Zodiac Escapade User manual

Owner’s Manual
©2004 ZODIAC AMERICAN POOLS, INC.
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED - MADE IN U.S.A.
English
Escapade - Oval Pool
97197
INTRODUCTION AND
SWIMMING POOL SAFETY
Swimming pools are fun and we want you to enjoy your new pool for years to come. Please spend some time
reading your Owner’s Manual and Safety Packet (packaged with your pool) to understand the operation and
safety considerations of this product. CAUTION: Read all instructions carefully before starting the
installation. Check for missing parts by reviewing the Repair Parts List in the back of this book.
Serious permanent injury or death can occur in and around swimming pools. To prevent these tragic accidents,
please read, understand, and strictly enforce all safety rules.
You must post and maintain your safety sign and decals as instructed. If your sign or decals are missing or
damaged, please write for free replacements to:
265 INDUSTRIAL BLVD., MIDWAY, GA 31320 [phone]
CAUTION:
Read all instructions carefully before
starting the installation. Check for
missing parts by reviewing the Repair
Parts List in the back of this book.
Congratulations upon becoming a proud new
pool owner! We take pride in bringing you a
quality product which will afford years of
pleasure. Your pool is an investment which
deserves your care and attention. This pool is
designed for residential use only. Do not use
for commercial applications.
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SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
As the owner, you have the most important role in reminding users of pool safety. You must set a safety example for
your family and guests. Use common sense around your pool and demand that others use common sense.
FAILURE TO HEED THESE WARNINGS CAN RESULT IN PERMANENT INJURY,
PARALYSIS FROM A BROKEN NECK, ELECTROCUTION OR DROWNING.
WATCH CHILDREN PREVENT DROWNINGS
• Always watch and supervise children playing in or around pool to prevent drowning or injury. Never allow children or adults
to climb on the outside structure of the above ground pool. Do not place filters, pumps, tables, chairs or other objects
near the pool. Children may use these to enter the pool and drown. Position your filtration system a safe distance from
the pool to prevent young children from using the filter as a means of access to the pool.
NO DIVING
• Never dive, flip or jump into this above ground swimming pool. It is too shallow for safe diving. Ladders, decks, handrails
and top ledges (or anything else) are not to be used for diving. You can break your neck!
• Most serious permanent injuries, paralysis or deaths occur when dives are made from pool decks. Please read your four
page "Mandatory Reading" Booklet supplied with this pool before you purchase or fabricate a deck for your pool.
NO ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES
• Never use your swimming pool if you have been drinking alcoholic beverages or taking medications or drugs. Shock,
unconsciousness, permanent injury or drowning could result.
FENCE SAFETY
• As an additional deterrent against child drownings, you should install around the pool an additional four (4) foot tall (above-
ground level) fence, wall or enclosure that is made of durable material. All gates and entries must be self-closing and self-
latching and equipped with hardware for permanent locking. All latches must be installed four (4) feet above the ground
surface and made inaccessible to toddlers from outside. If a building is part of the barrier, all doors, windows and patio
gates that could provide access to the pool must be self-closing and self-latching with permanent locks so that your pool
can not be entered by toddlers. Check all local and state building codes to insure your installation complies with all
requirements. Fences and barriers are not a substitute for adult supervision.
INSTALL POOL ABOVE GROUND
• Never install your above-ground swimming pool below the ground surface. This pool must be installed on the ground
surface only. There should be a flat, three (3) foot area (minimum) around the base of your pool wall.
POOL COVER SAFETY
• If you use a winter cover and did not purchase it from us, the cover must meet CPSC Standard ES13. The cover must
have a tamperproof locking retainer cable that positions the cover around the pool wall and keeps it securely in place.
Never allow anyone, especially small children on the cover. Asphyxiation or drowning could result.
• We do not make a barrier cover. If you purchase a cover to act as part of a barrier system, it must meet ASTM Standard
F 1346. When purchasing any pool cover, please consult a swimming pool professional.
LADDER SAFETY
• Ladders must be located over an upright (for metal frame pools), on a solid base and kept level.
ELECTRICAL HAZARD
• Never touch or attempt to service electrical equipment, including your filter, when your body and/or the ground is wet.
Electrocution or permanent injury due to high voltage (120V AC) could result.
• To avoid electrocution hazard, never use an electrical power source for any electrical equipment or your filter unless it
is protected by a Class A (5 Milliampere Trip) Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) in accordance with the National
Electrical Code Section 680.
ELECTRICAL BONDING
•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.
KEEP WATER CLEAN
• Always keep your pool water clean so that the bottom is visible at all times. Individuals must be able to see that the water
is too shallow for diving, and must be able to see small children in the pool!
NO SWIMMING AFTER DARK
• Never use your swimming pool after dark or when you can not see the shallow depth of the water or the safety decals
or signs. If you ignore this, you have the sole responsibility for providing adequate lighting to the pool, safety signs,
walkways and decking. We recommend that you consult with a licensed electrical contractor or your power company to
provide adequate lighting. You must also comply with all national and local electric codes.
• Never cut holes in your pool wall to install lights or anything else unless the hole locations are factory installed. Failure
to obey this warning could cause structural damage to the pool wall, violently releasing large bodies of water. Wall
structural failures may cause serious injury, electrocution or property damage.

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FAILURE TO HEED THESE WARNINGS CAN RESULT IN SERI-
OUS INJURY OR PROPERTY DAMAGE.
NO HORSEPLAY
• Never allow horseplay in or around the pool.
POOL CHEMICALS
• Do not place chlorine, chlorine tablets or sticks directly into the skimmer, or winterize your pool with liquid chlorine. Damage to
the skimmer, pool liner and filter will result. Failure to obey this instruction will void all component warranties.
• Always follow Chemical Manufacturer’s Instructions when storing, handling and dispensing pool chemicals.
• Your pool is exposed to more corrosive conditions than your car. Wax It often. At first sign remove rust and touch up immediately.
FILTER SAFETY
• If you use filters that are not manufactured by ZODIAC AMERICAN POOLS, INC. be sure that the filter is an Underwriters Listed
product for the USA (for other countries, it must be CSA, TUV/CE, or NOM approved) for your own protection against electrical
hazards. (See Filter Instructions for more information.)
CHECK FOR POOL DAMAGE AND WEAR
• Periodically check your pool and ladder components for damage and wear. Be sure all screws are in place. Replace all damaged
or worn components and tighten all screws before you use the pool, deck or ladders.
DO NOT MODIFY POOL
• Never modify the pool or accessories, or remove or drill holes in the pool, deck or ladder components unless instructed.
SHARP EDGES
• Your pool wall is made of thin metal. There is an inherent cut hazard with metal so use gloves during installation. Check all pool
and filtration parts for unusual sharpness. If you find unusual sharpness, please take steps to remove it with sand paper or file,
or return part for replacement.
REPLACEMENT PARTS
• Always use Original Equipment Manufactured (OEM) parts for you replacement requirements.
KEEP OFF TOP LEDGES
• Do not stand, sit, climb or step on top ledge of pool wall. These prohibited activities may cause injury or break the pool wall..
REMEMBER: HAVE FUN BUT BE SAFE
FOLLOW SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
• Read and follow all Safety Instructions packaged with the pool, ladder, filter or any other accessory. Additional pool safety
publications, such as “Children Aren’t Waterproof” and “Pool And Spa Emergency Procedures For Infants”, can be obtained by
writing the National Spa and Pool Institute, 2111 Eisenhower Avenue, Alexandria, Virginia 22314.
POST WARNING SIGNS
• Make sure your "Warning" decals are in plain sight around your above-ground pool. Insist that all users, especially children and
young adults understand and obey safety messages.
CALL US FOR REPLACEMENT SAFETY MATERIALS
• If your “Warning” safety decals, signs or literature are missing, damaged or not legible, please write or call us for free replacements
at: Customer Service Department, 265 Industrial Blvd., Midway, GA 31320, [phone].
POOL EMERGENCIES
• Always have a strong light pole not less than 16 feet (4.88m) long with a blunt or hook end available at pool side in case of
emergencies.
• Always have near your telephone the number of the nearest Trauma or Rescue Unit.
These Safety Instructions require pool users to exercise common sense. Always use common sense in your use of this
product in order to avoid risks associated with electricity and water which can result in paralysis from diving, drowning
or electrocution.
CHILD DROWNING ALERT
U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission reports that drownings and near drownings of children, young adults
and adults account for a substantial percentage of the risk of using this pool product. Children under the age of
5 years old are the highest risk. Please watch all children!
SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS!

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DETERMINE POOL LOCATION
NO
NO
NO
YES
ALWAYS DIG AWAY TO
LEVEL THE SURFACE
DO NOT INSTALL POOL
BELOW GROUND LEVEL
1. READ INSTRUCTIONS
Take your time and read these instructions thoroughly before you begin the pool installation. Follow all instructions.
Do not take short cuts. Refer to the back page of this Owner’s Manual and record the appropriate information.
2. CHECK LOCAL CODES GET BUILDING PERMITS IF NECESSARY
Check your local building and electrical codes concerning installation and location of above ground pools and/or
barrier devices. You should have all required permits before you start the ground preparation.
3. GET EVERYTHING TOGETHER
Review the tools and materials that you will need to install the pool. Purchase what you will need.
4. SETTING UP THE POOL
Do not attempt to install your pool on a windy day. The pool wall is extremely hard to handle in the wind and could
possibly collapse causing permanent damage to your wall. Install your liner on a warm, sunny day (65° F) so the
liner can stretch to fit the pool correctly.
IMPORTANT - BEFORE YOU START
Look over the various pool location situations shown at right.
1. TERRAIN
Look over your property for the most
ideal pool location. A large area is
best. If you have no flat area large
enough for the pool then try to pick a
spot where you would have the least
amount of digging to do. Do not
install your pool with any of the wall
area underground - or located in a
major water drainage depression or
sewer drain field. Ground area
around the pool foundation should be
level for three feet out from base of
pool.DO NOT BACKFILL AGAINST
THE POOL WALL AND RIMS. THIS
WILL CAUSE DAMAGE TO THE
WALL AND RIMS AND VOID YOUR
WARRANTY. Remember there
MUST be a flat, three (3) foot
area (minimum) around the base
of your pool wall to prevent child
drownings.
2. CONVENIENT ELECTRICAL OUTLETS
Your filter and other accessories are operated
by electricity. If there are no outside electrical
outlets, you must have them installed by a
qualified electrician in accordance with the
National Electrical Code, Section 680.
3. OVERHEAD ELECTRICAL WlRES
The pool should never be placed directly
under any overhead power lines for
precautionary measures. In some
communities this is against the law.
4. UNDERGROUND CABLES AND
UTILITIES
Before you start digging into the
ground to level the surface, it would
be wise to check with your tele-
phone, electric and gas utilities as
to the location of any underground
lines or pipes.
5. TREES
Trees and their occupants are
not the best of friends with
swimming pools. Falling leaves,
branches and sap can be a
constant problem in keeping
the pool water clean (along with
bird droppings and insects fall-
ing into the pool). These mate-
rials will necessitate cleaning
your filtering unit more often.
The further away from a tree,
the better for your pool.
It is important that your pool sit on
firm, solid soil. The area must be
free of grass, stones, roots and
sharp objects. Any stones or roots
flush or just below the ground
surface must be removed. The
earth below the pool will com-
press under the weight of the wa-
ter and will expose these items to
the liner causing damage. Any
grass under the pool will rot and give
off an unpleasant odor. Avoid install-
ing your pool on ground that has been
recently treated with oil base weed
killers, chemicals or has been heavily
fertilized. Avoid areas growing Nut
Grass or Bermuda Grass (these
grasses can grow up through pool
liner).
DO NOT INSTALL YOUR POOL ON:
• concrete • asphalt • peat moss
• tar paper • sand • gravel • wood
• chemically treated soil • grass
• astroturf
IInstalling your pool on these surfaces
places undue stress on the sidewalls.
This can lead to wall/liner failure and void
your warranty.
GROUND SURFACE
DO NOT BUILD UP
SURFACE OR LOW SPOTS

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NOTE: Do not install your pool frame on a sand base!
Use sand ONLY on the inside of the pool to form the cove
and to provide a smooth base for the liner.
Think of your above-ground pool as a big dam. If the
pool is out of level or if the wall is worn or damaged,
the uneven pressure can cause the wall to break or
tip and allow thousands of gallons of rushing water to
cause extensive property damage and injury to any-
one in its path.
TOOLS & MATERIALS YOU'LL NEED
IMPORTANCE OF LEVEL POOL FOUNDATION
STRAIGHTPLANK(FOR
LEVELING)=TORADIUSOFPOOL
(SPLICEFORREQUIREDLENGTH)
CHALKOR FLOUR
(FORMARKINGGROUND)
2" x 8" x 8"
CONCRETEBLOCKS
(FORLEVELING)
2' x 2' CARDBOARD
(ANY TYPE)
KNIFE
DUCTTAPE
ADJUSTABLEWRENCH
RAKE
CENTER
STAKE
(8 REQ.)
HAMMER
ROLLER
(IF AVAILABLE)
SCREWDRIVER
(FLAT AND PHILLIPS)
CARPENTER'SLEVEL
CLOTHESPINS
TAMPING
TOOL
FELTTIPPEN
SHOVEL
PUSH
BROOM
MEDIUM
BRISTLE
STRING LINELEVEL
WOOD BLOCK
SPRAY PAINT
GLOVES
100' TAPE MEASURE
MARKING
STICK
The amount of effort and care you put into the prepa-
ration of your pool foundation and maintenance of the
pool wall can make a big difference in the life of your
pool and liner. A solid, well-compacted, level earth
foundation is the best base for your pool. Take the
time to do a good and thorough job as explained in
these instructions.
1
2
NOTE: TAPE ENDS OF S-HOOKS SO
THEY DON'T TEAR THE LINER.
S-HOOK (MINIMUM 10 REQ.)
WASHED MASONRY SAND (SEE CHART)
9MM OR
3/8” SOCKET
POOL
SIZE
SAND REQUIRED
FOR BOTTOM
CONCRETE BLOCKS
REQUIRED
(2"x8"x8")
8x12 1 TON 14
10x15 1.5 TON 16
12x18 2 TON 16
15x24 3 TON 22
15x30 4 TON 34
18x33 6 TON 34
VINYL OR
PLASTIC

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DO NOT FILL IN
THIS AREA
DIG EARTH AWAY TO
MAKE LEVEL
Using the chart below and Figure 1, mark off pool area as shown. Measure carefully and drive pegs into the ground where
indicated.
a. Insert "A" pegs as shown (A to A) and connect with a string.
b. Measure (A to B) and insert "B" pegs.
c. Tie a loop at one end of a string and drop it around a "B" peg. Stretch the string out to the closest "A" peg and attach
a marking stick. Mark off a semicircle on both ends of the pool as shown, using flour, spray paint or something similar
which is easily visible.
d. Tie string from "C" to "C" on each side of pool and mark along string line as shown in Fig. 1.
e. Remove all sod, sticks, stones, and roots within the marked pool area. Carefully remove and replace "A" and "B" pegs
when digging.
Unless you have access to a surveyor’s level, the best, most accurate way to level the ground is with a straight
plank (2 x 4 will do but it should be straight) and a carpenter’s level (Figure 2). Find the lowest spot within the pool
area and level the ground to the lowest point. Dig away the high areas - do not fill in low areas (Figure 3).
REMEMBER: You must also provide a three foot level area outward from the pool frame so the pool wall will serve
as a barrier to toddlers.
BE SURE:
• Recheck the level of entire pool area. The success of installation depends upon how well this is performed.
NOTE: Keep "B" Pegs in during installation as a
measuring guide. Take pegs out when you are
ready to install liner.
POOL
SIZE
AREA
NEEDED
FOR
POOL
MEASUREMENTS
PEG TO PEG
A TO A A TO B
8x12 10' X 14' 14' 5'
10x15 12' X 17' 17' 6'
12x18 14' X 20' 20' 7'
15x24 17' X 26' 26' 8'6"
15x30 17'X 32' 32' 8'6"
18x33 20' X 35' 35' 10'
FIG. 2
FIG. 3
FIG. 1
MARK OFF POOL AREA AND REMOVE SOD
STEP 1
LEVEL POOL AREA
STEP 2

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15’ X 24’
POOL
(FOR 15’ X 24’, 15’ X 30’, AND 18’ X 33’ POOLS) NOTE: Place concrete blocks between
Omega beams to insure proper support. Make sure there is solid ground under the rims
and the tops of the concrete blocks are level with the ground (See pictures below).
Make sure tops of concrete blocks
between Omega beams are level
with the ground.
Make sure tops of concrete
blocks between Omega
beams are level with the
ground.
Make sure tops of concrete blocks between Omega beams are level with the ground.
8’ x 10’, 10’ x 15’, and 12’ X 18’ POOL
Make sure tops of concrete blocks between Omega beams are
level with the ground.
Using the chart for your pool below, remove all sod, sticks, stones, and roots to form an 8" wide by 4" deep by 54" long trench
as shown. Level trench and place a block at the inner and outer ends of trenches. Be sure the tops of the blocks are flush with
the ground surface in the trench. (See Figures 4A, 4B, and 4C)
FIG. 4A
FIG. 4B
FIG. 4C
TRENCH LOCATION FOR OMEGA BEAMS
STEP 3

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A. Attach each side support to an Omega beam using 4 ea. 3/8-16 x 1'' bolts ea., 8 ea. flat washers, 4 ea. 3/8 lock washers,
and 4 ea. 3/8 hex nuts as shown in Figure 5A. When you attach side support to Omega beam, make sure they are fastened
securely.
B. Cut a 12" piece off the styrofoam block (save for later use) and insert the longer piece into the Omega, making sure the foam
is flush with outside edge of the Omega. Carefully place one assembly in each trench (See Fig. 5B).
SIDE SUPPORT
C. Lift and support each inside end of the Omega with a piece of 2" x 4" spanning the trench for easier installation (See Fig. 6).
812, 1015, CONFIGURATION
TO SPACER
PLATE TO SPACER
PLATE
No tie bar assemblies for the 8’ x 12’ and 10’ x 15’ pool. Bolt directly to Omega beams
per instructions below and per Fig. 7D (8’ x 12’, 10’ x 15’ pool).
TRENCH IS APPROXIMATELY 8" WIDE X 4" DEEP BY 54" LONG
POOL SIZE "D" "E" "B" TO "B"
8' X 12' 24" 3-5/8" 48"
10' X 15' 30" 16-13/16" 60"
12' X 18" 36" 2' 2-1/4" 72"
15' X 24' 32" 3' 10-5/8" 108"
15' x 30' 24" 3' 10-5/8" 180"
18' x 33' 24" 5' 4-1/2" 180"
FIG. 5
FIG. 5B
FIG. 6
ASSEMBLE SUB-STRUCTURE
STEP 4

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IMPORTANT NOTE: Fasten
all hardware securely.
B. Lay spacer plates between side supports with the lip
side down (Fig. 8B). Do not attach at this time. Spacer
plates will overlap on the 15' x 30' and 18' x 33' pools. For
the 8’ x 12’, 10’ x 15’, and 12’ x 18' pools, lay out as shown
in Figure 7.
C. Secure the tie bar joiner and spacer plate to each
Omega using 1 ea. #14 x 5/8" self-tapping screw and 2
ea. 5/16-18 3/4" truss head machine screw and 5/16-18
USE WITH
1524, 1530
USE WITH
1833
TO SPACER
PLATE
TO SPACER
PLATE
TO SPACER
PLATE
One end of every tie bar joiner has 4 holes. See pictures below for
correct hole usage (See previous page for the 8’ x 12’, 10’ x 15’, and
12' X 18' pools).
IMPORTANT: F. Fill in and tamp down any open
area around the inside of the Omegas including
the spacer plates. If this is not done properly it may
cause craters (space gaps) in your liner.
1833 CONFIGURATION
POOL
SIZE
NO. OF
STRAPS
8' x 12' 1
10' x 15' 1
12' x 18' 2
15' x 24' 4
15' x 30' 8
18' x 33' 12
NOTE: Some 15’ tie bar joiner only have 4 holes, use the outside holes for assembly if you
have these tie bar joiners.
TO SPACER
PLATE
1524, 1530 CONFIGURATION
1218 CONFIGURATION
hex nuts (Fig. 8B). Refer to the tie bar joiner assembly
diagrams shown above. At this time do not connect
the tie bar joiners. Complete one side before begin-
ning the other in the center of the pool.
D. Insert the small piece of styrofoam you cut off
earlier and insert it into the Omega making sure that
the end of the styrofoam is flush with the inside end of
the Omega.
E. Remove 2" x 4" supports and secure the tie bar
joiner assemblies using 5/16-18 3/4" truss head
machine screw and 5/16-18 hex nuts (Fig. 8C).
A. RIM CONNECTOR INSTALLATION:
Rim connector will bend to conform to the shape of the pool.
Insert rim connector into short (41") rim.
Rims and rim connector should be assembled as shown
here.
.
Place assembly in the center of the upright.
1
2
3

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RIM
RIM
CONNECTOR
SLOT
RIMAND RIM CONNECTOR
(BOTTOM VIEW)
3
RIMCONNECTOR
RIM
RIM
RIM
RIM
RIMCONNECTOR
RIM
RIM
RIM
CONNECTOR
SIDE
SUPPORT
OMEGABEAM
Insert tabs on omega beam
into slots on rim connector
a
a
RIM CONNECTOR
INSTALLATION:
Rim connector will bend to conform
to the shape of the pool.
1
3
2
12’ x 18’ POOL
DO NOT
ATTACH
DO NOT
ATTACH
DO NOT
ATTACH
DO NOT
ATTACH
DO NOT
ATTACH
DO NOT
ATTACH
DO NOT
ATTACH
DO NOT
ATTACH
8’ x 12’ and 10’ x 15’ POOL
FIG. 7

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CONCRETE BLOCKS FLUSH
WITH GROUND SURFACE
IN TRENCH AND LEVEL
5/16-18x3/4"
SCREW
CONCRETE BLOCKS FLUSH
WITH GROUND SURFACE IN
TRENCH AND LEVEL
SIDE
SUPPORT
SIDESUPPORT
CONCRETE BLOCKS FLUSH
WITH GROUND SURFACE
IN TRENCH AND LEVEL
Insert the other 12” block of styrofoam (which was set
aside earlier) into the front end of the Omega Beam.
Make sure the foam is flush with the outside edge of
the Omega Beam.
“L” SHAPE IS DOWN
OMEGA BEAM
BUMPS
FACE
DOWN
SELF-TAPPING SCREW
CONCRETE BLOCKS FLUSH
WITH GROUND SURFACE
IN TRENCH AND LEVEL
FIG. 8A
FIG. 8B FIG. 8C
FIG. 8D

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The following diagrams show a bird’s eye view of pool assembly to this point.
DO NOT
ATTACH
DO NOT
ATTACH
DO NOT
ATTACH
DO NOT
ATTACH
SPACER
PLATE
TIE BAR JOINER
12’ x 18’ POOL
8’ x 12’ and
10’ x 15’ POOL
TIE BAR JOINER
TIE BAR JOINER
TIE BAR JOINER
TIE BAR JOINER

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A
B
B
A
C
POOL
SIZE
APPROXI MATE
DIAGONAL
DISTANCE
APPROXI MATE
DIAGONAL
DISTANCE
APPROXI MATE
DISTANCE
8' x 12' 7' 9- 7/8"
10' x 15' 9' 11-1/2"
12' x 18' 11' 7-1/2"
15' x 24' 15' 6-3/16" 15' 6-3/16" 14' 11-7/8"
15' x 30' 18' 9-1/2" 18' 9-1/2" 14' 11-7/8"
18' x 33' 21' 3" 21' 3" 17' 11-1/2"
Check length and
"squareness" of strap
assemblies across the pool
as shown by the pictures
to the right. Diagonal
measurements must be the
same from all points [within
+ or - .5" (1/2 inch)];
assemblies must be level
in all directions.
B
A C
UPRIGHTS ARE STRAIGHT
ALONG THIS LINE.
B
A
C
C
8’ x 12’
10’ x 15’
12’ x 18’
POOL
Note:
B
15’ x 24’
POOL
C
A
B
B
A
C
Check pool level in
both directions with
a line level as shown
here. The pool must
be level within + or -
.5" (1/2 inch).
Note:

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CENTER
UPRIGHT
INSERTRIM
IN NOTCH
SLOT
INSERT TAB INTO
SLOT ON RIM
RIM
RIM
TAB
RIM
STAKE
a. Form a semi-circle of rims and foot plates on each end of the pool as shown in Figure 9. Snap rims into foot plates engaging
all tabs as shown in Figure 10.
b. Insert concrete blocks at each foot plate—blocks must be flush with ground surface and level in all directions (Figure 11).
c. Check the level of your pool frame. It is not difficult to make adjustments now. Spending a few extra minutes now may save
you hours of unnecessary work later!
HINT: All sand should be placed inside the rims before installing the pool wall.
SIDE SUPPORT
FIG. 9
FIG. 11
FIG. 10
ASSEMBLE CIRCULAR BOTTOM FRAMEWORK
STEP 5
A
POOL
SIZE
DISTANCE APPROX. RIM TO
RIM M EA SUREM ENT POOL
SIZE
DISTANCE APPROX. RIM T O RIM
M EASUREM ENT
8' x 12' 4' 1" 15' x 24' 7'6" .875"
10' x 15' 5' .625" 15' x 30' 7'6" 1"
12' x 18' 6' 1" 18' x 33' 9' .75"
B
A
B
A
B
Rim
Rim

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POOL SIZE ABC
8' x 12' 35" 31.75"
10' x 15' 39.75" 32.875"
12' x 18' 52.25" 37.250"
15' x 24' 41" 41.625" 42.5"
15' x 30' 41" 41.625 40.00"
18' x 33' 41" 41.625 49.75"
BOTTOM RIM LAYOUT
15’ X 30’ AND
18’ X 33’ POOL

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Check pool in diagrams shown below to insure consistent measurements between like
points shown by arrows.
18’ X 33’ POOL
33’
18’

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SKIMMER
OPENING
a. Set coiled pool wall on a 2'X2' cardboard inside the pool area (FIG. 13). Make
sure the wide-mouth skimmer opening is at top of wall.
b. The skimmer knockouts begin approximately 12" from the beginning of the
pool wall. Begin wall installation at the foot plate 12" from where your filter
will be located.
For best skimming results, filter must be located on either end of the oval
pool
As wall is uncoiled, guide the bottom edge into the rim groove until wall
ends, overlap and the holes align. If ends overlap too much, gently nudge
rims toward outside of pool. If ends do not meet, gently nudge rims toward
inside of pool (FIG. 14).
c. As you are joining the wall ends, attach the reinforcing bars on the outer sides
of the pool wall using the 5/8" machine screws and hex nuts as shown in Fig.
15 - insert screws from inside of pool. Nuts and washers MUST be on outside
(FIG. 15). To eliminate burrs on screw heads, hold screws in place with a
screwdriver and then turn the nuts to tighten. Tighten the nuts to a minimum
torque of 70 inch pounds. File off any burrs on screw heads and cover the
inside wall joint with heavy tape.
WALL CAN UNCOIL
ABRUPTLYWHEN
BANDS ARE CUT.
MAKE SURE YOU
HAVE A FIRM GRIP
ON THE WALL
BEFORECUTTING
BANDS.
It is best to have
several helpers
stabilize the pool wall
during installation. If
you are not able to get
any "extra hands" you
may use "S" hooks,
cord, and stakes
instead. Make sure
you place some duct
tape on the "S" hooks
to prevent them from
scratching your pool
wall.
HELPFUL HINTHELPFUL HINT
HELPFUL HINTHELPFUL HINT
HELPFUL HINT
FIG. 12
INSTALL POOL WALL
STEP 6

97197December 19, 2003 18
Oval Pool - Escapade
Tighten all nuts - do not omit any
screws in wall joint.
Check the entire substructure for sharp
edges or corners. These areas must
be covered with heavy cloth or duct
tape.
Pool must be level. Check pool level at
several locations. If level varies 1" or
more dismantle the pool wall and re-
level the entire bottom framework.
Balancing the pool wall. It is important to
have your pool wall in evenly to ensure the
proper fit of the top ledges. To do this
you must measure from the last side
support around the perimeter to the
side support on the opposite side. Then
do the same to the other end of the pool,
make sure the two measurements are
equal within + or - .5" (1/2
inch). If they are not, adjust the wall
accordingly. (See Fig. 14-A).
DO NOT USE PLIERS TO
TIGHTEN WALL BOLTS. USE
BOX END OR OPEN END
WRENCH TO TIGHTEN ALL
BOLTS SECURELY.
IMPROPERWALLASSEMBLY
MAY CAUSE POOL TO
COLLAPSE WHEN FILLED
WITH WATER.
POOL WALL MUST BE INSTALLED WITH
ONE REINFORCING BAR ON THE INSIDE
AND ONE ON THE OUTSIDE. FAILURE TO
INSTALL BOTH BARS AS SHOWN WILL
CAUSE COLLAPSE OF POOL!
FIG. 13
FIG. 13A
FIG. 14
INSTALL POOL WALL (CONTINUED)
STEP 6

97197December 19, 2003 19
Oval Pool - Escapade
Follow these steps before adding
sand to pool bottom or building cove.
Add
plastic or
vinyl
here
before
building
the cove
VINYL
OR
PLASTIC
TOP VIEW
Pool
Understructure
COVER THE WALL AND
POOL FLOOR AREA WITH
VINYL OR PLASTIC
(APPROXIMATELY 12” IN
WIDTH) BEFORE BUILDING
A COVE AROUND THE
POOL. THIS WILL HELP TO
PREVENT SAND LOSS AND
THE POOL LINER FROM
GOING UNDERNEATH THE
POOL RIMS WHICH MAY
DAMAGE THE LINER.
POOL WALL
IMPORTANT:
Cover the pool
understructure and wall area
with vinyl or plastic as
shown here. Follow the
instructions on page 20 to
build a cove and add layer of
sand to pool bottom.
TOP VIEW
OF POOL
COVE OF SAND
COVER THE POOL UNDERSTRUCTURE WITH VINYL OR PLASTIC. THIS WILL
HELP PREVENT SAND DISPLACEMENT WHICH MAY EXPOSE THE LINER TO THE
UNDERSTRUCTURE OF THE POOL AND DAMAGE THE LINER.
1.
2.

97197December 19, 2003 20
Oval Pool - Escapade
BE SURE:
The cove is a vital structural element of your pool. DO NOT OMIT!
Check that the pool is level .


FIG. 13
2" - 3" LAYER OF SAND
5" COVE OF SAND
LINE LEVEL
5"
5"
2" - 3" LAYER OF SAND
8" COVE OF SAND
8"
8"
OVER THE WALL LINER
a. For a U-Bead liner, build a 5" cove of firmly packed masonry sand around the inside base of the pool frame
(FIG. 15). USE
DAMPENED SAND ONLY! DO NOT USE PEAT MOSS OR ANY TYPE "POOL BASE" MATERIAL. The
cove is absolutely necessary as it prevents the liner from creeping underneath the wall and rupturing.
FOR AN OVER THE WALL LINER: Use an 8" cove if using an over the wall liner (See Fig. 15).
NOTE: Commercially manufactured pool coving may be substituted for sand providing it does not contain ionomer
foams (These materials are not compatible with PVC). Should you have any questions please consult your
pool dealer or the pool cove manufacturer for the material composition of the coving.
b. Spread a 2" - 3" layer of sand over the entire pool area and tamp down or use a lawn roller if available (FIG. 15).
c. Periodically check the base of your pool to be sure the cove is firmly packed.
d. After tamping or rolling pool base, use the push broom to smooth out the lines or foot prints in the pool base.
IMPORTANT: Certain types of commercial substances referred to as "Pool Base" can cause damage to your
pool liner. This manufacturer will not be responsible for damage resulting from the use of such
materials.
U-BEAD LINER
FIG. 15
FIG. 16
BUILD A COVE AROUND INSIDE BASE OF POOL
STEP 7