Wilbar Optimum Series Instruction manual

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

Section 1 Section 2
POOL SAFETY
PLEASE READ PRIOR TO INSTALLATION
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
WARNING! 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.
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 jumpingor diving. Do not permit jumping
or divinginto the pool from a pool deck, the top rail of the pool, or from any structureoutsidethe pool.
Diving or jumpinginto the pool can result in serious injury.
2. NEVER USE THE POOL ALONE
Never permitthe pool to be used unless it is attended by at least one person other than the bather.
Someoneshould alwaysbe availableto lend assistancein an emergency.Designate a competent adultto
supervise the pool when in use. Vigilantsupervisionof weak swimmersand non-swimmersby a competent
adult is required at all times. Childrenunder five are at the highest risk of drowning.
3. NEVER LEAVE CHILDREN UNATTENDED
Never leave a child alone and unsupervisedin 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 playingor roughhousingin and aroundyour pool. Surfaces can become slipperyand
hazardouswhen wet.
5. LIGHT THE POOL AT NIGHT
If the pool is used after dusk, adequate lightingmust be provided. Illuminationin the pool area must be
sufficientto allow swimmersto clearly judge pool depth and all features in and aroundthe pool. For lighting
recommendations, consultyour local licensed electrical contractor.
6. RESTRICT ACCESS TO THE POOL
Do not leave chairs or other furniture beside the pool that could be used by a child to access the pool.
Ladders must be removedwhenever the pool is unattended. A fence with a lockablegate aroundthe pool
or yard is strongly recommendedand may be required by lawin someareas. Secure doors and windows,
where applicable, to prevent unauthorized access to the swimmingpool. Remove all toys from the
swimmingpool andsurroundingarea when not in use to avoid attractingchildrento the pool. Barriers, pool
covers, pool alarmsor similarsafety devices are helpful aids, but they are not substitutesfor continuous
adult supervision.
7. NO ALCOHOL OR DRUGS
Never drink alcoholicbeverages or use any intoxicantswhich could hinder your judgmentand reflexes in an
emergency.
8. KEEP YOUR POOL CLEAN AND SANITARY
Your filter system will remove suspended particlesfrom the water and the surface skimmerwill remove
insects, leaves and other debris from the water surface. Use the correct pool chemicalsas directedto
destroy harmfulbacteria and prevent formationof 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 resultin serious injury.
9. POOL COVER SAFETY
The pool cover (sold separately) must have a tamper-proof lockingretainer cable that positions the
cover around the pool wall and keeps it securely in place. Never allowanyone, especially small children
on the cover. Asphyxiationor drowningcould result. Be sure to remove pool cover completelyfrom the
water surface before entering the pool. When purchasing any pool cover, please consult a pool
professional.
11. ELECTRICAL HAZARD
Never touch or attemptto service electricalequipment,includingthe filter, when your body and/or the
groundis wet. Electrocutionor permanentinjurydue to high voltage(120V AC) could result. The pool
should be bonded in accordancewith Section 680-26 of the National ElectricalCode. 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 asafety rope measuring at least 50 feet long (15.24 meters) by ¼” thick( .635cm) securely
attached to aflotation buoy with an outside diameter of 15” (38.1cm) in aprominent, easily accessible
area by your pool. Keep a pole not less that 16 feet (4,88m)long with a blunt or hook end availableat
poolsidein case of emergencies. Weakswimmersand non-swimmersshould wear personalprotection
equipmentwhen using the pool.
13. POOL CHEMICALS
Store pool chemicalsout of the reach of children. Do not place chlorine, chlorinetablets or sticks
directly intoskimmer,or winterizeyour pool with liquidchlorine. Damageto the skimmer,pool linerand
filter will result. Failure to observe this instructionwill 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 laddercomponents for damageand wear. Be sure all screws are in
place and tightened according to manufacturer’s instructions. Replace all damaged or worn
components and 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 madeof
thin, but strong metal, so please use work gloves to protect your hands duringinstallation.Always
utilizeoriginal manufacturedparts for replacement.Failureto do so may void your warranty.
1

IMPORTANT NOTICE BEFORE INSTALLATION
SAFETY STICKERS
SITE CHOICE AND PREPARATION:
• Site choice and preparation is your responsibility
• All parts to be handled with care and free of dirt and debris
• Confirm you have all parts
• Assure entire framework is level
• Pool rupture due to improper installation could cause serious
property damage
FOLLOW ALL SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
Read and follow all safety instructions packaged with pool, ladder, deck
or any other accessory. Additional pool safety publications can be
obtained by contacting: The Association of Pool & Spa Professionals
(www.apsp.org)
Place signs on liner above water
line, opposite entry to pool
DO NOT DIVE
SHALLOW WATER
Could cause
permanent lnJurv
V•~i FA
Place signs on wall next to pool entry
DANGER
~
Remember to watch children
-~ /,
The safety stickers must be installed as per the following
instructions. Failure to properly install warning labels will void
warranty. Failureto mount these safety labels may subject you to
substantialliability in case of injury. These warnings are not to be
removed under any circumstances. If they become discoloredor
fall off, please request replacements from the manufacturer,
which will be provided free of charge.
.
.
.
.
.
2

INTRODUCTION
NAME OF POOL:
SIZE OF POOL:
DATE
OF PURCHASE:
NAME
OF POOL WALL :
NAM
OF LINER:
.
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
installationso that you can familiarize yourself with
everything involved with installingyour swimming pool before
you begin.
DO NOT ATTEMPT INSTALLATION IN WINDY OR GUSTY
WEATHER. This will make installationmore difficultand
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 installationprocess 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 obtainthem. 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 handlingof 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.
3

TABLE OF CONTENTS –Pool Construction
FOOTPRINTS LOCATED ON PAGE 50
Section 1
OPTIMUM ROUND ABOVE / IN-GROUND
Pool Component Checklist…………………………….....5
Parts per Pool Size .....................................................8
Tools You Will Need .................................................... 9
Select Pool Location ..................................................10
Create Foundation ......................................................11
Patio Blocks Installation ..............................................12
Wall Panel Installation..................................................13
Create Pool Cove .......................................................15
Skimmer Installation. ...................................................16
Return Fitting Installation ...........................................17
Install Top Coping ......................................................18
Install Concrete Collar .................................................21
Install Liner ………………………...….…….......……….22
Install Top Coping Clips …………………………..…….22
Fill with Water …………………………..……..…..……. 23
Install Face Plates ......................................................23
Backfill..........................................................................24
Section 2
OPTIMUM ROUND IN-GROUND WITH POLYMER STEP
Pool Component Checklist ............................................25
Parts per Pool Size ....................................................... 28
Tools You Will Need ......................................................29
Select Pool Location ......................................................30
Create Foundation ........................................................ 31
Patio Blocks Installation ............................................... 32
Wall Installation ............................................................. 33
Step Installation……………………………………………..37
Create Pool Cove ......................................................... 41
Skimmer Installation ..................................................... 41
Return Fitting Installation ...............................................43
Install Top Rail ............................................................. 44
Install Concrete Collar......................................................46
Install Liner .................................................................... 47
Install Top Rail Clips .................................................... 47
Fill with Water …………………...………………..….……48
Install Face Plates ..........................................................48
Add Backfill......................................................................49
4

Section 2
TABLE OF CONTENTS –Pool Construction
Section 1
Pool Components Check List
Pool
1 Panels See Page 8
2 Bottom Plates #77004
3 PVC Coping 2“ Clay See Page 8
4 Cap Screws - #8 x½” #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
5

TABLE OF CONTENTS –Pool Construction
Section 1
Pool Components Check List: Above Ground Skimmer Panel
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
1
2
3
4
5
6
A
B
C
D
6

TABLE OF CONTENTS –Pool Construction
Section 1
Pool Components Check List: In-Ground Skimmer Panel
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
7
D
C
B
A
6
5
4
3
2
1
B

Section 2
OPTIMUM ROUND ABOVE / IN-GROUND POOL
Section 1
Parts Per Pool Size
PANELS Part No 12' 14' 16' 18' 21' 24' 27' 30'
OPTIMUM 12FT PANEL, STANDARD 72-1/4" 77319 5
OPTIMUM 12FT PANEL, IG SKIMMER 72-1/4" 77320
OPTIMUM 12FT PANEL, AG SKIMMER 72-1/4" 77456
OPTIMUM 14FT PANEL, STANDARD 84-1/4" 77334 5
OPTIMUM 14FT PANEL, IG SKIMMER 84-1/4" 77335
OPTIMUM 14FT PANEL, AG SKIMMER 84-1/4" 77457
OPTIMUM 16FT PANEL, STANDARD 73-7/16" 77055 7
OPTIMUM 16FT PANEL, IG SKIMMER 73-7/16" 77071
OPTIMUM 16FT PANEL, AG SKIMMER 73-7/16" 77458
OPTIMUM 18FT PANEL, STANDARD 82-3/4" 77056 7
OPTIMUM 18FT PANEL, IG SKIMMER 82-3/4" 77072
OPTIMUM 18FT PANEL, AG SKIMMER 82-3/4" 77459
OPTIMUM 21FT PANEL, STANDARD 78" 77129 9
OPTIMUM 21FT PANEL, IG SKIMMER 78" 77130
OPTIMUM 21FT PANEL, AG SKIMMER 78" 77460
OPTIMUM 24FT PANEL, STANDARD 89-1/16" 77057 9
OPTIMUM 24FT PANEL, IG SKIMMER 89-1/16" 77073
OPTIMUM 24FT PANEL, AG SKIMMER 89-1/16" 77461
OPTIMUM 27FT PANEL, STANDARD 100-1/4" 77058 9
OPTIMUM 27FT PANEL, IG SKIMMER 100-1/4" 77074
OPTIMUM 27FT PANEL, AG SKIMMER 100-1/4" 77462
OPTIMUM 30FT PANEL, STANDARD 93-1/16" 77131 11
OPTIMUM 30FT PANEL, IG SKIMMER 93-1/16" 77132
OPTIMUM 30FT PANEL, AG SKIMMER 93-1/16" 77463
TOTAL PANEL COUNT - 6 6 8 8 10 10 10 12
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
Part Part No 12' 14' 16' 18' 21' 24' 27' 30'
2BOTTOMPLATE 77004 6 6 8 8 10 10 10 12
3PVC TOP COPING 2"
PVC COPING STANDARD CLAY12FT77-1/8" 77309 6
PVC COPING STANDARD CLAY14FT77-1/8" 77325 6
PVC COPING STANDARD CLAY16FT77-1/8" 77006 8
PVC COPING STANDARD CLAY18FT86-5/8" 77007 8
PVC COPING STANDARD CLAY21FT80-5/16" 77158 10
PVC COPING STANDARD CLAY24FT91-3/4" 77008 10
PVC COPING STANDARD CLAY27FT103-1/4" 77009 10
PVC COPING STANDARD CLAY30FT94-7/8" 77159 12
4 CAP SCREWS- #8 x 1/2” 99-0138 40 40 60 60 60 60 60 75
5
COPING CLIP STANDARD CLAY (REV)
77310 6 6 8 8 10 10 10 12
6SPLINE - 52" 77002 12 12 16 16 20 20 20 24
7BOLT, HEX HEAD ALUM. - 2-1/2” 99-0137 12 12 16 16 20 20 20 24
8NUT, ALUM. - 3/8" 99-0134 12 12 16 16 20 20 20 24
9SKIMMER REDUCTION INSERT 77070 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1
10 SKIMMER PLATE SP1091 WHITE (EXTERIOR) 77063 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1
11 SKIMMER PLATE SP1091 GRAY(INTERIOR) 77061 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1
12 RETURN PLATE WHITE (EXTERIOR/INTERIOR) 77064 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2
13 BOLT, COUNTERSUNK SS - 2-1/4" 99-0131 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5
14 NUT, FLAT HEAD RIVET SS- 3/8" 99-0132 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5
15 REBAR - 3/8 X15" (NOT SHOWN) 77001 6 6 8 8 10 10 10 12
16 EXTENDED RETURN FITTING 77092 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1
17 HEXALLEN KEY7/32" (TOOL) 99-0140 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1
8

,.
,.
,.
,.
OPTIMUM ROUND ABOVE / IN-GROUND POOL
Section 1
Tools You Will Need:
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
1/4" 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”)
In-ground installations:
Concrete (when installed more than 24” below grade)
Backfill (crushed stone or gravel 3/8” – 3/4” diameter)
Perforated drain pipe (for drainage if the site floods easily)
Pool
Size
Masonry Sand
Cubic Yards
Patio
Blocks
Concrete Cubic Yards
(If Installing +24" Below Grade)
12' 0.8 6 1
14' 1.1 6 1-1/4
16' 1.5 8 1-1/2
18' 1.9 8 1-3/4
21' 2.5 10 2
24' 3.2 10 2-1/4
27' 4.1 10 2-1/2
30' 5.0 12 2-3/4
9

Section 2
A
+------- --~ ~ ----,, >; , =----
r c= I---------,.,--=---,- -~ ___ ~ _____.-
I
, .. 7 ----- ,,
-- ~ -.. ----
-- ------------- ->." == :c.- •• I
- ---- -.!!. • • , L.
I
I
~-~
VISIBLE
-, - Rttss
· "'-:-- __ __,
, ,--------------- -,, r- "' , -.i---
Sun
4pm
ROOTS
',.
y
South
MAX1M1zE ',
VISIBILITY ',,
'
'
''
'
'
'
FILTER&
PUMP
Sun
8am
VIEW
BLOCKED
FOR
PRIVACY
FENCE
TO LIMIT
ACCESS
OVERHEAD
POWER
LINES
DISTANCE
TO FENCE
OPTIMUM ROUND ABOVE / IN-GROUND POOL
Section 1
Step 1 –Select a Pool Location
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 you 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 electricaland water supplies.
•the pool is installedfar from structures which could encourage
dangerous activities, like jumping from a roof or playset.
•you are aware of your local codes and restrictions.
10

Section 2
2.1
2.2
......._____ ---
OPTIMUM ROUND ABOVE / IN-GROUND POOL
Section 1
Step 2 –Create a Foundation
2.1 Establish the pool circumference by drivinga stake into the
ground at the center of the site.
Attach one end of a string to the center stake, measure the string
out to equal the pool radius, plus an additional 12 inches for
clearance.Holding the string taut, walk the circle of the planned
outer perimeter of your marking the circle with spray paint, a lawn
edger or white powder.
Remove all sod, weeds and other growth from within the circle.
Dig to the depth the pool will be installed for below-grade
installations. Find the lowest spot within the pool area and level
the surroundinggroundto that lowest spot with shovel, rake or
pick. Dig higherareas down to this level. DO NOT add dirt to
raise the low areas, as the weight of the filled pool will cause
settling.
NOTE: The pool floor may be dug deeper, sloping to the center
of the pool for use with an expandableliner.
Remove protrudingroots, stones and other sharp objects that
could damagethe pool. Tamp down groundwith squaretamper.
IN-GROUND INSTALLATIONS: It is recommended that the
top of the pool be 2” -6” above the surrounding area.
2.2 Confirmthe site is level and flat using a long straight boardor
2x4 and acarpenter’s level or transit. Continue to remove high
areas of ground if needed. 11

Section 2
OPTIMUM ROUND ABOVE / IN-GROUND POOL
Section 1
3.1
Step 3 –Install Patio Blocks
3.1 Mark exact pool radius using the center stake.
Using the chart on this page, mark the locations of the
patio blocks. Sink a patio block flush with the ground at
each mark. All patio blocks must be flush and level with
the ground,and level with each other in all directions.
This can be confirmed using a 2x4 and level or transit.
IN-GROUND INSTALLATIONS: Split the patio block
into two halves to allow rebar to be installed later as
seen in figure 3.3.
Panel joints will be located over each patio block. Place
an Anchor Plate (#77004) on top of each patio block.
3.2
Above-ground
3.3
In-ground
Pool Size 12' 14’ 16’ 18' 21' 24' 27' 30'
Patio Block
Spacing
72
-
1/16"
84”
73
-
1/2”
82
-
5/8"
77
-
7/8"
89"
100
-
1/8"
93
-
3/16"
Reference Angle
Between
Markings
60 Deg
60 Deg
45 Deg
45 Deg
36 Deg
36 Deg
36 Deg 30 Deg
12

Section 2
OPTIMUM ROUND ABOVE / IN-GROUND POOL
Section 1
Step 4 –Wall Installation
4.1 Decide where the Skimmer Panel and plumbing will be
located and place the Skimmer Panel accordingly. The
Anchor Plates should be centered on each end of the
panel.
Place the next panel symmetrically centered into the
Anchor Plate, leaving a 1/8” gap between both panels.
4.2 Slide two 52” Splines (#77002) into compression seams to
lock both panels together. If insertingthe Splines is difficult,
apply cooking oil to ease installation.
Do not use petroleum lubricants like WD-40.
Also ensure:
•1/8” gap between both panels is uniform top to bottom.
•Splines and seams are free of any sand or
contaminants.
Repeat this step with all remaining panels.
Note –Before final panel is attached, bring sand for
floor base and cove into the interior of the site. See
page 7 for proper quantity.
13

OPTIMUM ROUND ABOVE / IN-GROUND POOL
Section 1
Step 4 –Wall Installation (Continued)
4.3 Ensure panels are centered and fully inserted into the
Anchor Plates.
Drill 7/16" holes through pool panels at Anchor Plate hole
locations using the anchor plate holes as a drill guide. Secure
panels with 2-½” bolts (#99-0137) and nuts (#99-0134).
4.4 IMPORTANT!
Confirm roundness of the pool by measuring the diameter
across the pool at each panel joint. All diameters should be
identical. Adjust as necessary. If this step is not completed,
your pool may not be perfectly round, which could cause
problems later, and may void your warranty.
4.5 IN-GROUND 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 Anchor Plate holes before pouring the
concrete collar.
If the pool is less than 24” below grade, you may skip this step.
4.5
4.3
Section 2
14

Section 2
OPTIMUM ROUND ABOVE / IN-GROUND POOL
Section 1
Step 5 –Create Pool Cove and Base
5.1 Using neutral alkalinity sifted earth, or fine sand without
pebbles, create pool cove 4”-6” high along entire inside
circumference of pool –NOT OPTIONAL! The cove will
prevent the liner from sliding beneaththe pool wall under
the weight of the water. See Figure 5.1.
Since chemicals that may be in the ground can cause
discoloration or corrosion, we suggest laying polyethylene
plastic sheeting under the cove around the perimeter of
the wall, ensuring that no earth comes in contact with the
metal. Since the presence of such chemicals is beyond
the control of the manufacturer, this damage is not
covered by the warranty.
DO NOT USE ANY SUBSTANCE WITH HIGH
ALKALINE OR ACID CONTENT, ESPECIALLY PEAT
MOSS, AS IT WILL CORRODE METAL PARTS.
Use remaining sand to create 2” deep sand base over the
entire pool area to protect the liner.
Rake and tamp whole area until it is level and smooth. Any
bumps or ridges will be perceptibleunder the liner.
2” SAND BASE
SAND COVE
4”–6” COVE
5.1
5.2
15

OPTIMUM FREEFORM ABOVE / IN-GROUND POOL
Section 1
Step 9 –Skimmer Installation
9.1 Use the specific gray and white skimmer mounting plates for
for the above ground skimmer or in-groundskimmer.
9.2 Place gray skimmer mounting plate assembly on the inside of
the pool, and white skimmer mounting plate on the outside of
the panel, sandwiching the skimmer inside the wall panel
cutout. Ensure gaskets are located as illustrated.
Loosely secure assembly with five 2-¼” countersunk bolts
(#99-0131) and flat-head rivet nuts (#99-0132).
Ensure plates are centered and level, then tighten hardware,
taking care not to overtighten.
9.3 With hardware provided in the skimmer kit, secure skimmer
to the gray skimmer plate with 4 screws. Do not fully tighten
as these screws will be removed later.
NOTE: Skimmer face plate (in skimmer assembly) and
remaining screws will be attached after pool liner is installed,
locking the skimmer firmly in place. Refer to skimmer kit
installationinstructionsfor more information.
Above Ground
silicon
gasket
In-Ground
cork
gaskets
Section 2
16

Section 2
OPTIMUM FREEFORM ABOVE / IN-GROUND POOL
Section 1
Step 10 –Return Fitting Installation
10.1 Place white return plate (#77064) over round opening
on skimmer panel and insert extended return fitting
(#77092) through assembly from interior of the pool.
Place second white return plate (#77064)over extended
return fittingon the outside of the pool.
Install extended return fitting nut to secure to panel. Do not
overtighten.
NOTE: Return fitting face plate and four screws will be
removed once pool liner is ready to be installed.
17

Section 2
OPTIMUM ROUND ABOVE / IN-GROUND POOL
Section 1
Step 8 - Installing Top Coping
Above Ground Coping
8.1 Place 2" PVC Top Coping onto each pool panel leavinga
1/2” gap between each length. Coping should be offset from
wall panel joints by 2" as shown in Figure 8.2.
8.2 Each length of Top Coping will be attached to the pool with 5
screws from the exterior side of the pool only. Drill evenly
spaced 1/8" pilot holes through the Top Coping and exterior
pool wall ensuring the top coping is fully seated.
Attach the Top Coping to the pool panels with colored Head
Cap Screws #8 x1/2” (#99-0138). DO NOT OVERTIGHTEN.
NOTE: Screws should be placed at least 4" from each end of
the Top Coping lengths to ensure easy installationof Coping
Clips.
8.1
8.2
18