bottom rails into the footplates which should make a perfect circle.

The next step is the most important so take your time. Set each individual foot plate at exactly the same number on your level stick. If you are setting the posts on blocks then the tops of the blocks should all be the same number.

When the footplates are level go back and level the ground between each plate. The bottom rails need to rest on firm, level ground. Any high spots in the bottom rails could result in kinking the sidewall.

Spend a little more time at this point and make sure the entire area inside of the bottom rails is level and smooth. High spots or low spots anywhere can cause the liner to fill unevenly causing wrinkles. If you are using sand for the base it should be piled in the center of the pool at this time.

You will now be installing the sidewall. It is best to install the wall into about five rails at a time. You can then build the frame of the pool as you are installing the wall. This keeps the pool wall from falling over. When this stage is done the pool should be completely assemble except for the liner.

If everything fits and the pool looks good you can prepare the base. If you are using sand you would spread it out and smooth it. When the base is done get out of the pool. The rest of the assembly can be done from outside of the pool.

Before the liner gets installed make sure there are no sharp corners on the connection top caps. Duct tape can be used over any sharp edges to be sure they do not tear the liner. You can now open the liner up and stretch it out. Several people should be used to pick it up and set it in the pool, holding on to the two ends.

You will now pull the liner up and over the top rails. Keep working around the pool pulling up a little more each time. When the bottom seam is just a few inches from the top rail the bottom should be very smooth and just barely touching the sand in the center. Now is the time to start the water filling.

As the water fills you will slowly let the liner down as it gets pulled tight. When the water is about two to three inches from the edge shut the hose off. You can now work around the pool taking a few rails off at a time. Pull the liner tight over the wall and install the coping and stabilizer rods. Reinstall the top rails and take off a few more. Do this until they are all done and start filling the pool again.

When the water is just below the skimmer opening install the filter and all of the fittings. When the pool is full start the filter and check the system for leaks. If all looks good jump in and have fun.

Steel Pool Summery

For installation we recommend a smooth concrete slab as a suitable base for you Steel Pool to sit on. Contact a reputable local builder for advice on local soil conditions.

Failure to set up the Steel Pool on a flat, level compact ground could result in the Steel Pool's collapse or the possibility that a person lounging in the Steel Pool could be swept out. Do not lean, straddle or exert pressure on the inflatable top ring or top rim as injury or flooding could occur. Do not sit on, climb or straddle the sides of the Steel Pool.

Also see Pools Buyers Guide for pool guides and general information on pools.