Assembling Your Swimtime Belize Oval Pool: A Step-By-Step Guide

If you're looking to put together a Swimtime Belize Oval Pool, you've got your work cut out for you. While the pool promises an endless vacation and years of fun in the sun, some customers have found the assembly process stressful and frustrating.

The pool is designed for do-it-yourself installation, but several reviews mention that the instructions are poor, incomplete, or hard to follow. Some customers have ended up hiring professionals to install the pool, despite it being marketed as suitable for DIY installation.

The process is time-consuming, and you'll need a few pairs of hands to help with the heavy lifting. It's also recommended that you prepare the site carefully before beginning assembly, including levelling the ground and laying down a pool liner.

Once assembled, the pool promises to be a sleek and durable addition to your backyard, with steel parts coated in zinc and aluminium for corrosion resistance, and resin caps to prevent chipping, fading, rusting, or peeling.

Preparing the site

• Clear the Area: Choose an installation area that is relatively flat and level. Remove any debris, vegetation, or obstacles that might interfere with the pool's footprint and the required work area.
• Check Local Regulations: Contact your local town officials to inquire about building codes, permits, and fencing regulations for above-ground pools. Ensure you comply with all the necessary requirements to avoid any legal issues.
• Plan Access and Visibility: Consider the access to and from the pool, ensuring it is convenient and safe. Think about the visibility of the pool from your house to promote supervision and pool safety.
• Mark the Installation Area: Using the pool's dimensions, mark out the installation area. For the Swim Time Belize Oval Pool, you'll need to account for the pool's oval shape and the required clearance around the perimeter.
• Level the Ground: Use a carpenter's level, stakes, and string or a laser level to ensure the ground is perfectly level. This step is crucial for the structural integrity of your pool, so take your time and make any necessary adjustments to the terrain.
• Prepare the Base: Once the ground is level, it's time to prepare the base. Some people use sand or stone dust to create a smooth, protective layer before installing the pool wall. Ensure the base material is compacted and level.
• Gather Tools and Materials: Ensure you have all the necessary tools and materials for the installation. This includes items like a shovel, tape measure, screwdriver, duct tape, level, wrenches, sand filter, skimmer, patio blocks, and the pool hardware.
• Familiarize Yourself with the Hardware: Separate and count all the packaged hardware to ensure you have all the required pieces. Familiarize yourself with the different components to make the installation process smoother.
• Consider Underground Conduit: If you plan to have electrical components, such as a pump or pool light, consider running underground conduit from your house to the pool area. This will help you avoid having electrical cords stretched across your lawn.

By thoroughly preparing the site, you'll be well on your way to a successful installation of your Swim Time Belize Oval Pool. Always refer to the pool's instructions and seek professional assistance if needed to ensure a safe and proper setup.

Assembling the wall

The first step in assembling the Swimtime Belize Oval Pool is to prepare the site by levelling and compacting the ground. This is crucial to ensure a stable base for the pool. It is recommended to refer to the instruction manual for detailed guidance on site preparation.

Once the ground is prepared, you can begin assembling the pool wall. The wall is made of durable steel with 6-inch top rails and uprights, giving the pool a modern look. Start by laying out the pool wall components and identifying all the parts. The wall undergoes an eight-stage process, including multiple cleaning cycles and protective treatments, such as the Star Galfan galvanization coating, to ensure its longevity.

Carefully unroll the steel wall, taking caution not to damage it. With the help of multiple people, carefully lift and place the wall into the framework's bottom track. Ensure it sits securely and does not pop out of the track. The wall is heavy and awkward to handle, so having extra hands will make this process much easier.

Next, attach the vertical supports to provide a resilient base for the top rail. These 6-inch supports are shaped to differentiate the pool from others and enhance its overall stability. Securely fasten the supports to the wall, following the instructions provided.

Finally, add the top caps to the assembly. These resin top caps are designed to lock into the framework, providing durability and protection against corrosion. They are embedded with UV inhibitors for maximum resistance to the elements.

With the wall assembled, you can move on to the next steps of the pool installation process, which are outlined in the instruction manual. Remember to take your time and work carefully to ensure a sturdy and long-lasting pool.

Installing the liner

The liner is a crucial component of your Swimtime Belize Oval Pool, ensuring the pool's water retention and protecting its steel walls. Here is a step-by-step guide to installing the liner:

• Prepare the Pool Area: Before installing the liner, ensure that the pool area is clean and free from any debris. It is important to remove any sharp objects that may puncture the liner.
• Unroll the Liner: Carefully unroll the liner and lay it out flat near the pool. If necessary, you can use a hairdryer on a low setting or lay it out in the sun to make it more pliable.
• Position the Liner: With the help of a partner, carefully lift the liner and position it inside the pool. Ensure that the liner is centred and that there is an equal amount of excess liner on all sides.
• Smooth Out Wrinkles: Starting from the centre, use your hands to smooth out any wrinkles or creases in the liner. Work your way towards the edges, ensuring that the liner fits snugly against the pool walls.
• Secure the Liner: Use the provided liner clips or coping strips to secure the liner to the pool wall. Start at one end of the pool and work your way around, ensuring that the liner remains taut and smooth.
• Trim the Excess: Once the liner is securely in place, you can trim the excess material with a sharp utility knife. Cut slowly and carefully to avoid accidentally cutting the liner.
• Fill the Pool: After the liner is installed, you can begin filling the pool with water. Follow the pool's instructions for the recommended water level and any additional steps, such as installing a skimmer or pump.
• Final Adjustments: As the pool fills, keep an eye on the liner and make any necessary adjustments to ensure it remains smooth and taut. Ensure that the liner is not stretched or pulled in any areas, as this can lead to tears or punctures.

By following these steps, you will be able to install the liner for your Swimtime Belize Oval Pool, creating a smooth and secure finish that will enhance the overall appearance and functionality of your pool.

Setting up the filter system

The filter system is a crucial component of your Swimtime Belize Oval Pool, ensuring that your pool water stays clean and clear. Here's a step-by-step guide to setting it up:

• Prepare the filter tank: Place the filter tank on a level surface near the pool. The tank should be easily accessible and not obstructed. Ensure that the multiport valve on top of the tank is in the closed position.
• Install the pump: The pump is responsible for circulating the pool water through the filter system. Place the pump on a solid, level surface, preferably close to the filter tank. Follow the manufacturer's instructions to securely mount the pump.
• Connect the pump and filter: Using the provided hoses, connect the pump to the filter tank. Ensure that all hose connections are tight and secure to prevent leaks.
• Attach the skimmer and return fittings: The skimmer fitting is responsible for drawing water from the pool into the filter system, while the return fitting returns the filtered water back to the pool. Attach the skimmer fitting to the side of the pool, ensuring it is securely sealed. Connect the return fitting to the opposite side of the pool, following the same sealing procedure.
• Prime the pump: Before starting the pump for the first time, you must prime it to ensure proper water circulation. Fill the pump with water by pouring water into the pump pot until it is full. Open the air relief valve on the filter tank to release any trapped air.
• Set the filter settings: Your filter system can perform multiple functions, including filtering, backwashing, and rinsing. Set the multiport valve on the filter tank to the "filter" setting to start the filtration process.
• Start the pump: With the filter settings in place, turn on the pump. Ensure that water is flowing through the system and that there are no leaks at the hose connections. Check the filter pressure gauge to ensure it is within the normal operating range.
• Maintain the filter system: Regular maintenance of your filter system is essential. Backwash the filter periodically to remove accumulated dirt and debris. Clean or replace the filter media as recommended by the manufacturer. Keep the pump and filter area clear of debris and obstructions.
• Winterize the filter system: If you live in an area where temperatures drop below freezing, you must winterize your filter system to prevent damage. Drain all water from the pump, filter, and hoses. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for any additional winterization steps specific to your filter system.
• Seek professional help if needed: If you encounter any issues during the setup process or have any questions, don't hesitate to consult a professional pool installer or technician. They can provide guidance and ensure that your filter system is set up correctly.

Completing the pool with accessories

Now that the SwimTime Belize Oval Pool is assembled, it's time to complete the pool with accessories. The pool package includes a correctly sized Blue liner, a 1 or 1.5 horsepower pump and sand filter system, a rugged A-frame entry ladder, and a wide-mouth skimmer.

The high-performance sand-filter system will keep your pool crystal clear and deliver years of trouble-free operation. Constructed of durable polyethylene, it is weather and corrosion-proof. Choose between a 1 or 1.5 HP pump depending on pool size.

The A-frame entry ladder is made from maintenance-free resin, offering durability and child-proof safety features. It has a wide, non-skid platform and treads for secure footing.

The Blue liner is specifically sized to fit your pool and is constructed of standard-gauge vinyl with strong double-welded seams. This will help the liner to outlast others and maintain its beautiful appearance for years.

The wide-mouth skimmer will ensure maximum water circulation by removing leaves, bugs, and debris from your pool before they sink to the pool floor.

With these accessories, your SwimTime Belize Oval Pool is now complete and ready for years of enjoyment!

Frequently asked questions