Kit Contents
Everything That
Ships With Your Kit
Every above ground kit ships complete — pool structure, liner, pump, filter, ladder, and skimmer all included. The only things you'll need locally are a level site and a power connection. Nothing hidden, nothing missing.
Included in This Kit
- Pool wall panels + all frame hardware and connectors
- Top rails, uprights, and stabilizer bars
- Vinyl liner — type per your kit (overlap or unibead)
- Sand filter + pump — sized to your pool
- A-frame Ladder
- Skimmer + return fitting + all plumbing hardware
- Pool light — included on select kits
- Maintenance / opening kit — included on select kits
- Step-by-step installation manual
Optional Add-Ons
- Solar Cover
- Winter Cover
- Wall Foam
- Foam Cove
- Automatic Cleaner
Everything needed to get water in the pool ships with your kit. Pump and filter are pre-matched to your pool's volume — no guesswork required.
Sourced Locally
- Level, compacted ground or sand base
- Dedicated electrical outlet for the pump
- Garden hose water supply to fill the pool
- Local permits if required by your municipality
Above ground pools don't require excavation, concrete, or a licensed electrician in most cases. A standard outdoor outlet is sufficient for most pump setups. Check local codes for permit requirements.
Important — Read Before You Buy
Salt Systems & Your Pool Warranty
Salt chlorine generators are popular — but not every pool is built for them. Here's what you need to know before choosing your kit.
Salt-Safe Pools
These kits are specifically designed and warranted for use with salt chlorine generators when maintained according to manufacturer specs. Use salt with confidence — your warranty stays intact.
- Sun Valley
- Atlantis
- Santa Rosa
- Seaside
- Galvanized copper bearing steel construction
- Engineered to resist salt corrosion long-term
- Full manufacturer warranty with salt system use
- Best choice if you're planning a saltwater pool
Standard Chlorine Pools
These kits are optimized for traditional chlorine maintenance and perform excellently in that role. They are not covered under manufacturer warranty if used with a salt chlorine generator — so if salt is in your plans, choose one of the salt-warranted models instead.
- Easten
- Pocomo
- Crestwood
- Great performance with standard chlorine
- Compatible with non-salt mineral systems
- Not covered under warranty with salt generator use
- If salt is your plan, go with a salt-warranted kit
Good to Know
Not sure which kit is right for your setup? Call or text us before you order — we'll help you match the right pool to your chlorination plan. Call (732) 395-2225 or text us.
Your Equipment
Your Pump — What to Know
Every kit includes a sand filter and pump sized to your pool's water volume. The pump and filter ship together as a matched set — you won't need to select or size anything separately. Here's what to expect from your setup.
Your Pump Setup
Type: Single Speed — Sized to Pool
Filter: Sand Filter — Matched Set
Recommended Runtime: 8-10hrs/day
Connection: Standard 110V Outlet
Your pump is sized specifically for the pool volume you configure above. Both single speed and variable speed options are DOE compliant and properly sized for each pool configuration.
Running Your Pump — What to Expect
- Run 8–10 hours per dayduring swim season to keep water properly filtered and circulated. Split the runtime morning and evening for best results.
- Backwash your sand filterevery 4–6 weeks or when the pressure gauge reads 8–10 PSI above starting pressure. Takes about 2 minutes.
- Winterize before freezing temps.Drain the pump and filter before your first freeze — water left inside will crack the housing. We can walk you through it.
- Pump sizing matters.Undersized pumps can't turn over the water fast enough. Every kit we sell ships with a properly sized pump for that exact pool volume.
Your Filter
Sand Filter — How It Works & What to Expect
All above ground kits ship with a sand filter. Here's how sand compares to other filter types — so you know what you have and what to expect from it over the season.
Sand Filter
Water passes through a bed of #20 silica sand that traps particles as small as 20–40 microns. When pressure rises, backwash by reversing flow for 2 minutes. Easy, low-maintenance, and long-lasting.
- Available on select configurations
- 5–7 year sand life
- Backwash every 4–6 weeks
- Very low maintenance
Backwash when pressure reads 8–10 PSI above starting. Replace sand every 5–7 years.
Cartridge Filter
Pleated cartridge traps particles as small as 10–15 microns — finer filtration than sand. No backwashing required. Cartridges are removed and rinsed periodically.
- Available on select configurations
- Finer filtration than sand
- No backwash water waste
- Cartridge cleaning 2–4× per season
Remove and rinse cartridge every 4–6 weeks. Replace cartridge every 2–3 seasons.
D.E. Filter
Diatomaceous earth filters particles as small as 2–5 microns — the finest filtration available. Higher cost and more involved maintenance, but crystal-clear water.
- Finest filtration available
- Exceptionally clear water
- Higher cost to operate
Backwash + recharge with D.E. powder monthly. Full teardown once per season.
Good to Know
Want to upgrade to a cartridge filter? Many customers swap or upgrade their sand filter to a cartridge — it's a common and straightforward change. Call or text us before you order and we'll quote the cartridge option for your specific kit. Call (732) 395-2225 or text us.
Your Liner
Overlap vs. Unibead — What's the Difference?
Above ground pool liners come in two types depending on how they attach to the pool wall. Your kit includes the liner type that matches your pool's top rail system. Here's what each means for installation and replacement.
Standard — Most Kits
Overlap Liner
The liner drapes over the top of the pool wall and is held in place by the top rails clamping it down. The excess liner hangs over the outside of the wall and is hidden by the top rails and coping strips.
- Easiest to install — no bead channel required
- Most affordable liner type
- Included in: Easten, Sun Valley, Atlantis, Santa Rosa, Pocomo, Crestwood
- Wide pattern selection available
Premium — Select Kits
Unibead Liner
The liner has a bead track along the top that snaps into a receiver channel built into the pool's top rail system. The liner hangs inside the wall with a clean, finished look — no overlap visible from outside.
- Cleaner finished appearance — no liner visible outside
- More secure attachment — snap-in bead track
- Included in: Santa Rosa, Seaside
- Also compatible as J-hook liner on most walls
Good to Know
Want to upgrade your liner pattern or thickness? Call or text us — we can quote custom liners for any kit.
Pre-Setup Planning
What You'll Need Before Setup Day
Above ground pools are dramatically simpler to set up than inground — no excavation, no concrete, no licensed contractors required in most cases. Here's what to plan for before your kit arrives.
A Level Site
The most important prep step. Your ground must be level within 1–2 inches across the entire pool footprint. Use a long level and string line to check before you dig or add sand.
An unlevel pool puts uneven pressure on the wall — it will show and can cause structural issues over time. Don't skip this step.
Sand or Foam Base
A 2–3 inch layer of masonry sand under the liner protects it from punctures and creates a smooth, comfortable floor. Some installers use foam cove for the wall-to-floor joint.
Play sand works but packs unevenly. Use masonry or washed sand for best results. Budget 1–2 tons for a standard round pool.
Power for the Pump
Most above ground pumps run on standard 110V. A dedicated outdoor GFCI outlet near the equipment is ideal. Check your local code — some municipalities require an electrician for pool wiring.
Never run an extension cord to power your pump long-term. A proper outdoor outlet is a one-time fix that protects your equipment.
See It Done
Installation Walk-Through
Watch a real above ground pool installation from start to finish — site prep, wall assembly, liner drop, pump hookup, and first fill. The process is the same regardless of which kit you choose.
Good to Know
Have questions during your install? Call or text us at (732) 395-2225 — we support every kit we sell through the full setup process.
Helpful Resources
Guides for Your Build
Setup Overview
Step-by-step process from site prep to first swim. What to DIY, what to hire out, and how long each phase takes.
Pool Sizing Guide
How to choose the right size - yard requirements, family size, swim vs. lounge use, and round vs. oval.
Liner Pattern Guide
Overlap vs. unibead explained, how liner color affects water appearance, and how to choose with confidence.
Pump Buying Guide
How to size a pump, single speed vs. variable speed, runtime recommendations, and winterizing your equipment.
Filter Buying Guide
Sand vs. cartridge vs. D.E. — filtration quality, maintenance requirements, and which is right for your pool.
Compare All Kits
Side-by-side comparison of all 7 above ground kits - specs, salt compatibility, sizes, and pricing.
What's included in the kit price — is freight included?
Can I set this up myself, or do I need a contractor?
How long does setup take?
Can I use a salt chlorine generator with this pool?
What size pool should I choose?
Do I need a permit for an above ground pool?
When should I order my kit?
What if I get stuck during setup?
Let Us Guide You
Questions Before You Order?
We've guided hundreds of first-time pool owners through their builds — from choosing the right size to getting the water balanced for the first time. Call us, email us, or text us. We actually respond.
