Pool-it

Hi pool experts. I'm gonna put in an expandable liner in a Doughboy pool for the first time in 30 years. So, I've done it but ....... when I filled it with water, while releasing the liner over the top rail, it always seemed like I was going to run out of liner in the shallow end, and not the deep end. Now, on an all blue liner, that may not be a problem. But on a full print liner, the finished product will have an uneven pattern at the top. What was I doing or not doing? Any tips? Thanks.

OK. It could be a Yorkshire or similar. The four buttresses and the three different size top ledges and rails fit that description. I have the manual for this which I charge $1,000,000,00 for. Just kidding. I will gladly give you one. However, send or post a picture of the buttress assembly in total, or laid out. Also, helpful for identification are the top and bottom plates for buttresses and posts. Leisure Living could have been right about the wall pattern, but it looks to genetic. I am happy to help. Also, if it is what I think, I have parts, but maybe what you have is all OK. George

Yes. quote name='Farley' date='04 August 2010 - 09:16 PM' timestamp='1280970967' post='114130'] Does anyone know what type of replacement liner is best for this type of pool? I cannot quite tell what kind of liner is installed. Thanks. Farley

Hi, I am going through the forum and noticed your post. I hate those pools. The wall is paper thin, and I have seen them split because of freezing. Also, the ovals are about 8 to 10 inches too long and about 6" too narrow. This creates a problem for installing liners. People think they are getting a deal, but they are buying crap.

What can you do to stop the pool wall from being crushed at the bottom during the winter?

I install about one hundred jobs a year and have only put the padded bottom on one (3 years ago). This was something called Gorilla Pad. The Gorilla Pad comes in one large piece, made for your size pool. The thin foam is useless. It comes in 4' wide rolls and has to be taped together. In both cases I would put sand down. If you rely solely on the dirt, it could be an invitation for disaster. Smooth it out and compact the sand. Now: sand alone will be more compacted once the water is in and makes a nice hard bottom. The pad will be a little softer and in my opinion will be more prone to puncture.

When you are vacuuming, are you Backwashing the filter after a short time? Also, when you say heavy dirt load, is some of this leaves or other heavy debris? Heavy debris can be taken out with a leaf eater vacuum; they are cheap. Could be something with the multiport valve. Just a guess. A new Hayward multiport valve is about $100. Please reply. George

Both prices seem fair. Cartridge filter vs. Hayward Sand Filter; Depends on the Cartridge filter. I sell the Hayward Sand Filter System or the Starite Cartridge Filter System (PLM100 Series). Heat Pump is the right way to go for heating the water. Salt water system does not lead to simplicity. You still have to balance water for salt to do its job. That means 1- remove minerals and metals from water, raise water hardness, adjust pH and Alkalinity levels. And you are handling 50 lb bags instead of chlorine tablets. Price the cost of the salt you will need for start up and maintaing chlorine level (using salt) for the season. Then the cost of the salt system. Regular chemicals for your size pool will be between $200- $300 a season. Are you installing the pool? G

Stop IT Look at the videos Than get an expert to do it. You don't have the liner in yet. Classic case of being cheap

All right. Here is what I believe. Being a very skilled guy; after you see someone do it, you might be able to do it. I, myself am able to do stuff after I see it done once. The biggest challenge is measuring the pool. The next challenge is doing everything else right. If you measure it wrong, its on you. A professional will measure it right. In my opinion, the savings is not there. The liner costs what it costs. The labor costs what it costs. If you try and it doesn't work out, no company will use YOUR liner to do the job correctly. Why did I ask for size and shape? Rectangle, flat bottom, square corners, no center drain- then maybe I could walk you through it.

Before Yes or No, what is pool shape Rectangle, Kidney, Lazy-L, Grecian, etc.

Easy for an experienced pool installer; not for you. If it is an expandable liner, then Sharkline is one of the most difficult pools to do this with. Are you doing the job yourself? Oval pools are difficult for the first time above-ground pool builder, without the deep end. Add a deep-end and it is more so. I built many of these pools in the 1990's and the manufacturer could not give me the specs for the excavation for their own liner. For the first timer; think wrinkles. E-mail me for advice.

Hi, Yeah, they still make them. What is your problem with your pool? I have installed hundreds of these. So, ask the question, and I will be able to help you.

There is no trick! What are you talking about? Like you said, "You have dug a few." It is a crap shoot at best. I have seen above ground pools buried that have lasted for years, and some that haven't made it one year. People's eyes light up when they think they can get an inground pool for the price of an above-ground. But it is risky business and home owners/ pool owners should know that. Bottom line, is it is not your money. Years ago I encounter a customer that wanted to "buried" an above-ground pool; Not me. The home-owner can do it, but not me. If you are only doing the excavation; take the money and run, I don't apologize for the opposite opinion. Why are there inground pools and above-ground pools? My advice is if you want to "install" an above-ground pool in the ground, go a few feet deeper, bury it and get a tombstone that says, "Here lies my wasted money." Bottom line- it ain't your money. Do the dig; Take the money and run. Strannik, Are you an excavator or pool installer? Viva the internet, G G Gallo / Pool-it