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Installation Guide
Notice: Failure to read and follow specific instructions contained in this manual will void your pool warranty.
Step 1. PLANNING FOR THE INSTALLATION TOOLS REQUIRED
In planning for the installation of a new Viking pool, there are many
important considerations that must be evaluated in order to achieve a functional,
long-lasting and aesthetic addition to a home. When choosing a location, consider
the following:
1. Grade: Pools and decks are normally constructed on level ground. Extreme
variations in grade should be resolved before the excavation of the pool begins.
A relatively level and fl at location is preferred so time and effort is not wasted on
radical fl uctuations in grade.
2. Excavation Equipment Access and Pool Delivery: Determine the most effi cient
route for equipment to enter and access the site. Also keep in mind that a well
planned route can save time and money by enabling multiple pieces of equipment to work in unison. For example:
Coordinate the delivery of the pool with the completion of the excavation and prepping of the hole. If a track excavator
was used to prepare the site, it may also be utilized to unload and set the pool. Finally, consider the placement of the
equipment. If possible, position the equipment so the pool can be unloaded and placed directly into the excavation.
3. Underground Utilities: Check with local authorities for the locations of underground water, gas, power and sewer
lines.
4. Overhead Power Lines.
5. Local Building Codes: Determine the setbacks from property lines, easements, house footings, etc.
6. Water Drainage: Water should always drain away from the pool. Failure to keep ground water away from the exterior
of the pool may result in damage to the pool that is not covered under warranty.
7. Local Fencing Codes.
8. Location of Pool Equipment: Locate to within 20’ of the pool.
9. Electrical Run for Pool Equipment.
10. Underground Water Conditions.
11. Exposure to Sunlight.
12. Surrounding Foliage.
13. View from Residence.
(tnd)
A. Transit Level
B. Shovel
C. Pick
D. Rake
E. Stakes and Nails
F. Spray paint for outlining pool
G. String
H. Hammer
I. (7) 2” x 4” x 12’
J. Tape Measures: 25’ and 50’
11/13/18
Mike Sheeks
Step 2. POOL LAYOUT
When laying out the pool, note that the dimensions are to the outside edge of the pool coping. Most permit plans
are measured to the water’s edge. The coping of a Viking pool is approximately 6” on all sides. There is a difference of
12” between the length and width dimensions in the installation guide and those of the permit plans. Depending on the
customer and the local building inspector, this fact can be a critical consideration. Distances between the water’s edge
to most property lines, electrical lines, and other structures such as houses, garages, sheds and patios must be exact to
plan specifications.
Start with a 16’ wide by 44’ long rectangle with diagonal measurements of 46’10”. Next, layout the center point,
making sure the center lines are at 90 degrees. Stake each point around the perimeter of the pool as shown in Figure
1. Connect each stake with string. Use spray paint to follow the contour of the string. Remove the string and stakes,
leaving only the outline of the pool.
Step 3. ELEVATION
Elevation and grade of the pool area are two of the most often overlooked or miscalculated variables in the
installation process. While considering all the variables concerning elevation and grade, always remember that you
want water to run away from the pool. Before excavation, use the provided Installation Planning Guide to calculate all
critical measurements (Form 1).
Check the four corners of the pool layout with the aid of a transit level or a sight level to determine the highest
corner. This corner will be used in planning the elevation of the pool. In a typical installation, the elevation of the pool
should be 4-6 inches above the existing grade around the pool. However, careful consideration should be given to
pool type, size and drainage of the future pool deck, as well as the elevation of the surrounding landscape and existing
structures, patios and sidewalks.
Figure 1
2'x2'
3' DP
8'
8'
4'
44'
4'
3'-2"
3'-1"
4'-1"
4'
3'-1"
4'-1"
26'-3"
28'-2"
31'-7"
1'-4" 1'-4"
16'
STAKES
46'-10"
11/13/18
Mike Sheeks
INSTALLATION PLANNING GUIDEJob: Pool:Trinidad Date: Finish Grade* SlopeTop of Concrete at Pool Thickness of ConcreteTop of Pool Shallow End DepthTop of Sand Shallow EndThickness of SandTop of Dig Shallow EndTop of PoolDeep End DepthTop of Dig Deep EndThickness of SandTop of Sand Deep End=====+ 3.5"+ 3.5"= FORM 1DISTANCE TO POOLEXISTING PATIO
** FINISH GRADE** FINISH GRADE * SLOPE = DISTANCE TO POOL X .25 (1/4")** IF POOL IS INDEPENDENT OF ANY EXISTING
STRUCTURES OR PATIOS, FINISH GRADE IS TO BE 3 1/2" BELOW EDGE OF POOL DECK.3" 4" SANDUNDISTURBED SOIL11/13/18
Mike Sheeks
Step 4. EXCAVATION
Correct excavation of the pool is very important. A hole that is too small can mean hours of picking and
shoveling by hand. A hole that is too large will require extra import material, which if not dealt with properly, can result
in settling or bulging of the pool.
The excavation should be dug very close to the pool size with a minimum disturbance to the unexcavated soil
which will support the pool. The clearance is approximately 6” on the sides and 6” on the ends (Fig 2). The depth of the
excavation is determined with the use of a transit level and measuring stick. The bottom of the excavation is over dug
approximately 4”. This size pool will require approximately 45 to 50 yards of sand for backfill (more may be required if
the pool is overdug).
The excavation should be 16’ by 44’, with a total depth of approximately 3’9” (shallow end) to approximately
7’3” (deep end) from the desired elevation of the pool. It can be helpful to give yourself a extra room the first 6” in
width and 12” in depth of the hole, to get past the coping, and allow space for the skimmer and the main drain. Also,
keep in mind that the wall of our pools are tapered, usually 1” in for every 12” in depth. A place for the skimmer must
also be dug in the side of the excavation wall. The skimmer cutout should be 2’ by 2’ and 3’ deep. See Figure 1. for
placement.
If dramatic over digging occurs in the bottom of the hole, never use excavated material to fill in the hole to the
desired depth. The material will settle. We suggest road base (a tamper may be needed) compacted thoroughly, and
topped with sand. If the sides of the hole are dramatically over dug, road base should be used beyond the six inches of
sand. Both should be compacted thoroughly during the backfill process. In the case of over excavation on the sides of
the pool in seasonal high water or poor drainage areas, you may want to mix 10% Portland cement to the backfill for
stabilization.
In areas that experience seasonal high water or experience considerable water seepage during excavation,
a permanent sump line (see Cross Section A-A) must be installed to alleviate the excess water and the associated
hydrostatic pressure accompanying it. Viking Pools suggests digging an 18” x 8’ x 18” trench across the deep end of the
excavation. Six inches of 1 1/2” rock should be placed in the bottom of the trench. A joint of 3” perforated PVC pipe
is placed on the rock base and connected to a vertical stand of 8” PVC pipe running to the surface of the excavation.
The 8” PVC should be trimmed with a skimmer ring and lid for aesthetics and safety. After the connection has been
to the vertical stand of 8” PVC, finish covering the 3” perforated PVC pipe with 1 1/2” to 2” rock to the bottom of the
excavation (See Cross Section A-A). Cover the new sump line with fabric. The bottom of the excavation is now ready
for approximately 4” of sand bedding.
Figure 2
3'-6"3'3'-6" 3'-9"3'-11" 4'-2" 4'-5" 4'-8" 4'-10" 5'-1" 5'-4"5'-6" 5'-9" 6' 6'-3" 6'-5" 6'-8" 7'
3'-3"2' 2' 2' 2' 2' 2' 2' 2' 2' 2' 2' 2' 2' 2' 2'-10"
1'-5"
8'-6"
31'
44'
7'
11/13/18
Mike Sheeks
Step 5. PREPARATION OF THE BOTTOM SURFACE OF THE EXCAVATION
The preparation of the excavation bottom is critical so
the pool will fi t properly. Thorough preparation will eliminate
settling, stress cracks and a minimum of time will be spent
setting the pool.
First, install the 2” x 4” screed rails length wise on
both sides of the excavation, using wood or metal stakes (Fig
3). Make sure the diagonal measurement is exact to insure
that the bottom is square. Adjust the Master screed to the
appropriate height using a transit level (see Fig 2). Second,
install the two Secondary screed rails on either side of the
Master screed using the offset dimensions as shown in Figure
3 and making sure that they are perfectly level to the Master
screed to insure that the bottom is square. Next, spread a layer
of sand approximately 4” deep evenly over the bottom of the
excavation. Rake the sand fl at to the top of the screed rails (Fig
3). Compaction of the sand is achieved by the use of water and
walking over the entire bottom using your body for weight.
Rake and compact the area several times. Screed the bottom of
the excavation, fi lling any low spots as you go. The completed
area will resemble a slab of fi nished concrete. Remove the
screed rails and fi ll in the voids with sand, being careful not to
disturb the sand.
Figure 3
SEE SECTION A A
SUMP SYSTEM
POOL SHELL MUST
REST SOLEY ON SAND.
A
DIG LINE
STAKES
10'-8"
32'
2" x 4" SCREED RAILS
2" x 4" SCREED BOARD
44'
16'
44'
4'-8"
7'-4 3/4"
NOTE:
STAKES
2" x 4" SCREED BOARD
3" 4" OVER DIG FINISH GRADE
30'-4"
11/13/18
Mike Sheeks
Step 6. SETTING THE POOL
Your pool will arrive on a truck-trailer. Be sure to inspect the pool for damage that may have occurred during
transportation and for conformity to order specifi cations. A crane or excavator will lower the pool into the excavation.
Please note that Viking Pools recommends lifting all pool models over 12’ wide with a spreader bar and 20’ lifting
straps. Once the pool is set in the excavation, the pool should be checked for level and the bottom should be walked
over to detect any voids in the sand that might be present. The pool is then lifted and reset as many times as necessary
to achieve a “good fi t”. A good fi t is realized by raking the surface of the sand in order to see where the pool’s perimeter
is touching (footprint) after it is removed and also by walking around on the inside of the pool to detect low spots.
It is normal to feel a slight void under the center of the pool. This will disappear under the weight of the water. It is
important to make certain that the bottom perimeter and all transition points are sitting fi rmly against the sand bed. The
pool can be separated from the lifting equipment when the entire perimeter of the pool (including all transitions) leaves
a clear footprint and the pool is within 1/2” of level.
A properly prepared hole should not require the fi lling of large voids beneath the pool. Blindly washing sand
beneath a pool can cause more harm than good. It is important that any adjustments to the pool’s elevation be made
before water is added. If a pool was properly set, nothing more than a few minor adjustments should be needed.
Step 7. WATER AND BACKFILL
“Locking in” is the process of placing and tamping the fi rst 6” of backfi ll around the radius of the pool to hold
it fi rmly in place during the installation process. After your pool is “locked in”, start the water in the pool and continue
the backfi ll process. The level of water in the pool and the level of sand outside the pool should be within 6” of each
other. Continue fi lling the pool and backfi lling
until 4” to 6” of water are in the pool. Check
the level of the pool. If the pool was properly
“locked in”, no adjustments should be necessary.
If any movement has occurred, small adjustments
must be made at this time by placing a lever
assembly under the coping of the pool (Fig 4.). If
adjustments are needed, (low condition) raise the
pool to the proper height and place sand under
the pool. When the proper height is achieved,
continue the fi lling and backfi lling process. If
the pool is too high, remove sand as needed. It
is very important that the radiuses of the pool
are packed properly. Poorly packed radiuses
can result in hairline cracks or structural cracks
due to defl ection. Be sure to backfi ll slowly and
thoroughly. When the proper height is achieved,
continue with the fi lling and backfi lling process.
After approximately 12” of water is in
the pool and backfi ll has been placed evenly, the
backfi ll should be allowed to precede the water
by 6”. As the water approaches the shallow end, pay particular attention to all the unsupported areas of the pool. Steps
and swimouts tend to droop, so slight adjustments may need to be made with the levering device as mentioned before
(Fig 4). Be sure you wait until a suffi cient amount of water surrounds the area (usually 12”) to keep the rest of the
pool in place, or you may raise more than you intend. The walls of the pool may bulge inward if too much backfi ll has
preceded the water in the pool, or outward if too much water precedes the backfi ll. If bulging does occur during the
11/13/18
Mike Sheeks
Step 8. PLUMBING
installation, the only remedy is to dig that area out and proceed correctly. Slight bulging has only visual effects, while
not affecting the structure of the pool. A string line is very useful in determining the straightness of the pool walls
during the backfi lling process.
When the water and backfi ll levels are close to reaching any of the pool inlets, stop the fi lling and backfi lling
process and run the plumbing pipes along the excavation cavity and route them to the equipment site. After the
plumbing is installed, complete the fi lling and backfi lling process.
A basic swimming pool circulation system is relatively simple in operation. Water in the pool is drawn through
the main drain and skimmer to the pump, which pushes it through the fi lter back to the pool via the returns. Refer to
Figure 5 for a basic fi ltering system diagram. See your contractor for more advanced fi ltering systems that may include
sanitizers, jets, blowers, automatic pool cleaners, etc. Viking Pools recommends the use of schedule 40, 2” plumbing on
most pools. Visually inspect all plumbing installed at the factory upon the delivery of the pool and during the backfi ll
process.
To prevent accidentally draining the pool, Viking Pools suggests placing the equipment at or slightly above the
elevation of the pool and plumbing the pool so that the water leaves the pool via the skimmer and not the main drain.
You should not place the equipment higher than 6” above pool level. The equipment becomes less effi cient the greater
the distance away from the pool. If the equipment is placed below the water level, shut off valves must be installed to
prevent accidental siphoning of the pool. Pipes may now be glued at the equipment pad and circulation of the fi ltering
system may begin. Check all connections for leaks and proper circulation before covering them. Local building codes
may require pressure testing of the plumbing system before the installation is complete.
Step 9. ELECTRICAL
If the installer or homeowner is not qualifi ed to do electrical work, an electrician should be hired and a building
offi cial should inspect the work. All electrical work should be done to National Electric Code specifi cations and any
local codes. Viking Pools will not be held responsible for any electrical work.
11/13/18
Mike Sheeks
Step 10. POURING CONCRETE
Forms are now put up around the perimeter of the pool. Half inch holes may be drilled into the lip of the pool
every 3’. Two foot lengths of 3/8” rebar are placed in each hole and bent at 90 degree angles (Fig 6-7). This will ensure
a bonding or anchoring effect on the sides of the pool. The walkway may also be reinforced with 6” No. 10 wire mesh
or No. 3 rebar on 2’ centers (Fig 6-7). Viking Pools recommends concrete decking. Concrete should be poured at least
3’ around the perimeter of the pool and at least 4” deep. Viking Pools will not be held responsible for any concrete
work or cracks that may result from its use.
WARNING TO THE BUYER
This pool is designed to be kept full at all times. The shell could be damaged if the water level is allowed
to drop below the skimmer. When appreciable draw-down is noticed, or if it becomes necessary to drain the pool,
contact Viking Pools, or their agents for instructions. The pool shell may be damaged and separation from the concrete
may occur if the pool is allowed to overfl ow or if heavy water drainage is allowed to over-run the deck to pool shell
connection. Keep the water level in the middle of the skimmer. Viking Pools will not be held responsible for any
unforeseen problems or circumstances which arise from inadequate site drainage or incorrect deck installation. Refer to
the Viking Pools Warranty sent with the pool for conditions, circumstances, or installation practices that may void the
pool’s warranty.
MOUND DIRT
AROUND POOL APPROX. 6"
OPTIONAL
WOOD DECK
6"
MAXIMUM
19 1/2"
Figure 6 Concrete Deck with
Brick or Stone
Figure 7 Typical Cantilever
Concrete Deck
Figure 8 Raised Bench
Installation
Figure 9 Typical Above
Ground Installation
11/13/18
Mike Sheeks