Installation Process
Relatively speaking, installing an inground fiberglass swimming pool is much faster and easier than other types of pools.
The time it takes to install a fiberglass pool varies greatly depending on numerous factors like weather and soil conditions. Generally speaking, the process of installing an inground fiberglass swimming pool is pretty straight forward, but keep in mind that each application is different. A fiberglass pool is considered “installed” when it is ready for the patio to be added as depicted in the picture to the right.
INTEGRAL DESIGN | Watching a fiberglass pool installation is like witnessing a choreographed recital.
Proper Installation
Below is an overview of the proper installation steps that must be followed to ensure your pool qualifies for a warranty. Warranty registration requires submission of photos at various stages of the installation process. For details, contact your SwimUSA dealer, who has comprehensive installation guidelines for how to properly install our pools, and the photos necessary to be submitted with your warranty registration. If at any point during the installation process you believe there are issues, complete a Support Ticket.
HOLE: Your pool builder will prepare the hole based on the specific model you ordered. The stone base/foundation should be plate tampered.
OFFLOADING: The lifting equipment can be a boom truck, crane, or excavator and must be capable of lifting the weight of the pool from a vertical distance of between 22’ and 30’ from the ground to the attachment point above the center of the pool to the equipment that will allow the safe handling of the pool. These distances will depend upon the size of the pool, the type of trailer used to deliver the pool and the number of pools on the load. SwimUSA Fiberglass Pools requires that all pools be lifted with 4 lifting straps that are 30-feet in length and have a lifting capability of at least 1,500 pounds. Although our pools are built strong enough, all pools need to be lifted with a spreader bar, using a single piece of equipment. One end of each lifting strap is to be attached to the chains, which are located on the four corners of the pool, supported by the extra mounds of stitch mat. The other end of the lifting straps will be attached to the lifting bar that is located on the crane or lifting equipment. Any pool lifted with two machines, one at each end, will void the warranty.
BACKFILL: We recommend 3/8″ clean gravel be used for backfill around the pool and under all steps and tanning ledges. Excavated material should never be used as backfill material. Pools with tanning ledges can be shipped with stabilizing braces for transportation, but should be cut off prior to installation. After approximately 12″ of water is in the pool and backfill has been placed evenly, the backfill and water should always be +/- 12″ of each other.
WATER INSPECTION PORT: A minimum of an 8-inch diameter pipe needs to be installed in the deep end of the pool. It should be PVC and perforated the bottom 4-feet of the pipe. This will allow you to visually look down into the stone in the deep end of the pool to see if there is any standing water. If removal of water is required, a simple submersible pump could remove the water. The top of the pipe should then be finished with a skimmer lid.
PLUMBING: The plumbing is completed and ready for an electrician to run power to the equipment pad.
CONCRETE BEAM: All pools must have a concrete beam installed, regardless of a stone or concrete cantilever or decking around the pool, and must include rebar in the concrete beam attached the outer lip of the pool shell.
CANTILEVER COPING: All pools must have the top of the fiberglass pool coping covered with either a stone or concrete cantilever.
PATIO: Once your pool is installed, it will be ready for a minimum of 3-feet of concrete to be poured around it. You can also have pavers, travertine, or other materials in lieu of concrete, depending on the look you are trying to achieve. Once the patio is complete it is time to accentuate your backyard to make it reflect your personality and style.
