Pictures of Pool Construction

[webfeet]

How high does the water need to be on the skimmer?

[waste]

Web, the water should be at least 1/2 way up the skimmer for correct operation, Hayward faceplates have an arrow at the 1/2 point. I usually prefer to have the water at the 2nd screw down (looking at the skimmer 12 screws secure it 4 across the top, 4 more on the bottom and 4 on each side [ - that's 16 not 12! - the 4 corner screws are pulling 'double duty' being both side and top/ bottom ]) This allows you some evaporation/ backwash leeway, but isn't so high that a good rain will stop the skimmer from skimming (you need at least 1/2" clearance for the skimmer to skim, otherwise you just have a big square suction port on the wall)
Hope this answers your question, if it's a little vague, I or one of the others will further explain what I've tried to say.

If the weather is still favorable, take 1 day each week to just enjoy your new pool and without thinking about the various 'issues' you've had with the installation

[webfeet]

Heres a link to my completed pool pictures. We will probably have the concrete coating applied to the deck next year. We built the fence and the Pool Shack. We plan to build cafe/saloon doors from treated pickets for it. I know its rustic, but remember, we are in Arkansas! The Pool Shack not only houses the equipment, but it has a changing area/restroom. FYI the walls are double lined with pickets for privacy. We had a professional lay the centipede sod and install the irrigation system, but we did all the landscaping design and work.

http://s183.photobucket.com/albums/x87/webfeet_photos/