Above Ground Pool Installations

Update: As of January 2016 we are no longer building or servicing any Intex Pools, Coleman Pools or Ultra Frame Pools. If you have one of these pools and are looking for installation you can drop us an email and we will send you the contact info of a qualified pool installer that can help.

Whether you choose to build your own above ground pool or have a professional do it, you can rest assured we are here to help. If you elect to do your own work our website will give you current and accurate California specific installation tips and information. We have over 20 years experience building above ground pools throughout California and in LA, San Bernardino, Riverside, Orange, Kern,and Ventura Counties specifically, so we know the soil conditions and weather quite well. Many years of installing pools here in California, you can expect a professional, properly installed level and wrinkle free finish.

Please scroll down to view all important details and considerations to make the most of your swimming pool installation. If you have not purchased a swimming pool yet and are in need of professional advise or guidance please click here.

What’s Included With Our Professional Pool Installation

Punctual arrival at scheduled appointment time. We like to be on time and customers expect it. The first thing we get there is to do a visual assessment of the pool’s desired install location. From there we perform a quick inventory of the pool supplies and mark out the area to be excavated. We then begin the construction of the pool, ensuring it’s level and measurements are correct. Once the shell of the pool is complete, installation of the pool liner, pool floor pad, nutgrass killer and pool cove are installed. After the wrinkles have been removed from both the pool floor and wall we move on to the installation of the filter system, salt system and other accessories. After everything is hooked up and checked we take all cartons and pool related packaging materials to the curb for pick up. Once we have cleaned up our tools and made the area safe, we give a the new pool owner a crash course in operating and maintaining their new swimming pool. Typical timeline for complete pool installation is 3-8 hours depending on pool model and size.

The price schedule above covers about 90% of the pool installations we do, and is for typical new flat bottom pools only. Prices may vary for pools with decking or yards in need of additional grading. Although similarly priced, used pools usually cost a little more to install because they typically are in less than pristine condition. This means parts are often bent, missing or damaged and require additional time and effort to make work. Lastly, we cannot install or build pool ladders or steps ever. This is due to insurance regulations. Sorry.

What’s Needed From You

For customer having us build your above ground pool there are a few things that are required in order for our crew to complete the job. There are only 3 things we need prior to arrival and most you probably already have. First, all of the pool components and accessories should be delivered and on-site at the time of appointment. Secondly we will need running water as the pool installation requires a small amount to set the liner, install the skimmer and remove all the wrinkles. You too will need the water to completely fill the pool upon completion of the installation. Lastly we need electricity for a very short time. Access to a typical electrical outlet for approximately 15 minutes is all that’s needed. In most cases it takes our crew approximately 3-8 hours to install most above ground pools. This time varies depending on pool size and location conditions. After completion the average pool takes an additional 8-20 hours to fill depending on pool size and water pressure. Once full it’s time to swim!

What Above Ground Pool Accessories To Consider

Because we get so many questions in regards to this topic we’ve added a list of common above ground pool liner accessories and replacement items to consider when replacing your above ground pool liner. Each have a brief description of what they are and do. Along with this we mention how important they may be for a SoCal pool liner installation. As you already know our intense sunshine, long summer season and unique soil conditions can really do a job on any California above ground pool. So with a little knowledge and upfront planning you’ll likely add years to the longevity of your pool while providing many years of trouble free use.

I think I already said this but here I go anyway. I know that the items below link to one website, I chose to link them somewhere for convenience. I chose this site because it illustrates well the cost of each item for different size pools. Besides, these are straight up good guys and deserve a little exposure.

Here’s one last bit of advise about ordering pool liner supplies. Take the time to double check pool size, you may be glad you did. I know this may sound silly but one of the most common mistakes made is ordering the wrong size pool liner and accessories. If you end up with the wrong size items it may be weeks before you finally get your pool up and running:(

• Pool Liner – Strong sun is really tough on pool liners. Spend a little extra money and get a 25ga. liner. The thicker material will outlast the 20ga. liners by several years. When liner shopping you may notice that there are several different types of liner, overlap, expandable, uni-bead and other names. If you are unsure of exactly what you have or wish to read more about the different pool liners available click here. 
• Pool Floor Padding – This is another worthwhile investment. Soft soil is home to many burrowing rodents and insects like moles, ground hogs, beetles and more. These critters often dig under above ground pools and come up right under them causing leaks and holes in your expensive new pool liner. The best way to stop this from happening is Armor Shield Pool Floor Pad. This is a super tough material that moles cannot bite through and it and it still allows the pool liner to breathe. Use this item or nothing at all. Armor shield comes ready to use, no cutting or taping necessary. Foam. plastic sheeting weed barrier etc are no good for stopping critters and causes the pool to pre-maturely rust out by trapping in condensation from the pool liner. To view pool floor padding image and details click here.
• Pool Cove – You must have a cove for your pool. It’s there to protect your liner from coming in contact with the pool frame and getting damaged by puncture. You can make one from sand or dirt for free or you can purchase them ready to go. They have sticky tape on the backside and are very easy to install. They make for a very uniform and finished look to the floor of your above ground pool when used. Not a necessity but no down side other than cost. To view pool cove image and details click here.
• Pool Liner Coping – These are thin plastic strips that hold overlap style pool liners to the pool wall. They become dry and brittle over the course of a few years and are a good item to replace during a liner change. If yours are cracking and dry replace them now. If they are 5 years or older they will likely need changing. If you don’t there’s a good chance you won’t be able to finish your liner change without them. The good news is these are cheaply priced and good insurance. Again, California sun at work here. To view coping image and details click here.
• Pool Wall Foam – I would not use this product on any new pool or pool wall in good condition as moisture tends to get caught in the foam and cause pool rust out. It’s only real use in my opinion is on already rusty pool walls. It’s there to prevent the liner from getting holes in it from the rough rusty surface. This pool is on it’s last leg and using wall foam here is only trying to buy a few more years of use from it before a new pool is needed. View pool wall foam image and details click here.
• Nutgrass Weed Killer – An absolute must on any liner installation. Nut-grass is an incredibly tough and persistent weed that will grow right through your pool liner. You will literally have grass growing in the bottom of your pool. It may be only one blade or hundreds and nothing will stop it. You may be able to patch over the holes but it usually comes right back. So take the time to treat the ground before installing your pool liner. Buy the commercial nut-grass killer if possible, if you cannot find it use a product called IMAGE from Home Depot, Lowes etc. It’s not as good but still effective. Available in the garden section. I would never install a pool or liner without treating the ground first. It’s simply not worth the risk of ruining your new pool liner, not to mention the cost of installation and water. To view nutgrass weed killer image and details click here.
• Skimmer Box – The skimmer is usually a white or gray box on the side of the pool where the pool water sent through a basket on it’s way to the filter system. Skimmers get brittle or deteriorate over time most things exposed to water, chemicals and intense sunshine. During the liner change process is the perfect time to replace the skimmer box if shows signs of damage. The single biggest issue with old pool skimmers on above ground pools is stripped out screw holes. When this occurs it’s impossible to correctly tighten the pool skimmer to the pool wall and the result is a leaky seal and loss of pool water. Be sure to examine the screw hole on the box for splits or cracking and replace if necessary. Skimmer kits are modestly priced and typically come with everything needed for replacement including hardware, gaskets, lid, basket and new return jet. To view skimmer specs, images and details click here.
• Main Drain – This is probably the number one best upgrade you can make to any above ground pool. This addition does nothing to protect your pool liner from damage nor does it stop nut-grass or critters. What a main drain or pool floor drain does is drastically improve water circulation and filtration. This is done by drawing in pool water from the floor and sending it to the filter system by way of piping that has been buried prior to the liner installation. By adding a main drain pool maintenance is cut in half as the pool stays much cleaner and requires far less vacuuming of debris. An above ground pool with a main drain is easy to spot as it has a grate in the middle of the floor like a bathtub or any in-ground pool you’ve seen. This is not a product that can be purchased from a store. It is a feature that involves much labor and must be built into your pool by you or your installer at the time of the liner change. You can purchase the main drain unit and piping from a pool retailer.
• PVC Hard Pipe – This upgrade replaces the factory thin and flimsy plastic flex hoses that connect the pool filter system to the swimming pool. These factory hoses only last a few years before becoming brittle and leaking or bursting. This can allow water to drain out of your pool and burn up your expensive pool pump. The hard pipe upgrade replaces these hoses with strong everlasting hard or flexible thick wall PVC pipe. Much like the main drain this too is an feature that’s added to your pool and does not come in a kit.  This upgrade can be DIY project for those with basic plumbing skills. The good news is PVC piping never needs replacing and all items required are available at your favorite local home improvement store.

Best Places To Buy Your Above Ground Pool

Sorry, we don’t sell pool supplies. However you still have some great options for purchasing all the items necessary for your pool liner change, but there is one harsh reality ahead. It’s important to understand that no one has all of this stuff up the street, on a shelf and in your size. It will have to be ordered and that’s just a sign of the times. It’s not really any big deal as good companies can have this stuff at your doorstep in just a few days.

So where do you go? There are big box stores, online retailers and your neighborhood corner pool store. I can say from the experience of having dealt with them all at one time or another that some are great and some downright bad. And what ever you do, don’t use price as your only criteria when shopping for pool parts. There are many ways you can be burned when it seems to be a great deal. You could go to big box stores like Amazon or Ebay but I’ve never found any real savings there. The prices aren’t always cheaper and you can NEVER speak with anyone. This may be alright with you but it’s not the way I like to do business. I prefer to deal with knowledgeable people I can talk to and ask questions if need be. So I say shop anywhere you feel comfortable but I’m giving you my recommendation because this is the #1 most asked question we get.

My choice is PoolsAboveGround.com. I said this before and it’s true, where you buy is as important as what you buy. I have dealt with many pool stores in my life and I have found one that is very good. Why go there? Great company with decades of dealing specifically with above ground pools. They have an A+ BBB rating, knowledgeable salesman, prices are excellent, website is great and they are a big help when you have questions. These guys install pools and know what they’re talking about. I have added a  link to them and a couple other pool dealers to consider.

I have sent many customers there over the years and honestly I don’t know what more you could ask for. This is where I would buy, but if you know of somewhere better than shop there.

PoolsAboveGround.com – I like this one, great local company. These guys know above ground pools inside out. They worked for Recreational Factory Warehouse for many years and they also worked for Doughboy pools and Leslie’s prior to starting this company. Above ground pools are their specialty, they have American made products and the good nut-grass killer everyone is looking for. Very trustworthy. This is where I get pools and liners, prices are great and they have live tech support. You’re not going to find any better.

Leslie’s Pool – Not particularly friendly or helpful but a very large chain and trustworthy. They sometimes sell pools but real above ground experience is non-existent. I’m not a fan of cooperate stiffs or dealing with kid salesmen so places like this aren’t for me. Trustworthy but crazy over-priced!!

Craigslist – Although you can score great deals if you are patient and keep your eyes peeled, dealing with sketchy people and meeting in Wal-Mart parking lots seems very risky these days. No way to know what your really getting and no way to vet the sellers. Not really worth the trouble for me. I recommend sticking to the reputable dealers and getting factory warranties.

However, this is about the only place to get a used pool. Many people are moving or just don’t want a pool any longer, getting one for free or next to nothing is a regular occurrence on Craigslist. If buying one here it’s best to take it down yourself and carefully account for all pieces and hardware. Be sure to look at the inside of the pool wall first, if it’s rusty just walk away. Rusty pool walls are a deal breaker, period. Also check to ensure the pump and filter system are operable. If you need a new one this can cost several hundred dollars. One last thing about used pools is that you will need to get a brand new liner when installing, regardless of what people are telling you. Don’t waste your time trying to save the one in the pool, liners shrink when the water is removed and there is little chance of lining up the cut holes anyway.

If you do decide to purchase a pool liner on Craigslist I highly recommend an un-opened box with undamaged cardboard. It takes very little to puncture through the box and into the vinyl so examine closely and use your best judgement here.

Professional Pool Installation Price Guide

The pricing chart below only represents some of the pool sizes on the market and should be used as a guideline only. If you do not see your size it’s likely somewhere in between others and installation cost would be similar. It is possible you could incur additional expense if you have other obstacles that need be addressed during the pool installation process. An example of this would be tree removal etc. Of course we would look at this and give you a price for any additional work up front. FYI- roughly 90% of the pools we install have no additional expenses.