We have a 23.5'x13.5' AG pool! Now how to fit top rails?

[matt4x4]

Zephans,
Option B sounds like your best bet, once you have the water transfered to the other pool, using method A to move the column plumb will be easy.
While you do this, the swimming will not be interrupted since everyone can use your temporary pool that you set up just for them
Use option A to perform the fix if needed - although I believe at this time you should just be able to move the column by hand.
Refill and toss the swimmers from the little pool into the big pool - they won't even notice!

[NWMNMom]

I agree with Matt. A small amount off plumb can lead to bigger problems down the road when everything settles and shifts, especially after the first winter/spring cycle. You may not get a freeze, but I'm betting you get a rainy/wet season where your ground conditions are much different than right now. Better safe than sorry.

[zephans]

OK, I got some 1 1/4" fuel hose to hook up to my waste port and I'll do the deed tomorrow.

Yes, we do get a substantial rainy season around Seattle . Funny enough, we're even having record rainfall over the last couple days. (Usually July is relatively dry and in 70's to 80's in Western Washington.)


PS: Neighbor kids now love coming over. However they scream each time they get in our unheated ~65-70 degree pool . For now I tell them to swim two laps with crawl stroke (repeat as necessary). Once I solve this top rail connection issue (and underlying support tower plumb issue) I'll start hooking up the 4'x20' solar panel currently sitting in my garage unopened. My wife and I would also like to start using the pool (without wetsuits ).

[NWMNMom]

Well we are all anxious to see some pictures that include the family INSIDE the pool enjoying all the benefits of your hard work!!!

[zephans]

UPDATE: Mission accomplished!
We drained ~2,300 gallons to our 12' doughnut pool, then wasted maybe 300 gallons to the yard. I was then able to push the side wall enough to adjust the side towers. That got the side sections of top seat rails to connect. We then pumped all 2,300 gallons back into the pool and refilled the little we had to waste. Went like a charm!

Second problem was curved rails. Here we needed to actually compress them more than adjustable slots allowed. Only one end of the pool needed this treatment. The other end barely squeaked in with existing adjustable slots... I guess I took out about 2" more curve from one end than the other. SOLUTION: I drilled a hole just past the slot on one side of each top seat rail along this end. The collective effect was just enough to work out. Yeah!!! Too bad it took me 3+ weeks to get to it.

Rail caps are installed and the pool looks 100% finished! (Just don't look for the final #10 screws to attach bottom of each rail cap... or the landscaping for that matter. I'm still working on these and other cosmetic touches )

Our kids and all the neighborhood kids are happy as clams (and a bit clammy after swimming in 65-70 degree F water).

Alright nwmnmom, you asked nicely for pictures and were very patient... so here you go...






Next mission: Get hardware to install solar panels so kids can stop playing "Penguins and icebergs"... but that will be a separate thread .

[NWMNMom]

Wow, great job! They look like they really love that pool, cold water and all. You deserve a great big hug from each and every one of your family!! The smiles on their faces tell us you did a wonderful job.