Without wasting time, let’s just get down to business.
Mistake #1: Not positioning the side straps correctly
There are so many different styles of oval pools that it’s hard to be specific here, but in most cases, following the instructions every step of the way will yield good results.
Your most important goals are to place all the keys and square them before you start digging. Dig what you need to, without digging too much. The less the back is filled, the better.
The oval pool side clamps must be perfectly level, front and back. They should all be square from side to side and on one side they should all be touching a string line. Only then should the dirt around them be repacked.
An oval pool starts to look really weird when the straps on one side aren’t square to the straps on the opposite side. It starts to look even more fun when one side isn’t straight, like when it rests flush against a string. That would mean that the other side is not straight either. If they go up and down a bit, and in and out a bit, things start to look really weird.
Proper use of a laser level, string line, and tape measure will take care of this common mistake.
Mistake #2: Not Covering Pressure Plates and Belts Properly
I have been answering pool questions online for many years and am always amazed at how often I am asked about notches in the liner around reinforcement assemblies just inside the pool. This can be a major problem, meaning the pool is unsafe and needs to be drained before it can be repaired. The lining cannot sit on the bare metal of anything, there must be a cushion.
The problem is usually the settlement of the soil around the channels of the braces or pressure plates. The weight of the water when the pool is full is tremendous, what you put under it has to be solid. This means not only backfilling around the brace assemblies, but also packing them solidly. If necessary, water, wait, and pack some more.
The other mistake is not covering the pressure plates with enough sand. Some of these things are large and all have sharp edges. They are very important for the integrity of a swimming pool and cannot be neglected, but they must be well covered. Remember, the weight of the water increases as the pool fills, whatever is on those plates will compress. The sand will not only be compressed, but will also be pushed into large openings, such as those created at the ends of pressure plates.
Make sure the side support assemblies are well packed and well covered.
Mistake #3: Not locking the side braces correctly
Have I mentioned the weight of water yet? Yes, I have, and it pushes the pool walls just like it pushes the ground. That’s why it’s important to use a concrete block under the back of each brace. Just as important, these blocks must be placed perfectly level and on firm ground.
I also mentioned the side bolsters that go in and out when facing the side of the pool. While the clamps may look good before you add water, if the blocks are not solid and level, the clamps will come off when the pool fills and will never come out the same. This leaves the pool side going in and out. This is not a good professional look.
If you are attempting to install an oval above ground pool on your own, be sure to take the time to properly position the side brackets. Posts that line the sides of your pool will make or break the end results.