An above-ground swimming pool is a great way to enjoy the outdoors without having to worry about the weather.
The only problem is that installing a pool liner takes some time and effort.
If you want to get started right away, then you should consider buying a pre-made liner from a pool store.
However, if you want to save some money and DIY the project, then you should know how to install a base for the liner.
This article will teach you how to do it.
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Avoid Air Pockets During Liner Installation
When installing an above-ground pool liner, one of the most important things to remember is not to leave any air pockets in your liner.
Doing so can cause serious problems later on down the road.
The best way to avoid this issue is by using a vacuum pump when installing the liner.
You can use a regular vacuum cleaner or even a shop vac to help remove air bubbles from the bottom of the liner.
Use PVC Pipe Instead Of Plastic Pipe
The next thing you need to keep in mind is that you should use PVC pipe instead of plastic pipe.
Plastic pipes are more flexible than their PVC counterparts. They also tend to be cheaper, but they don’t last as long.
You can find PVC pipe at home improvement stores like Lowes, Home Depot, and Menards. It comes in different sizes and lengths.
Cutting The Liner Into Pieces
Once you have all of the materials ready, you should cut the liner into pieces before starting the installation process.
Cutting the liner into smaller sections makes the job easier since you won’t have to handle the entire length of the liner at once.
If you want to make sure that you get a good seal around the edges of the liner, then you should cut the liner with a straight edge.
Install The Liner On The Substrate
After cutting the liner into several pieces, you should start laying them out on the substrate. Make sure that the liner is placed evenly over the entire area.
It is recommended that you place the liner on top of the concrete first. Then, you can add another layer of sand underneath the liner.
Next, you should fill up the space between the liner and the wall. Once you have done this, you should add a final layer of sand.
This helps prevent moisture from getting inside the liner.
Place The Edges In Place
Before adding the final layer of sand, you should put the edges of the liner in place. This ensures that there isn’t any gap left between the liner and the walls.
To secure the liner in place, you should use screws or nails. However, if you plan to cover the liner with tiles, then you should use epoxy glue instead.
Covering The Liner With Tiles
To finish off the installation process, you should cover the liner with tiles. These are usually made of ceramic or porcelain.
These tiles come in many shapes and colors. Some people prefer white tiles while others choose black ones.
There are two ways to install these tiles. First, you can lay them directly on top of the liner. Second, you can attach them with adhesive tape.
What Is The Difference Between Vinyl And Fiberglass?
Fiberglass is often used for making fiberglass pools (see also ‘ Fiberglass Pools Cost ‘). The material is strong and durable. It is also resistant to chemicals and UV rays.
Vinyl is a popular choice for swimming pools because it is easy to maintain. It doesn’t require much maintenance.
Vinyl liners are available in various designs and patterns. Most vinyl liners are very affordable.
They are also easy to clean. If you spill something on your pool, you can easily remove the stains using soap and water.
However, some people complain about the smell produced by vinyl liners. You may not be able to avoid this problem entirely.
How Much Does An Above Ground Pool Installation Cost?
Above-ground pools are one of the most popular options when building a backyard oasis.
They provide an excellent alternative to traditional below-ground pools.
Above-ground pools are more expensive than their below-ground counterparts. However, they offer better features and benefits.
The cost of installing above-ground pools (see also ‘How To Level An Above Ground Pool With Water In It‘) depends on the size of the pool as well as the type of pool liner.
A typical installation costs $3,000-$5,000. However, if you hire professional contractors, then the price will go up significantly.
How Long Will My New Pool Last?
You can expect your new pool to last anywhere between 10 years and 20 years.
However, if you take proper care of your pool, then you can extend its lifespan even further.
You can do this by cleaning the pool regularly. Also, make sure that you keep the pool properly maintained.
What You Can Put Under Your Above Ground Pool?
There are many materials that you can put under your above-ground pool (see also ‘Can You Put An Above-Ground Pool On Pavers?‘). These materials include sand, foam, carpet, and many more.
In the section below, we have outlined these different materials, as well as their strengths and weaknesses:
Sand
This is the cheapest option for covering your pool. Sand is soft and lightweight. It absorbs moisture and dirt effectively.
It is also ideal for keeping your pool free from algae growth. However, sand is porous. As a result, it allows water to seep through it.
This means that you need to add extra layers of sand around your pool (see also ‘ Swimming Pool Sand – A Beginner’s Introduction ‘).
If you don’t want to spend money on buying additional sand, you can simply buy a bag of sand at your local hardware store.
Foam
If you want to save money, then foam is the best solution for you. Foam is made out of polystyrene. It is lightweight and highly absorbent.
Also, it comes in many sizes and shapes. Therefore, you can use it to cover any part of your pool. Foam is also easy to install and move around on flat surfaces.
However, foam can also be very expensive depending on the thickness and quality.
The material is also hard to cut and not very breathable. This means that water could get trapped between the pool and the foam base.
Carpet
Carpets are another great option for covering your pool area. Carpets come in various colors and styles. They are also durable and long-lasting.
However, carpets are heavy and bulky. As a result, they are difficult to transport and install. Also, carpets require regular maintenance.
As such, carpets are usually only used for outdoor areas. If you plan to use them indoors, then you should consider other options first.
Nothing (The Ground)
If you don’t want to spend money or time on purchasing a pool liner, then there is nothing wrong with using the ground itself.
However, the ground is not suitable for all types of pools. For example, it won’t work well for above-ground pools that are installed on sloped surfaces.
In addition, the ground is not waterproof. As a result, you will need to purchase an additional liner for your pool.
While using nothing remains the cheapest option, it also comes with the drawback of exposing your pool liner to sharp objects and debris.
You will also need to kill the grass before constructing your new above-ground pool (see also ‘ Landscaping Around Your Above Ground Pool’ ).
How To Install An Above-Ground Pool with A Sand Base
Step 1: Prepare The Area
First, you should prepare the area where you want to build your pool. Make sure that the ground is flat and level.
Next, dig out around 2 feet deep. Then, mix together equal parts of cement and sand.
Step 2: Mix The Cement & Sand
Next, you should mix together equal parts of concrete and sand. Use a shovel to spread the mixture evenly over the entire area.
Step 3: Level The Surface
Once the surface has been leveled, you should add enough water to the mixture so that it becomes soft.
Step 4: Pour Concrete
Once the concrete has hardened, you should pour it into the hole. This will create a base for your pool.
Step 5: Add Water
After pouring the concrete, you should let it dry completely before adding any additional materials.
Step 6: Cover With Plastic
When the concrete has dried, you should cover it with plastic sheets.
Step 7: Fill In Any Cracks
If there are any cracks in the concrete, you should fill them with mortar. Once everything is done, you should wait until the next day.
Step 8: Remove The Plastic Sheets
On the following day, you should remove all the plastic sheets from the pool.
Step 9: Clean Up
Finally, you should clean the pool thoroughly. You can do this using certain cleaning products or warm water and soap.
Just make sure to rinse away any leftover residue before adding the water into your new pool.
Conclusion
Above-ground pools are one of the most popular choices among homeowners today.
However, installing an above-ground pool requires some patience and effort.
When creating a base for your pool, you can use a range of different materials and methods. But it is best to use sand for numerous reasons.
