Dennis, i need a little advice, Please!

[Plumber199]

Hello, I 'am hoping to put my liner in soon and i was going through your past posts about stretching the liner in. My Question is, the doughboy instructions say to fill the pool 2 feet from the top before you secure the liner, and you do it when it is 3 or so inches from the wall. I can see how this will stretch it good but will it pull out the liner from the coping? What iam saying is, what is the best way for a rookie to do it? If i do it your way it would be great because i could get the liner set with my well water, and i won't feel pressured when the water truck comes to fill the rest. By the way its a 18x34x48'' oval doughboy. thanks Scott

[NWMNMom]

Follow Dennis' advice. He has installed so many and a good portion were probably the same or similar Doughboy models.

[hrsdennis]

Hi Scott. The liner will not pull out as long as it has some sunshine. I have installed liners both ways and much prefer not working on a pool half full of water.

Good Luck, Dennis

[Plumber199]

Thanks Dennis, I will let you know how it goes, Scott

[Plumber199]

Well i got it full, i waited till i was over the cove a couple inches then started taking it apart three top rails at a time to secure the liner . Only a couple small wrinkles. I think it turned out preatty good for four rookies that never did it before, when in doubt follow the directions! I think i know the answer to this but i need to ask, i have two small spots where the liner wasnt pulled correct and i have like a bubble - wrinkle between the top of the water and the top rail in the curves. They are only about a foot long and i can live with it but to make it perfect is it safe to pull a rail or two off to fix it with the pool full? One more ?, i got some wedding cake steps and need to know can i put it right on the liner or should i put something under it to protect the liner? The person we got it from said he put it right on the floor as is and the directions dont tell you. Thanks for all the help,Scott 18x34x48'' older doughboy

[matt4x4]

Yes, it's safe to pull the rails to stretch the liner over the top of the wall, the pool will stand full without rails and vertical supports - well a round one will!!!
I highly recommend one of two things for the stairs, a bathmat (if you can get one big enough) or if that fails, go to a pool store and ask if you can get a piece of scrap liner in the appropriate dimensions and place that under the stairs.

[Plumber199]

Thanks matt4x4, the wife says not to worry about it ( i dont think she trusts me) I think i will wait till the newness of having a pool wears off then see if i can fix it. Later Scott