Setting up an Intex above-ground pool involves preparing the site, assembling the frame, and carefully filling the pool with water. While the exact steps can vary slightly depending on your specific Intex model (like a Metal Frame, Ultra Frame, or Prism Frame pool), the core process follows a logical sequence to ensure stability and proper function.
Here's a breakdown of how to typically put up an Intex pool:
1. Choose and Prepare the Site
This is arguably the most critical step.
- Location: Select a firm, level area in your yard away from trees (to minimize leaves and debris), overhead power lines, and structures. Ensure good drainage around the site.
- Leveling: The ground must be perfectly level. Even a slight slope can put immense stress on the pool structure, potentially leading to failure. Use a long straight edge and level or a laser level to check. Do not use sand or loose soil to level the ground, as it can wash away.
- Clear Debris: Remove all rocks, sticks, roots, and sharp objects from the area. These can puncture the liner.
- Ground Cloth: Lay the included ground cloth (or a durable tarp) on the prepared site. This protects the pool liner from sharp objects and helps define the pool area.
2. Lay Out the Pool Liner
- Unfold the pool liner carefully onto the center of the ground cloth.
- Orient the liner correctly, ensuring the drain plug is positioned where you want it for eventual draining.
- Smooth out any large wrinkles in the bottom of the liner.
3. Assemble the Frame
This step involves connecting the various metal pipes and connectors that form the pool's structure. Consult your specific model's manual for the exact order and types of connectors.
- Identify Parts: Lay out the frame components near the liner according to your manual – legs, top rails, side supports/crossbars, and various connectors (pins, buttons, T-joints, t-brackets).
- Connect Legs to Liner: Insert the vertical legs through the loops or sleeves around the perimeter of the liner.
- Build the Structure: Connect the horizontal frame pieces. This typically involves attaching the top rails to the vertical legs using pins or button clips. For models with side supports or crossbars, you will connect these horizontal pieces.
- Based on the reference video snippet (approx. 1:42 - 5:00), a key part of the frame assembly involves connecting horizontal crossbars to one another using t-brackets. The process involves working your way around the perimeter of the pool, connecting each crossbar segment to the next using these t-brackets until the horizontal frame is complete.
- Ensure all connections are secure and the frame is properly seated in the liner sleeves.
4. Begin Filling with Water
- Once the frame is fully assembled and secure, start filling the pool with water.
- As the bottom fills with a few inches of water, get inside the pool (with clean feet!) and smooth out any remaining wrinkles on the bottom by pushing them towards the sides.
- Continue filling the pool to the level indicated in your manual (usually up to the bottom of the top ring or slightly below the frame connections). Watch the frame to ensure it is holding shape properly as it fills.
5. Connect the Filter Pump
- Once the pool is nearly full, connect the filter pump and hoses according to the pump's instructions.
- Ensure all connections are hand-tight and sealed.
- Prime the pump (release air) and turn it on to begin circulating and filtering the water.
By following these steps, you can successfully put up your Intex pool and prepare it for enjoyment. Always refer to the specific instruction manual that came with your pool model for detailed diagrams and safety information.
