Hi, I can answer question number 2. The 1 inch applies to an overall slope from one side to the other. This could happen due to ground settling. You are best off starting as level as you can possibly get. The wall will install and stay in the bottom rail so much easier, you would not believe the difference. Take three bottom plates, the outer two the same level and the center down a quarter of an inch. You will notice this when installing the wall. You may get past it but it will be noticeable. If the center post is down a full inch you will not get past it without the wall falling over. Take as much time as you need to make the bottom rail and footplates as level as you can possibly get them. The rest of the install will go so much smoother and the pool will look so much better. Worth every minute, day or week.

Best of luck, Dennis