Thanks guys! The install went smoothly. I recommended to my friend to use the gravel as you suggested Waste, but being that the instructions said Sand, he was too nervous to get all "hippie" on it

It didn't come with anything to divert the sand to protect the laterals, but rather it just said to fill the tank up 1/2 way with water to lessen the impact. So, I did that and just poured rather slowly (using the Pastry bag method).

Didn't get to test it in the end though because we needed to buy some extra PVC connectors, but I think it's gonna be fine.

Also repaired his pump. He was replacing the filter because sand starting shooting into the pool by the pound. Then he vacuumed the sand up which seized his pump. So, we disassembled the pump, got the sand out, and it started spinning again.

Thanks again guys!