Helllpp Fassssssssttttttt!

[denanbob]

Oh my gosh, the saga continues! We finally got the pool structure up and are getting ready to cut the 1.5" styrofoam for beneath the liner, but nothing is working out to level. We used a laser transit the WHOLE time for leveling and my husband also used a level stick to level the whole time we were constructing the pool. Also, my husband builds large buildings for a living so he's not new to constructing things. SO WHY IS EVERYTHING OFF? Here are some pictures, and I will comment with questions under each one:

Here is a picture of how off level the ONE SIDE of the pool is. The other side is perfectly level (and the whole daggone thing is hooked together so how can this be?)

Here is a picture of the one corner of our pool that is not exactly to grade. We used a 4" block so most of the block is buried, but some is not and you can see the difference. Is this ok?

Here is the rest of the side I just showed you so you can see how flush with the ground the rest of it is.

Here is the MAIN question........the directions said we needed a 7.6 foot radius for the oval part of the pool. We sprayed the radius and also drove rebar stakes into the ground around that radius. When we put the wall channel up and then put the wall into it, in order for the wall ends to meet up and overlap, we had to squeeze it together which shortened the radius. We are trying to cut foam to fit the inside. Is the weight of the water going to shift this and will there be a gap between the foam and the sides? We are so frustrated. Nothing is going right.

I'm sorry this is so long!

[denanbob]

Here is the whole scenario if this helps any (I doubt it will):

[hrsdennis]

Hi, I think your husband has done a great job. I really do. The issues you brought up are not big problems at all. It is tough to get everything perfect. The pool will not shift so once your foam is put into place it will stay there. Be sure and us lots of tape.

Looks like the kids are pretty excited about the pool. Lots of help too I bet.

The only thing that is critical in the last picture is the overall level. Side to side and end to end should all be the same. I don't see any reason not to go ahead with the foam and liner.

Dennis

[denanbob]

Oh thank you thank you thank you!!! This makes us feel much better. We are almost done with the foam and will at least lay the liner in there and fit it into the bead channel all the way around because it is supposed to rain tonight. It's already 8:00, so I doubt we'll get the liner fully installed. At least no high winds are coming!! Thanks again soooooooooooo much Dennis! You are the pool God! )

[denanbob]

Ok so we got all the styrofoam laid tonight. Did not get the liner in because I remembered it should not sit without water in it. So we're hoping to get the liner in tomorrow night and hopefully have water delivered on Wednesday. I'm too chicken to use my well. I decided against wall foam because I didn't want to wash down the interior walls (used pool and walls are a bit dirty) and I knew the foam wouldn't stick. So I skipped it. Also, didn't use a cove because the styrofoam covers the wall channel and any rough edges. Is this ok? As long as I use duct tape along the edges to join the styrofoam with the walls? We ended up putting a thin layer of sand down, then 1.5" high grade styrofoam. Am hoping my beaded liner will fit like a glove tomorrow night. Stay tuned............

[hrsdennis]

It all sounds good so far. Any chance of pics before the liner intall?

Will you be following Matt's instructions for the beaded liner install?

Remember that getting the bottom seams alligned correctly is the most important thing. The end to end (or maybe side to side) seams (or seam) and the seam that goes around the cove area. It must all fit the pool before you start the water.

You should clean the walls as best possible. It will all show through your new liner, you will be much happier by spending a little more time and doing that.

You should also consider installing the liner in direct sunlight. If you decide to try in the eve and it seems tight or like it does not want to fit, hold off for direct sun.

Looking good, Dennis

[kittyprrrs]

I don't have room for a pool of this size...but I am so excited for you! And...it is a family project...congratulations on such a beautie! I would LOVE to see the kids in action when this is finished...perhaps I can get the hubster to ditch the veggie garden and put in a pool....sobbing...I hate California Land Plot sizes...I hate it!

Good luck in finishing this family fun project!

[denanbob]

Good luck in finishing this family fun project!

Well, I haven't been looking at this project as fun at all, but your post made me re-excited about the whole thing! I needed that pick-me-up, thank you!!

[hrsdennis]

Hi, how is the progress today?

Not to make an issue of the cove but I do have a couple more comments. It is not a right or wrong thing, just my thoughts.

As mentioned before the primary functions of the cove are to keep the liner from getting under the bottom rails and to keep the liner from coming in contact with the sharp edges of the pool frame. Your foam has taken care of these two matters. If you are not sure about how tight the foam fits the wall or about how much tape to use you could always tape a 1' strip of plastic 6" up the wall and out onto the foam 6" all the way around the pool.

The reason I would not order preformed cove is most of it is designed to snap into the bottom rail. You have taken away that option with the foam. It would require a ton of tape to keep it in place the way your pool sits now. I have seen tape backed cove that might work but again, the expense.

The way your pool looks now is exactly the way my last one did when I installed the liner. I never missed not having a cove. My cleaner did not seem to mind either. That's not to say a different type of cleaner would not act differently. If you fit the foam tight and tape well there is no way you would ever have a gap big enough for the liner to slip into.

I am not sure there is a real right or wrong here, just more to consider.

Waiting for pics, Dennis

[Pontiadict]

Dennis,
When you say the preformed type of cove snaps into the bottom rail,I
got confused.Doesn't the cove get placed AFTER the sand(in my case )
is spread out? This would surely cover the bottom rail leaving nothing
for the cove to snap into.

Thanks,
John