Constructing 12x24x54 AG on our own... are we done yet?

[NWMNMom]

It sounds like you are well on your way! You should be swimming in no time. Make sure everything is level and watch the bottom rail for settling. Would love to see some new pictures.

BTW, we picked up almost all of our plumbing parts at Lowes - a lot cheaper than the pool store, especially on the valves. The markup at the pool store was HUGE for exactly the same thing.

[matt4x4]

Sounds like everything is going along just fine - you won't notice the floor compressing for quite some time - guessing about 3 months til you find it's rock hard.

[zephans]

Tiny bit of work done today. I got worried that I wouldn't have plumbing parts handy for final install tomorrow, but dw clued me in about the Lowes tip so I didn't buy much at the pool store.
$100 for 100 lbs zeobright filter media (I forgot to order online )
$54 dichlor granules (as backup if I don't get bleach today/tomorrow morning... I'll return unused if I get BBB stuff running tomorrow)
$11 Chlor+PH+Alk+CYA strips as quick backup until I order and receive a kit that does more than just Chlorine and PH.

I'm concerned about the water that's been in the pool for last 2 days untreated. Pool guy said he wouldn't put in chemicals until pump is hooked up and circulating, so I assembled the pump and filter combo that came with the pool. Turns out they provided flexible plumbing so I'm set for now. I'll investigate Sched40 hard plumbing + Solar heater connections after I get pool opened and stabilized tomorrow morning.

My plan is to do the following tomorrow:
1. .5h Get 1gal chlorine and slowly pour in with water filling.
2. 1h Install skimmer and connect flex hoses while filling pool.
FYI: I'm 6 inches away from bottom of return hole (~1.5hrs fill time based on my recent fill rate check (2" in .5hr)).
3. 1.5h Install top rails and resin column caps (so kids don't snag metal railing or bend top stabilizer rail while playing)
4. .5h Once water gets to skimmer I'll fire up the pump&filter, backwash (per pool store guy's recommendation and Filter instructions), then set to normal filter operation.
5. .5h Check chemicals and take first stab at stabilizing pool for use. (I'll require 30minutes for chemicals to dispurse, then measure levels to ensure I'm not dangerously high before letting anyone in the pool.
6. 10seconds Declare pool open for play. Break out the wet suits and floaty toys, and watch the kids swim and play around.
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=4 hours before I'm officially done with fully functional install of our first serious AG pool. I see light at the end of the tunnel for the first time .


BONUS: Install swg, pool light, cover reel, and other stuff as time permits... we're hosting the family 4th of July party so time will likely be spent cleaning house (and breaking down 1 million large cardboard boxes the pool came in)

Sorry, but I'm not adding time for posting pictures until after 4th of July preparations and party are through. Hopefully there won't be too many bottle rockets and other debris in the pool by the end of Tomorrow. I do expect 4 active kids + misc. adults and neighbors to swim around though.

[matt4x4]

Remember you'll need a good 1.5" ABOVE the skimmer before backwashing or you'll just suck air because water won't replenish the skimmer fast enough - one way to "cheat" is to remove the weir, gets you an extra 1/2" of fast water.
You can also try to backwash early with the pool vac hose connected into the skimmer (no basket), and held under water, with the garden hose water "sealing" the connection inside the skimmer - flow will be slower, but it should remove the zeo dust as per it's purpose.

If you backwash all your water out and can't go to filter right away due to low water, set the manual vacuum into the pool, connect the hose into the hole in the bottom of the skimmer (no basket), and place your garden hose inside the skimmer - this will keep a seal around the hose while sucking the crap off the bottom of the pool and will give you a little head start to you can stay on track with your tight schedule.

Your Granules won't dissolve very fast (esp. in cold water), so don't measure chlorine within half an hour of dispersing. I'd recommend using bleach to start just so it disperses fast, put in only about 1/2 gal @ 6% for your size pool if people are going swimming, outside of that just worry about your pH. Stabilizer just saves your chlorine from sunlight, alkalinity is rarely an issue - esp with AG pools - unless your hose water is questionable.

Your CYA will need several days to a week before it gives you any sort of indication (very slow at dissolving) - place it in a sock and tie it off the stairs or else it will harm liner.

[zephans]

FINAL UPDATE:
The skimmer went in without too much problems (see related skimmer thread for details). We opened on 4th of July as I hoped. I still have a clear pool despite not using the filter yet. The kids love the pool.

PROBLEMS:
1. We have a 13.5'x23.5' pool! This is blocking installation of top rails. (I'll post details and related questions in separate thread shortly.)
2. First backwash still pending - I'm noodling out where to dump waste water and how to reclaim or put the water to best use. (See related backwash thread for details & status.)
3. Ladder is unstable and hard to raise/lower. I'll figure that out with a little time and enginuity (or more $$$ for better ladder).
4. Water is still COLD!!! Solar panel installation is next as soon as I get filter and top rails done.
5. Deck extension would be great... but I haven't even started designing or constructing it yet... water first.


LESSONS LEARNED:
#1: Walk through each step you will do and make sure you know how to do each step. If you have questions post questions before you are blocked.

TIP: If you have a question or are stuck remember to search this forum before posting. Often you will find the answer already posted. I recommend 10min "quick search" before posting.

#2: If a measurement doesn't match manufacturer instructions or your expectation stop and figure out why. Fixing before wall, sand, and liner are installed is MUCH easier.

#3: Mark out pool area to excavate INCLUDING 2' extra on all sides. For example, my 12x24 requires 16'x28' are to be constructed properly.

#4: Estimate time you will spend for each step before you begin entire project. You will get much more realistic picture of construction time than if you just plan to take a weekend. Even if you aren't short on time this is useful for planning when you need sand (pickup or delivery), when you should expect to be at each stage, and when to ask friends/family over for a pre-pool party.

[NWMNMom]

I am so glad you all are going to have this great pool to enjoy for years to come!!! We want more pictures!!!