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Above Ground FAQs

Answers To Your Above Ground Pool Questions

In this section of above ground FAQs I will discuss leveling the ground, electrical for your above ground pool, sand in the sand filter and more. For a complete list of questions about above ground swimming pools visit the questions index page.

Hundreds more above ground pool questions are answered in the ask the pool pro section.  Your own pool questions are more than welcome.


41. What do I do if grass grows through my vinyl pool liner?

This does happen a lot. To help prevent this from happening be sure to remove all the grass in the pool area and treat the ground with a good grass killer. After the pool is up be sure that you have a 2' area around the perimeter that stays grass free. The best way to deal with the grass free area is to spray a lot of grass killer and then lay black plastic and cover with rocks, patio pavers, bark or anything that would match your yard theme. If you do get grass growing in the pool there are a few things you can do. If the grass coming up in the pool is within a few feet of the sidewall I would simply saturate the grass free area around the pool with grass killer and patch the holes without draining the water. Normally the grass killer will leach under the pool enough to stop any more growth. If the grass is growing in towards the center of the vinyl pool the best thing would be to drain it as soon as possible, pull the liner back, retreat the ground and patch the holes in the liner. When the liner is pulled back I would patch the holes from the underside so they would not be visible. When using chemicals don't use anything oil base under a vinyl liner unless you let it sit about 2 weeks before installing the liner. Oil base chemicals like the Ortho grass killers are great for around the outside of the pool. For under the liners we normally use a granular type killer such as Control.

42. My yard has a lot of slope, can I fill in the low area or do I have to dig out the entire high side?

I usually do a little of both. Anytime you raise an area it needs to be well packed and extend a couple of feet beyond the pool area. If you are raising a large area crushed granite works well. Once the area is level, water it down for a few days to let it pack. Never try to level an area with sand. The entire framework of your pool should rest on firm packed soil. Use sand only as a cushion for the liner to rest on. I never spread the sand until the pool wall is in place.

43. What types of water toys are safe for an above ground pool?

swimming pool inflatable
Anything inflatable would of course be fine. But there are a lot of other things that are safe do in a vinyl lined pool. Basketball and volley ball are the most popular games. The splashing and waves caused by these activities should not affect the integrity of a well constructed pool. A pool with serious leveling issues may have a problem with this type of activity. There are a lot of other safe and fun pool toys that would be great for all age groups. Be careful with sharp edges and activities that would cause someone banging there head into the railings of the pool.


44. Do above ground swimming pools require any special electrical hookup?

A lot of people plug their filters into their patio outlet via the extension cord. That works but is not the preferred method. The most important thing is to be sure you are plugged into a GFI device. Most patio outlets on newer homes will have these. The best way to plug in a filter is to run a dedicated circuit off your main power box. Then the filter would have it's own plug, circuit and GFI device. The receptacle at the filter location is the perfect place to mount a timer. The addition of a couple of extra outlets are handy for pool lights and other things.

45. How often should I change the sand in my sand filter?

The frequency of sand changes in a sand filter for an above ground pool depends on several factors, including the pool usage, the quality of the pool water, and the size of the filter. As a general rule, it's recommended to replace the sand in your filter every 3 to 5 years.

However, if you notice that the pool water is not as clear as it used to be or if you're experiencing flow issues, it may be time to change the sand even if it hasn't been 3 to 5 years. A sand filter that is not functioning correctly can put additional strain on your pool pump and other pool equipment, leading to increased energy costs and potential damage.

It's also important to note that proper maintenance of your sand filter can extend the life of the sand and reduce the need for frequent changes. Regular backwashing and proper chemical balance can help to prevent clogs and other issues that can lead to sand changes.

46. How do I get the wall bar off the Doughboy pool I'm taking down?

That's not always easy. I start by spraying it inside and out with WD40 and then I attach a large set of vise grips to the bar on the outside of the pool. Then I start the long process of tapping up on the vise grips with a hammer. As the bar moves a little I reset the grips and tap some more. Sooner or later it comes off. Extra care must be taken to make sure the vise grips do not tear into the pool wall, they need to set just right and watched closely.

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