Skip to main content

Above Ground Pool Installation Information

What's included,
What's not included, and
What's the homeowner responsibility

Pools Menu

Normal Installation Includes

  • An insured installer.
  • Leveling the site up to 8” of slope.
  • A special layer of base sand under the pool.
  • Patio stones under each upright.
  • Assembly of the swimming pool.
  • Installation of the Thru-Wall skimmer and the pool filtration system.
  • A One-Season Warranty covering Installation defects.

Normal Installation
Does Not Include:

  • Leveling beyond 8 inches. Additional charges will apply.
  • Removal or disposal of trees, stumps, large vegetation, pipes, rocks or other hidden objects.
  • Extra fill, re-landscaping of any area, ferrying or removal of dirt and debris.
  • Back-filling around the pool.
  • Assembly or positioning of the entry system (ladder, steps, etc.)
  • Adding of any chemicals to the pool.
  • Pulling building permits (yes, they are required by law).
  • Electrical work or preparation for electrical (such as trench digging).
  • Fully filling the pool with water.
  • Installing No Jumping or Diving warning labels.
  • Removal of packaging materials.

Homeowner Responsibilities

  • Researching and obtaining required permits.

    Every town in MA requires a building permit for an above-ground pool. You get this from your local Building Department. The Homeowner is ALWAYS the applicant for the permit for above-ground pool projects. You will be making all the decisions for the pool placement and final inspection. Your installer will supply you with proof of worker’s compensation and affidavit of liability insurance. This information is for your records. We welcome you to share it with the Building Department, however, this is NOT to be construed to mean the installer is the applicant, because that is NEVER then case, and is NOT required to be the case according to Mass State Building Codes!

  • Provide 8ft to 10ft clear access from the street to the pool site.

    We recommend when the pool is delivered it be placed on the opposite side of the installer access point to the site, so it does not need to be moved to begin the installation.

  • Specify the location of the pool and where you want the filter installed.

    We recommend installing the filter on the far side of the pool so you are not looking at the filter system from the rear of your home. The filter must be within 6 feet of the pool. The electrical needs to be run to where the filter is placed. We DO NOT recommend placing the filter system under or next to a deck. You do not want to listen to it running when on the deck. Nor do you want to service the filter bent over, underneath the deck.

  • Provide the installers with the following items:

    A working garden hose, a live electrical outlet (to charge their tools), and as well as anything we delivered to you, including but not limited to the swimming pool, liner, thru-wall skimmer, and if applicable, the filtration system.

  • Fully filling the Pool with water.

    The pool should be filled as soon as possible. WE STRONGLY ADVISE AGAINST a rapid-fill method such as a water-truck, fire hydrant or otherwise. An initial slow-fill method will allow your liner to stretch properly and prevent the liner from pulling out of the track or splitting the seam due to trauma. Any damage or water-loss resulting from a rapid-fill method will not be covered under any manufacturer’s warranty!

  • Pulling wrinkles from the wall as the pool fills.

    Your installer will start the initial filling of the pool with your garden hose, and will pull out as many wrinkles from the floor of the liner as possible. Understand there is NO SUCH THING as a wrinkle-free liner. Your installer will advise you how to simply work wrinkles from the liner wall as the pool fills with water.

  • Disposal of all packaging materials and construction debris.

  • Electrical work.

    Electrical work should be done by a licensed electrician. This should be scheduled asap but on a date AFTER the pool is installed so the pool can be grounded and the water properly bonded to meet State Code. Your filter system requires a dedicated 120 Volt 20 Amp twist lock GFCI outlet. Premium Package filters come with the correct cord. Basic and Deluxe Packages come with a regular 3 Prong cord, so your electrician will need to supply and install the correct cord for you. NEVER RUN YOUR FILTER SYSTEM ON AN EXTENSION CORD. Not only is this a dangerous liability to you and your family, but it will also void the warranty on the pump motor, and is against Electrical Code!

  • Create a “POOL” file folder.

    File all appropriate documents for future use in this folder, including but not limited to your sales order, printed information and instructions from us, your installation and electrical documents, any brochures you may have, warranty forms (make sure you register all of them first), owner’s manuals and anything else you deem appropriate.

  • Contact the Building Department for final inspection.

    They will make sure your pool meets all Local and State codes. This includes but is not limited to the minimum 48” level grade as well as a self-closing, self-latching pool entry system, as well as electrical grounding and bonding.

  • Back fill around the pool base after passing your electrical inspection.

    Use about 4” earth (and not stone which could scratch the protective surface) around the bottom of the pool. This backfill should be maintained for the life of the pool to prevent washout of the pool base.

  • ENJOY YOUR POOL!

    If you loved our sales and service, please consider giving us a 5-Star review on Google, Facebook or Yelp.

    If we did not offer you outstanding service, please email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.!

Other Things to Expect

Building Code Knowledge

You'll want to learn your town's requirements for distances from buildings, lot lines, septic systems, and utilities. Many towns also have regulations related to conservation areas within 100 yards.

Most towns have information on the town government web site, usually under the Building Department.

Coordinating Installation

Our installers usually require a deposit to schedule an estimated installation date.

They begin installing as soon as the weather cooperates. Unfortunately, weather doesn't always cooperate. Installers need a day with no rain, no heavy wind, and over 55º.

Installation dates come on a first come; first served basis.

All target dates are dependent on weather. If it rains on your day, your pool will be completed the next workable day. It may not be the following day. But, you will not go to the back of the list.

Most pool installations take 2-6 hours, depending on the pool and the yard.

Preparing for Installation

Installers need to get their equipment to the pool site, which requires 6-foot width. If you have a fence, you'll need to make sure there's a clear path prior to the installer's arrival.

If you have an irrigation system, or regularly water your lawn, we recommend stopping 2-3 days before the target day.

Wet ground means soft ground. Soft ground means the equipment will likely to tear up lawns and leave tire ruts.

Marking Locations

Put stakes in the ground to mark three locations:

  1. the pool
  2. pump & filter equipment
  3. where to leave excavation debris

Plan for Filling the Pool

  • Once the pool is installed, you'll want to fill it in stages to get the best result.
  • Filling the pool too soon or too fast could damage the liner, something not covered under warranty.
  • Immediately after installation, fill the pool with 12-18" of water, then stop.
  • Let the liner stretch into place for 24-72 hours. Warmer weather and sunlight will make the liner more pliable and will allow you to proceed sooner. Lower temperatures and overcast weather means you should give it a little more time.

  • Once the liner is set and after your electrical inspection, but before completely filling the pool, backfill around the perimeter of the pool.

    This is very important. Once the pool is completely filled, there will be 20 to 80 tons of water in the pool. The bottom without backfill would be a weak spot: And a tear as a result of not backfilling is not covered under warranty.

  • We recommend backfilling about 3-4" up the pool wall, topped off with crushed stone.
Next: Entry Systems