Wilbar Optimum Pool Freeform 95-0778 Instruction manual

Optimum Pool
In order for your pool warranty to be deemed valid
you must register your pool at
www.1mypoolwarranty.com

POOL SAFETY
PLEASE READ PRIOR TO INSTALLATION
Section 1 Section 2
1
Failure to observe these warnings may result in permanent injury, paralysis from a broken neck, and death due to electrocution
or drowning. This pool is NOT designed for diving or jumping. Serious injuries can result from jumping or diving into shallow
water! Carefully read, understand and follow all information in this user manual before installing and enjoying your swimming
pool. These warnings, instructions and safety guidelines address common risks of water recreation, but they cannot cover all
possible risks and dangers in all cases. Always use caution and employ common sense and good judgment when enjoying any
water activity.
WARNING!
Your pool contains a large quantity of water, and any amount of water, even shallow water, can present serious dangers to life and health unless these safety rules are strictly
observed. First-time users run the highest risk of injury. Ensure all bathers understand these safety rules, and encourage all bathers, especially children, to learn how to swim.
Learn basic life support (CPR) and refresh this knowledge regularly. Instruct all bathers, including children, what to do in case of emergency. Keep a working phone and a list of
emergency phone numbers near the pool. This can save a life. To ensure your pool is used safely, you MUST observe and enforce the following safety precautions:
1. NO JUMPING OR DIVING
The top rail of your pool is not a walkway and must not be used for jumping or diving. Do not permit jumping
or divinginto the pool from a pool deck, the top rail of the pool, or from any structure outside the pool.
Diving or jumpinginto the pool can result in serious injury.
2. NEVER USE THE POOL ALONE
Never permit the pool to be used unless it is attended by at least one person other than the bather.
Someone should always be available to lend assistance in an emergency. Designate a competent adult to
supervisethe pool when in use. Vigilant supervision of weak swimmers and non-swimmers by a competent
adult is required at all times. Children under five are at the highest risk of drowning.
3. NEVER LEAVE CHILDREN UNATTENDED
Never leave a child alone and unsupervised in or near the pool —not even for a second. There is no
substitute for constant adult supervision.
4. NO ROUGH PLAY
Do not permit rough playing or roughhousing in and around your pool. Surfaces can become slippery and
hazardous when wet.
5. LIGHT THE POOL AT NIGHT
If the pool is used after dusk, adequate lightingmust be provided. Illuminationin the pool area must be
sufficient to allow swimmers to clearly judge pool depth and all features in and around the pool. For lighting
recommendations, consult your local licensed electrical contractor.
6. RESTRICT ACCESS TO THE POOL
Do not leave chairs or other furniture besidethe pool that couldbe used by a child to access the pool.
Ladders must be removed whenever the pool is unattended. A fence with a lockable gate aroundthe pool
or yard is strongly recommendedand may be required by law in some areas. Secure doors and windows,
where applicable,to prevent unauthorized accessto the swimming pool. Remove all toys from the
swimming pool and surroundingarea when not in use to avoid attracting childrento the pool. Barriers, pool
covers, pool alarms or similar safety devices are helpful aids, but they are not substitutes for continuous
adult supervision.
7. NO ALCOHOL OR DRUGS
Never drink alcoholic beverages or use any intoxicants which could hinder your judgment and reflexes in an
emergency.
8. KEEP YOUR POOL CLEAN AND SANITARY
Your filter system will remove suspended particles from the water and the surface skimmer will remove
insects, leaves and other debris from the water surface. Use the correct pool chemicals as directed to
destroy harmful bacteria and prevent formation of algae. Remember, unsanitary water is a serious health
hazard.
8. KEEP OFF THE TOP LEDGES
Do not walk or stand on the top ledges. They can become slipperyand result in serious injury.
9. POOL COVER SAFETY
The pool cover (sold separately) must have a tamper-proof locking retainer cable that positions the
cover around the pool wall and keeps it securely in place. Never allowanyone, especially small children
on the cover. Asphyxiation or drowning could result. Be sure to remove pool cover completely from the
water surface before entering the pool. When purchasing any pool cover, please consult a pool
professional.
11. ELECTRICAL HAZARD
Never touch or attempt to service electrical equipment, including the filter, when your body and/or the
ground is wet. Electrocution or permanent injury due to high voltage (120V AC) could result. The pool
should be bonded in accordance with Section 680-26 of the National Electrical Code. For further
assistance contact your dealer or a local licensed electrician. Do not use pool during electrical or rain
storms.
12. SAFETY ROPE AND POLE
Keep a safety rope measuring at least 50 feet long (15.24 meters) by ¼” thick( .635cm) securely
attached to a flotation buoy with an outside diameter of 15” (38.1cm) in a prominent, easily accessible
area by your pool. Keep a pole not less that 16 feet (4,88m) long with a blunt or hook end available at
poolside in case of emergencies. Weak swimmers and non-swimmers should wear personal protection
equipment when using the pool.
13. POOL CHEMICALS
Store pool chemicals out of the reach of children. Do not place chlorine, chlorine tablets or sticks
directly into skimmer, or winterize your pool with liquid chlorine. Damage to the skimmer, pool liner and
filter will result. Failure to observe this instruction will void all component warranties. Always follow
chemical manufacturer’s instructions when storing, handling and dispensing pool chemicals.
14. CHECK FOR DAMAGE
Periodically inspect your pool and ladder components for damage and wear. Be sure all screws are in
place and tightened according to manufacturer’s instructions. Replace all damaged or worn
componentsand tighten all screws before you use the pool, deck or ladders. At first sign of rust,
remove and touch up immediately.
15. POOL PARTS
Never modify the pool, its components or its accessories, remove hardware, or drill holes in the pool,
deck or ladder components unless instructedto do so by the manufacturer. Your pool wall is made of
thin, but strong metal, so please use work gloves to protect your hands duringinstallation. Always
utilize original manufactured parts for replacement. Failure to do so may void your warranty.

.
.
.
.
.
The safety stickers must be installed as per the following
instructions. Failure to properly install warning labels will void
warranty. Failure to mount these safety labels may subject you to
substantial liability in case of injury. These warnings are not to be
removed under any circumstances. If they become discolored or
fall off, please request replacements from the manufacturer,
which will be provided free of charge.

.
CONGRATULATIONS on becoming the owner of a new above
ground swimming pool! This is the instruction packet for installation
of your pool. The following are some helpful hints to keep in mind
before installing.
Read through the entire instruction booklet prior to
installation so that you can familiarize yourself with
everything involved with installing your swimming pool before
you begin.
DO NOT ATTEMPT INSTALLATION IN WINDY OR GUSTY
WEATHER. This will make installation more difficult and
could damage your pool before it’s even completely installed.
You will find that steps 1, 2 and 3 will be the most labor
intensive and time-consuming steps, although the installation
is broken down into many simple steps. Once you have
completed the first three steps, you should find that the rest
of the installation process moves along much more quickly.
Please review all safety material and local code guidelines
before beginning your installation. There is a yellow safety
envelope packed with your pool. This envelope contains
safety material and warning stickers to be placed on your
pool. If any of these items are missing, please contact your
dealer or the factory to obtain them. The warranty is void if all
safety precautions are not followed.
In the event that you need to make a warranty claim, it is
important to know the size and model of your swimming
pool in order to expedite the handling of your claim.
Please fill in the information below and keep for your
records. All of this information can be found on the labels
attached to the cartons in which your pool is packed.

TABLE OF CONTENTS –Pool Construction
Pool Component Checklist…………………………….....5
Parts per Pool Size ..................................................... 8
Tools You Will Need .................................................... 9
Select Pool Location ..................................................10
Create Foundation ......................................................11
Create Trench & Patio Blocks Installation ...................12
Wall Panel Installation..................................................17
Create Pool Cove .......................................................26
Skimmer Installation. ...................................................27
Return Fitting Installation ...........................................28
Install Top Coping ......................................................29
Install Concrete Collar .................................................32
Install Liner ………………………...….…….......……….33
Install Top Coping Clips …………………………..…….33
Fill with Water …………………………..……..…..……. 34
Install Face Plates ......................................................34
Backfill..........................................................................35
Section 1 Section 2
OPTIMUM FREEFORM ABOVE / IN-GROUND
Pool Component Checklist ............................................36
Parts per Pool Size ....................................................... 39
Tools You Will Need ......................................................40
Select Pool Location ......................................................41
Create Foundation ........................................................ 42
Create Trench & Patio Blocks Installation ................... 43
Wall Installation ............................................................. 48
Step Installation……………………………………………..54
Concrete Trench & Collar Installation……...……………..63
Create Pool Cove ......................................................... 66
Skimmer Installation ..................................................... 67
Return Fitting Installation ...............................................68
Install Top Coping ......................................................... 69
Install Liner .................................................................... 72
Fill with Water …………………...….……………..….……73
Install Face Plates ..........................................................73
Add Backfill .....................................................................74
Footprints…………………………………………………….75
4
OPTIMUM FREEFORM IN-GROUND W / POLYMER STEP
POOL FOOTPRINTS LOCATED AT END OF INSTRUCTIONS ( PAGES 75-78 )

TABLE OF CONTENTS –Pool Construction
Pool
1 Panels See Page 8
2 Bottom Plates #77004
3PVC Coping 2“ Clay See Page 8
4 Cap Screws - #8 x ½” #99-0138
5 Coping Clip Standard Clay #77310
6 Splines - 52" #77002
7 Bolts, Hex Head Alum. - 2 ½” #99-0137
8 Nuts, Alum. -3/8" #99-0134
Section 1
Section 2
Pool Components Check List
5

TABLE OF CONTENTS –Pool Construction
Pool
1. Skimmer Plate SP1091, White #77516
2. Skimmer Plate SP1091, Gray #77517
3. White Return Plate #77064
4. Bolts, Countersunk SS- 2 ¼” #99-0131
5. Nuts, Flat Head Rivet SS #99-0132
6. Extended Return Fitting Set #77092
Skimmer Kit –(NOT INCLUDED)
- For Illustration Purposes Only -
A. Skimmer
B. Double Layer Gasket
C. Skimmer Face Plate
D. Screws, Flat Head
Section 1
Pool Components Check List: Above Ground Skimmer Panel
6
1
2
3
4
5
6
A
B
C
D

TABLE OF CONTENTS –Pool Construction
Section 1
Pool Components Check List: In-Ground Skimmer Panel
7
Pool
1. Skimmer Plate SP1084, White #77518
2. Skimmer Plate SP1084, Gray #77519
3. White Return Plate #77064
4. Bolts, Countersunk SS- 2 ¼” #99-0131
5. Nuts, Flat Head Rivet SS #99-0132
6. Extended Return Fitting Set #77092
Skimmer Kit –(NOT INCLUDED) –
- For Illustration Purposes Only -
A. Skimmer
B. Synthetic Gasket
C. Skimmer Face Plate
D. Screws, Flat Head
D
C
B
A
6
5
4
3
2
1
B

OPTIMUM FREEFORM ABOVE / IN-GROUND POOL
Section 1
Section 2
Parts Per Pool Size
8
1. PANELS
Part No
1423
1528
1730
1932
COMPONENTS
Part No
1423
1528
1730
1932
OPTIMUM 12FT PANEL, STANDARD 72
-¼" 77319 5 5 3
BOTTOM PLATE
77004 12 13 13 15
OPTIMUM 12FT PANEL, INGROUND SKIMMER 72
-¼" 77320 1 1 4
CAP SCREWS
- #8 X ½"
99
-
0138
60 75 75 75
OPTIMUM 12FT PANEL, ABOVE GROUND SKIMMER 72
-¼" 77456 5
COPING CLIP STANDARD CLAY
77310 12 13 13 15
OPTIMUM 14FT PANEL, STANDARD 84
-¼" 77334 5 6
SPLINE
-52" 77002 24 26 26 30
OPTIMUM 14FT PANEL, INGROUND SKIMMER 84
-¼" 77335 17
BOLT, HEX HEAD ALUM.
- 2-½"
99
-
0137
24 26 26 30
OPTIMUM 14FT PANEL, ABOVE GROUND SKIMMER 84
-¼" 77457 8
NUT, ALUM.
- 3/8"
99
-
0134
24 26 26 30
OPTIMUM 16FT PANEL, STANDARD 73
-7/16" 77055 7 9
SLIMMER PLATE SP 1091 WHITE (OUTSIDE POOL)
77516 1 1 1 1
OPTIMUM 16FT PANEL, INGROUND SKIMMER 73
-7/16" 77071 1
10
SKIMMER PLATE SP 1084 WHITE (OUTSIDE POOL)
77518
OPTIMUM 16FT PANEL, ABOVE GROUND SKIMMER 73
-7/16" 77458
11
SKIMMER PLATE SP 1091 GRAY (INSIDE POOL)
77517 1 1 1 1
OPTIMUM FREEFORM PANEL
- SM BUMP 57" 77378 1
12
SKIMMER PLATE SP 1084 GRAY (INSIDE POOL)
77519
OPTIMUM FREEFORM PANEL
- SM REVERSE BUMP 35-¼" 77379 2
13
RETURN PLATE WHITE (INSIDE/OUTSIDE)
77064 2 2 2 2
OPTIMUM FREEFORM PANEL
- SM INDENT 38-5/8" 77380 2
14
BOLT, COUNTERSUNK SS
-2"
99
-
0130
4 6 6 6
OPTIMUM FREEFORM PANEL
- SM REVERSE INDENT 46-9/16" 77381 1
15
BOLT, COUNTERSUNK SS
- 2-¼"
99
-
0131
17 17 17 17
OPTIMUM FREEFORM PANEL
- LG REVERSE BUMP 46-9/16" 77381 2 2 2
16
NUT, FLAT HEAD RIVET SS
- 3/8"
99
-
0132
21 23 23 23
OPTIMUM FREEFORM PANEL
- LG BUMP 50" 77386 2 2 2
17
REBAR
- 3/8 X 15" 77001 4 4 4 6
OPTIMUM FREEFORM PANEL
- LG INDENT 64-½" 77387 2 2 2
18
EXTENDED RETURN FITTING
77092 1 1 1 1
OPTIMUM FREEFORM PANEL
- LG REVERSE INDENT 56-5/16" 77388 1 1 1
19
STRAIGHT PANEL CONNECTOR
77026 8 9 9 9
TOTAL PANEL COUNT
-
12
13
13
15
20
SPLINE, SHORT 5
-¾" 77014 32 36 36 36
21
SPINE, EXTENDED 52"
77013 16 18 18 18
2. PVC TOP COPING
Part No
1423
1528
1730
1932
22
A
-FRAME UPRIGHT 77033 8 9 9 9
PVC COPING STANDARD CLAY 12FT 78
-3/16" 77309 6 6
23
A
-FRAME COVER 77036 8 9 9 9
PVC COPING STANDARD CLAY 14FT 90
-¾" 77325 6
24
A
-FRAME COVER FOAM INSERT 77069 8 9 9 9
PVC COPING STANDARD CLAY 16FT 77
-1/8" 77006 8
25
SCREW, FLAT HEAD 2" LONG
99
-
0130
16 18 18 18
PVC COPING STANDARD CLAY SMALL BUMP 61
-¾" 77340 1
26
BOLT, HEX HEAD 8" LONG
99
-
0141
24 27 27 27
PVC COPING STANDARD CLAY SMALL REVERSE BUMP 38
-5/8" 77341 2
27
NUT, 3/8" SS
99
-
0142
24 27 27 27
PVC COPING STANDARD CLAY SMALL INDENT 41
-½" 77342 1
28
WASHER
- 7/8" ALUMINUM
99
-
0133
48 54 54 54
PVC COPING STANDARD CLAY SMALL REVERSE INDENT
77343 2 2 2 2
29
FREEFORM SIDE BRACE SM
-35" 77395 4
PVC COPING STANDARD CLAY LARGE REVERSE BUMP 50"
30
FREEFORM SIDE BRACE SM/LG
-46-¾" 77396 2 4 4 4
PVC COPING STANDARD CLAY LARGE BUMP 53
-7/16" 77347 2 2 2
31
FREEFORM SIDE BRACE LG
-57-¼" 77397 2 2 2
PVC COPING STANDARD CLAY LARGE INDENT 67
-¾" 77348 1 1 1
32
SIDE BRACE MOUNTING BRACKET
- LEFT 77153 6 6 6 6
PVC COPING STANDARD CLAY LARGE REVESE INDENT 60
-7/8" 77349 2 2 2
33
SIDE BRACE MOUNTING BRACKET
- RIGHT 77155 6 6 6 6

OPTIMUM FREEFORM ABOVE / IN-GROUND POOL
Section 1
Tools You Will Need:
9
Tape measure - 100'
Marking spray paint or powder
String - 25’ length
Stake or peg –12”
Transit, laser level or 3’ level
Rubber mallet
Hacksaw
Spade
Square shovel
Pick
Rake
Tamper square 10” or 12”
2x4, straight - 12’
Square
Power drill
7/16" and 1/8 drill bits
¼" hex nut driver bit
Socket set
Duct tape
Pliers - channel lock
9/16" open end wrench
Screwdrivers, flat & Phillips
Metal file
Utility knife
PVC pipe cutter
Pool trowel
Cloth rag
Cooking spray
Shop vacuum
Soft bristle broom
Extension cord
Hose with spray nozzle
Wheelbarrow
Also Needed But Not Included:
Patio blocks - (2” x 12” x 12”)
Masonry Blocks - (8” x 8” x 16”)
Masonry Sand
Concrete
INGROUND Installations:
Backfill (Crushed stone or gravel 3/8”-¾” dia. recommended)
Pool
Size
Masonry
Sand Cubic
Yards
Patio
Blocks
Masonry
Blocks
Concrete
Footing Cubic
Yards
Concrete
Collar Cubic
Yards*
1423
1.7 16 12 4-½ 1-½
1528
2.1 16 14 6-½ 1-¾
1730
2.6 16 14 6-½ 2
1932
3.1 18 14 6-½ 2-¼
*Note –Concrete collar is necessary in addition to the concrete footing once
pool is installed deeper than 24” below grade.

OPTIMUM FREEFORM ABOVE / IN-GROUND POOL
Section 1
Section 2
Step 1 –Select a Pool Location
10
DO NOT locate the pool:
•over underground lines (electrical, sewage, plumbing, gas).
•over septic tanks.
•under overhead electrical lines.
•near hazardous structures.
•out of compliance with local code restrictions.
DO NOT locate the pool on a site:
•that is hilly - avoid areas with sudden slopes within 6’ of pool
•that has poor drainage or tends to flood.
•in areas with sharp objects.
•on ground that has been treated with weed killer, pesticides or
other chemicals.
•that has nut grass, Bermuda grass or bamboo grass growing
nearby, as they can grow through your liner and puncture it.
DO NOT assemble your pool:
•on asphalt, tar or oil-based surfaces.
•with components such as filters, pumps, and heaters placed
where they can be used to access the pool by young children.
DO ensure:
•the area selected has a level and firm base.
•surface is flat 2' beyond pool diameter.
•access is available to electrical and water supplies.
•the pool is installed far from structures which could encourage
dangerous activities, like jumping from a roof or playset.
•you are aware of your local codes and restrictions.

OPTIMUM FREEFORM ABOVE / IN-GROUND POOL
Section 1
Section 2
Step 2 –Create a Foundation
11
2.2 Define the initial geometry by marking the pool site. The specific
dimensions for each pool size is shown on the following footprints
located on pages 13 through 16. Establish the centers of the two
semi-circles as illustrated by driving a stake into the ground at
both center points.
Attach one end of a string to one of the center stakes, measure
the string out to equal the pool radius, plus an additional 12
inches for clearance. Holding the string taut, walk the semi-circle
of the planned outer perimeter while marking the ground with
spray paint, a lawn edger or white powder. Repeat with the
opposing stake.
Mark the freeform sections of the pool next to join the two
previously created semi-circles. Again use 12” of additional
clearance.
Remove all sod, weeds and other growth from within the marked
pool location. Dig to the depth the pool will be installed for below-
grade installations. Find the lowest spot within the pool area and
level the surrounding ground to this point. Remove protruding
roots, stones and other sharp objects that could damage the pool.
Tamp down with a square tamper. DO NOT add dirt to raise the
low areas as the weight of the filled pool will cause settling.
2.2 Confirm the site is level and flat using a long, straight board or
2x4 and a carpenter’s level or transit. Continue to remove high
areas of ground where necessary.
Stake Locations
Pool Diameter
12” Greater than Pool
Diameter

3.1 Create two trenches for the freeform section wall foundations.
•Trenches MUST be a minimum of 18-½” deep
• Trenches MUST be 36” wide (24” inward & 12” outward from wall center)
•Trenches MUST be the length listed on the specific footprint.
See following pages 13 through 16 for specific trench dimensions
and location.
3.2 Place concrete block support structures as illustrated in Figure 3.2 at
the locations specified on the following footprints on pages 13-16.
Each assembly is constructed from two patio blocks (1 5/8” actual)
and two masonry blocks (7 5/8” actual), giving a total stacked height
of 18 ½”. This is equal to the depth of the trench dug earlier.
3.3 Place patio blocks at each wall joint for the curved ends of the pool.
All patio blocks must be flush with the ground, solid and level with
each other in all directions. Patio blocks for pools installed deeper
than 24” below grade should be split to allow installation of rebar.
OPTIMUM FREEFORM ABOVE / IN-GROUND POOL
Section 1
Step 3 –Create Trench and Place Support Blocks
12
3.1
3.2 Masonry
Blocks
Patio
Blocks
3.3 ABOVE GROUND 3.3 IN-GROUND
IMPORTANT! IT IS EXTREMELY IMPORTANT TO THE
STRUCTURAL STABILITY OF THE POOL THAT THE
CONCRETE DIMENSIONS ARE FOLLOWED EXACTLY.
FAILURE TO DO SO MAY VOID THE WARRANTY.
3.1

OPTIMUM FREEFORM ABOVE / IN-GROUND POOL
Section 1
Step 3 –Create Trench & Patio Blocks
Pool Size: 14’ x 23’
13

OPTIMUM FREEFORM ABOVE / IN-GROUND POOL
Section 1
Step 3 –Create Trench & Patio Blocks
Pool Size: 15’ x 28’
14
3.1

OPTIMUM FREEFORM ABOVE / IN-GROUND POOL
Section 1
Step 3 –Create Trench & Patio Blocks
Pool Size: 17’ x 30’
15
3.1

OPTIMUM FREEFORM ABOVE / IN-GROUND POOL
Section 1
Step 3 –Create Trench & Patio Blocks
Pool Size: 19’ x 32’
16
3.1

OPTIMUM FREEFORM ABOVE / IN-GROUND POOL
Section 1
Section 2
Step 4 –Curved Side Panel Installation
17
4.1 Decide where the skimmer panel and plumbing will be
located and place the skimmer panel accordingly. Center a
bottom plate on each end of the panel.
Place the next panel symmetrically centered into the
bottom plate, leaving a 1/8” gap between both panels for
the spline to be inserted.
4.2 Slide two 52” splines (#77002) into compression seams to
lock both panels together.
If inserting the splines is difficult:
•apply cooking oil to ease installation. DO NOT USE
PETROLEUM LUBRICANTS like WD-40
• Ensure there is a uniform 1/8” gap between both panels.
•Ensure parts are free of any sand or debris.
Repeat this step for all remaining curved side panels.
Bottom Plate

OPTIMUM FREEFORM ABOVE / IN-GROUND POOL
Section 1
Section 2
Step 4 –Curved Side Panel Installation
18
4.3 Ensure panels are centered and fully inserted into the
bottom plates.
At this time, on the curved side ONLY, drill 7/16" holes through
the pool panels at the bottom plate hole locations using the
bottom plate holes as a drill guide. Secure panels with 2-½” bolts
(#99-0137) and nuts (#99-0134).
4.4 INGROUND ONLY: If the pool installation is greater than
24” below grade, you must use the included rebar with a concrete
collar around the perimeter of the pool. Insert the rebar halfway
into the ground through the bottom plate holes before pouring the
concrete collar.
If the pool is less than 24” below grade, you may skip this step.
4.4
4.3