SET-UP GUIDE

How to set up an above ground pool in your backyard

No digging, no frame, no tools: check your local bylaws, level the ground, unfold, inflate to 8 to 10 PSI and fill. Six steps, about 45 minutes before filling.

One person can set it up Two people from 5 m (16 ft) No digging, no frame
SEE THE STEPS

BEFORE YOU START

What you need

Your pool ships with its inflator, ladder and sand filter pump. Before set-up day, get these three things:

Filter sand

Pool filter sand or filter glass, about 0.6 mm, in the amount your filter manual lists.

NOT INCLUDED

Pool chemicals

Slow-dissolving chlorine tablets and a floating chlorinator.

NOT INCLUDED

Test kit

Test strips or a drop kit to check pH and chlorine every week.

NOT INCLUDED
Heads up

Play sand and construction sand will clog the filter. Use pool filter sand or glass only.

6 STEPS

Setting up your above ground pool, start to finish

1

SITE PREP

Pick and level the spot

  • Check your municipality's pool bylaws (permit, fencing, setbacks) before you start.
  • Remove rocks, roots, sticks and anything sharp.
  • Leave at least 1 m (3 ft) of clear space around the pool.
  • Plan for a garden hose and an outdoor GFCI-protected outlet.
  • On a deck, have the load capacity checked by a qualified professional.
  • Never level a slope with sand or loose soil.
A level base keeps the pool stable

If the first few centimetres (1 to 2 in) of water show a slope, stop filling, drain and re-level the ground.

2

UNFOLD

Protect the ground and unfold the pool

  • Lay down a ground protection sheet.
  • Unfold the pool gradually without dragging it.
  • One person can do the set-up.
  • For the 5 m (16 ft) and 6 m (20 ft) pools, a second person makes positioning easier.
  • Point the connections toward where the sand filter will sit.
  • Check the floor, walls, valves and connections before inflating.
  • Do not unfold or inflate in strong wind.
3

INFLATION

Set the pressure and start the inflator

The included battery inflator arrives charged and stops automatically at the pressure you set.

  1. Check that the valve is clean and correctly seated.
  2. Connect the inflator hose firmly.
  3. Set the pressure between 8 and 10 PSI.
  4. For the larger and taller pools, aim for 10 PSI and never exceed 12 PSI.
  5. Start the inflator and let it stop on its own.
  6. Press the white button inside the valve to close it and hold the air.
  7. Remove the hose and screw the cap back on.
8 PSIStarting point
10 PSIRecommended
12 PSIMaximum, never exceed
Watch temperature swings

Pressure rises on hot sunny days and drops on cool nights. Check it after set-up and whenever the temperature changes sharply.

4

FILL

Fill gradually and check the level

  1. Start with only a few centimetres (1 to 2 in) of water.
  2. Check that the water line is even all around.
  3. If water pools on one side, stop, drain and re-level the ground.
  4. Smooth out any creases in the floor early on.
  5. Keep filling while checking that the walls stay straight.
  6. Stop at the maximum level shown in the manual; with a garden hose, the larger pools take several hours to fill.
Never move a pool with water in it

Water is extremely heavy. Only re-level the ground once the pool is completely empty.

5

Connections

Set up and connect the sand filter

  1. Place the filter on a stable surface, at the distance from the pool stated in its manual.
  2. Fill it with pool filter sand or filter glass.
  3. Use about 0.6 mm grain size and the quantity listed.
  4. Connect the inlet and outlet hoses.
  5. Check the seals and hand-tighten the fittings.
  6. Prime the pump as described in the manual.
  7. Check for leaks before regular use.
Filter sand not included

Buy pool filter sand or glass separately; the quantity depends on the filter model.

Electrical safety

Plug the filter only into a grounded outdoor outlet protected by a GFCI, with no extension cord. Follow the safety distances in the manual.

6

WATER CARE

Test and treat the water

  1. Test pH and chlorine with strips or a drop kit.
  2. Adjust pH gradually, following the product label.
  3. Put a slow-dissolving chlorine tablet in a floating chlorinator.
  4. Set the chlorinator for your pool's volume.
  5. Run the sand filter as described in its manual.
  6. Test at least once a week, and after heat waves, storms or pool parties.
Never drop a tablet straight into the pool

A tablet resting on the floor or wall can damage or discolour the liner.

Never mix chemicals

Store and add chlorine, pH adjusters and other products separately. Follow each label.

Safety tips

Safety checks

Ground and water weight +

The ground must stay stable under the filled pool. On a deck or patio, have a qualified professional check the load capacity.

Pressure and temperature swings +

Check the pressure whenever the outdoor temperature changes sharply. Never exceed 12 PSI.

Wind and weather +

Do not unfold or inflate in strong wind. Secure light equipment and follow the manual during storms.

Electrical safety +

Use a GFCI-protected outdoor outlet only, and follow the distances and safety measures in the pool and filter manuals.

Child safety +

Never leave a child unattended, even briefly. Remove the ladder after swimming and install any fencing your municipality requires.

Pool chemicals +

Keep each product in its original container, away from heat and moisture. Never mix chlorine with pH adjusters or other products.

QUESTIONS?

Questions before filling?

Our Ottawa team can help in English or French with site prep, inflation, the sand filter and water care.

CONTACT US SEE THE POOLS