section 1 general instructions - … diving or jumping. observe all safety rules. 1 pool component...

No Diving or Jumping. Observe all Safety Rules.

1Pool Component Installation Manual

GeneralInstructions

A. Introduction to Installing your PoolRead all instructions completely before you begin.

These instructions explain how to install your pool. Simply follow thestep-by-step directions. Start with this part, SECTION 1 and use the otherinstructions, SECTION 2 to 4 to put together your entire pool.

SECTION 1 also has Safety Rules and instructions to help you keep yourpool clean and in good shape, year after year. Be sure to read theSafety Rules, and make sure everyone who uses your pool reads andunderstands them.

B. Determine a Location for your Pool1. The TerrainPay special attention to choosing the right location for your pool:

� Choose a large area, as flatand level as possible.

� Choose a spot on dry, firmearth�do not install the poolon concrete, asphalt, tar pa-per, sand, gravel, peat moss,wood or chemically treatedsoil.

� Check with your pool dealerto see if Nut Grass grows inyour area. This type of grassmay grow up through yourpool liner. Your dealer will beable to advise how best totreat the site.

� Sloped areas will need to bemade level by digging awayhigh spots, not by filling lowspots�be prepared to hireearth-moving equipment ifnecessary.

A All Round Pools❏ Part No. 1920283

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2. Things to AvoidDo not locate your pool near oron any of the following:

� Overhanging tree branches.� Overhead wires and clothes-

lines.� Buried pipes and wires-con-

tact your gas, electric andtelephone utilities to findburied pipes and wires be-fore you dig.

� Hilly and uneven terrain.� Areas with poor drainage.� Grass, stones and roots. Grass

will rot underneath the poolliner, and stones and rootswill damage the pool liner.

� Areas recently treated with oil-based weed killers, chemicals orfertilizers.

3. Plan Ahead� Will you be adding an adjacent deck later? Be sure to leave

room.� Will you be using pool accessories or other appliances that need

electricity or gas? Locate your pool near these services or plan tohave them installed later by a licensed contractor.

C. Prepare theFoundation ofyour Pool1. Mark out the Area

a. Drive a peg into the groundat the centre of the areawhere you want your pool.

b. Use a length of string tiedbetween the peg and a canof spray paint, and mark acircle on the ground. Choosethe length of string you needfor your pool from the charton the next page. The circlewill be 6" (15 cm) bigger allround than the pool.

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Size of foundation circle

Size of pool

6"(15 cm)

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Pool Size Length of String Length of 2-by-412' 6'-6" (200 cm) 6'-6" (200 cm)15' 8'-0" (244 cm) 8'-0" (244 cm)18' 9'-6" (290 cm) 9'-6" (290 cm)21' 11'-0" (335 cm) 11'-0" (335 cm)24' 12'-6" (380 cm) 12'-6" (380 cm)27' 14'-0" (426 cm) 14'-0" (426 cm)

2. Remove the Soda. Remove all sod and plants

from the circle.b. Remove any sticks, stones

and roots from the circle.

3. Make the Area Flat and Levela. Replace the centre peg with a

flat-topped stake, at least 1"(25 mm) square and 6"(15 cm) long. Drive it downflush with the ground surface.

b. Nail one end of a straight2-by-4 to the top of the stake.Choose the length of 2-by-4you need for your pool fromthe chart above. Use a naillong enough to hold the endof the 2-by-4 to the stake whileyou rotate it in a circle.

c. Put a carpenter�s level on the2-by-4 and swing the board ina circle to find the high andlow spots.

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Remember:Your pool must beperfectly level.Take the time youneed to be sureyour foundation isperfectly level.

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Hint:Use a surveyor�stransit instead of acarpenter�s level, ifone is available.


d. Remove all the high spotswith a shovel, hoe or rake. Beprepared to hire earth mov-ing equipment if you need tolevel a large area. Remem-ber, your pool must be levelwithin 1" (25 mm) across thediameter of the pool.

e. Do not fill in low areas. Fillingwill create an unsafe founda-tion for your pool. Small dipsand hollows may be filled in ,but the soil must be hard-packed with a tamping tool.

f. Recheck the outer 12" (30 cm)of the circle, where the poolwall will be. Make sure thereare no high or low spots. Thebottom edge of the pool wallmust rest flat on the groundand have no gaps under it.

4. Patio Stones (Optional)a. Concrete patio stones may be placed at the base of each vertical

column of your pool. This is optional, but makes a betterfoundation for the pool wall. Patio stones 12" (30 cm) or larger willdo. Round patio stones will also work. Choose the number ofpatio stones you need for your pool from the chart on the nextpage.

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12"(30 cm)

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Remember:The outer 12"(30 cm) of thecircle must beperfectly flat. Thebottom edge of thepool must rest flaton the ground andhave no gapsunder it. Take thetime you need tobe sure this area isperfectly flat andlevel.

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No Diving or Jumping. Observe all Safety Rules.1-5

Pool Size Number of Patio Stones (Optional)12' 1015' 1018' 1221' 1424' 1627' 18

b. Temporarily lay out the baserails and base plates aroundthe circle. Each base platewill show the location for apatio stone. Make a mark inthe ground at each baseplate.

c. Remove the base rails andbase plates and lay out thepatio stones around the circlewhere the base plates were.

d. The patio stones must be sunkinto the ground so the topsare flush with the soil aroundthem. Use the carpenter�slevel to make sure the patiostones are perfectly level andflush with the ground. Use thecarpenter�s level and a 2-by-4between patio stones to makesure the stones are level witheach other.

e. Remove the centre stake and 2-by-4.

5. Proceed to Section 2a. Continue with Section 2 to assemble your pool.b. The rest of Section 1 contains information you can use after you

finish assembling your pool.

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A. Assemble your Pool Base1. Lay out the Base Plates and Bottom Rails

a. Place the base plates equallyspaced around the perimeter ofyour foundation. If you areusing the optional patio stones,place one base plate on eachstone.

b. Slide the curved bottom railstogether with the base plates.Leave a 1/2" (13 mm) gap be-tween the ends of the bottomrails.

2. Spread out Brick Sanda. Spread a layer of fine brick

sand over the foundation area,2" (5 cm) deep. Use a rake tomake the brick sand flat andsmooth. Instead of brick sand,you can use 1" or 1-1/2" (25 or 38mm) thick sheets of styrofoam.Cut the sheets to fit and jointhem with duct tape alongthe whole length of eachseam.


SECTION Pool Component Installation Manual

Assembling thePool Base

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Remember:Spread brick sand orsheets of styrofoamout over the entirepool foundation areainside the base rails.This provides aprotective surface forthe pool liner to reston. Pools with astyrofoam layermust still have acove.

Note:If you want, insteadof using patio stonesyou can makecrushed limestonepads. Dig a 12" x 12"(30 x 30 cm) squarehole 2" (5 cm) deepand fill the hole withcrushed limestone,packing it downhard. Spray thecrushed limestonewith water as youpack it down.

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A. Assemble your Pool WallThis section is for Round and Oval pools (Round pools are shown).

1. Set the Pool Wall in placea. Wait for a calm day. Do not attempt to install the pool wall in the

wind.

b. Unpackage the coiled pool walland stand it on a piece of card-board or plywood at the centreof the pool. The cut-outs for thethrough-the-wall skimmershould be towards the top of thewall. Look for a �THIS WAY UP�label and arrow.

c. Start uncoiling the wall,guiding the bottom edgeinto the curved bottom rail.The starting end of the wallmust be positioned over abase plate, and the skim-mer and return holes shouldbe positioned where thepump and filter will be.

d. Set lengths of slotted tube ontothe top edge of the wall as youuncoil it and join the slottedtubes with connectors as yougo, leaving a 1/2" (13 mm) gapbetween each. Make surethe gap is directly above thebase plate (this applies toround pools, oval pools andGibraltar Style pools). (If youhave a beaded pool liner,set lengths of liner retaineron the top edge of the wallfirst, then the slotted tubesand connectors.)


Assembling thePool Wall & Liner

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Caution:Do not attempt toinstall the pool wallin the wind. Wait fora calm day. 1

Remember:For best results,mount the skimmeron the downwindside of the pool(that is, directlyacross from themost common winddirection).

Locate the skimmeron this side

Wind

Hint:Secure the slotted tubeconnector to the wallwith a piece of ducttape after installationto prevent it from liftingoff the wall.

Hint:Bring the followingitems onto the poolfoundation beforeyou start uncoilingthe pool wall: thepool liner, someextra brick sand tomake the cove inStep 5, and a ladderto climb out after thewall is assembled.

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e. Work around the foundation until the entire pool wall is uncoiled into thebottom rails and the top edge is covered with slotted tubes and connec-tors (and beaded liner retainers if you have a beaded pool liner).

2. Join the Ends of the Pool Walla. Line up the holes in the two

ends of the pool wall.

b. To line up the holes, make the circle bigger orsmaller by nudging the base plates in or out withyour foot.

c. Join the ends of the pool wallwith a bolt and nut througheach hole. Place each bolt headtowards the inside of thepool and each nut towardsthe outside.

d. Tighten each bolt and nutsecurely.

e. Cover the seam and bolt headson the inside of the pool wallcompletely with 2" (50 mm) ducttape.


Remember:The bolt heads mustbe toward the insideof the pool. Coverthe bolt heads withduct tape.

Hint:Stick a screwdriverthrough two of theholes to help line upthe ends of the wall.

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3. Make sure the Pool Wall is Levela. Use a length of string and a

line-level to check across thetop edge of the pool wall to seeif it is level. Check the wall inseveral different directions. Thewall must be level. If thelevel is off by more than 1"(25 mm) across the diameterof the pool, take the wallapart and level the founda-tion again.

4. Make sure the Pool Wall is Rounda. Using a tape measure, measure

across the circle at each baseplate. The pool wall must beround within 1" (25 mm) (all ofthe measurements must bewithin 1" (25 mm) of each other).Adjust the circle by nudging thebase plates in or out with yourfoot.

b. Adjusting the pool to the proper shape may causethe base rails and base plates to slip out of align-ment a little. Recheck all of the base plates to makesure each one is centred where the base rails meet.

5. Install the Styrofoam Sheets (optional)a. If you chose the option of using Styrofoam instead of brick sand,

you can now install the sheets of Styrofoam previously cut out inStep 1a. Reassemble the sheets in the centre of the pool and jointhem with duct tape along the whole length of each seam. Re-member to wait until the pool wall has been installed in Section 3before installing the Styrofoam.


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Caution:The pool must belevel within 1"(25 mm) across thediameter. A pool thatis not level is dan-gerous and maycollapse.

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Caution:The �Wall-Saver�gasket is importantfor protectionagainst corrosion.Failure to installthis gasket prop-erly on the cutoutfor 6" or 12" skim-mers may void thewarranty of yourpool wall. If thegasket is dam-aged, get a re-placement fromyour pool dealer.Note: The "Wall-Saver" gasket isnot required orprovided for wallsusing 14" skim-mers.

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Hint:If possible, unfold theliner on the grassone to two hoursbefore installation.Be careful not toleave the liner toolong or you maydamage the grass.

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Remember:The cove is animportant part of thepool structure. Takeyour time to make acomplete, full-sizecove.

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6. Make a Covea. Make a curved cove about 6"

(15 cm) high and 8" (20 cm) wideall around the bottom of thepool wall on the inside.

b. Use fine earth or brick sand tomake the cove, and pack itfirmly into shape.

7. Install the �Wall-Saver� Gasketa. The Wall-Saver gasket provides

a water-tight seal around theskimmer cut-out for thethrough-the-wall skimmer.Gently spread apart the twolayers of the gasket and insert itinto the skimmer cut-out so thatit sandwiches the wall. Bevery careful not to tear ordamage the seam in thegasket or the gasket mayleak. Take extra care not tocut or damage the gasketwhen you are installing theskimmer later. If the gasket isdamaged, you must get areplacement from your pooldealer.

Note: The "Wall-Saver" gasketis not required or providedfor walls using 14" skim-mers.

B. Install your PoolLiner1. Set the liner in place

a. Open the carton. Do not useanything sharp to open thecarton.

b. Unpack and unfold the linerand spread it out in the sun towarm it up. Inspect all theseams and surfaces for holes.


Remember:Do not trim off theexcess liner. (If theliner ever needs tobe removed, trim-ming the liner willmake re-installationvery difficult.) In-stead, roll up anyexcess liner andtape it in place nearthe top of the poolwall.

Hint:To smooth out thewrinkles in step 2(c),use a vacuumcleaner: block theskimmer outlet withcardboard and tapeand put the vacuumhose through theskimmer return hole,between the linerand pool wall. Sealthe hole with tapeand keep the hose 4"to 6" (10 to 15 cm)above the sand coveso you don�t suck upany sand. Start thevacuum and run ituntil most of thewrinkles are gone.Then, stop thevacuum and add 1"(2.5 cm) of water tothe pool. Finally,remove the vacuumhose and unplug theskimmer hole.

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c. Spread out the liner, smoothside down. The curved seamshould be centred on thecove at the base of the wall.The other seams will formstraight lines across the bot-tom of the pool.

d. Smooth out all the wrinklesin the bottom.

2. Fasten the Liner in place(Overlap Liner only)

This step applies only if you have an OverlapLiner. See the next page if you have a BeadedLiner or V-Bead Liner.

a. Lift the sides of the liner and drape them overthe top of the pool wall. If you have a 52" (132cm) high pool, pull the liner up until there is 2"(5 cm) overhang; if you have a 48" (122 cm)high pool, pull the liner up until there is 6" (15cm) overhang.

b. Fasten the liner to the top of the wall with plas-tic coping. Let the liner hang slack for now. Donot pull the liner tight.

c. Start filling the pool with water. As the pool fills,work out all the wrinkles and smooth the liner to thewall. Remove the plastic coping around the topedge of the wall one piece at a time and ad-just the liner. Keep smoothing out the wrinkles.

3. Trim the Plastic Coping and Roll Up the Excess Linera. After all the wrinkles in the liner are removed, trim

any extra length of plastic coping so there is nooverlap.

b. Roll up any excess liner hanging below theplastic coping and tape it in place near the topof the pool wall. Important: Do not trim off theexcess liner.


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4. Fasten the Liner in place (Beaded Liner only)This step applies only if you have a Beaded Liner. See the previouspage if you have an Overlap Liner or below if you have a V-BeadLiner.

a. Lift the sides of the liner andinsert the beaded edge into theliner retainer on the top edge ofthe pool wall.

b. Start filling the pool with water.As the pool fills, work out all thewrinkles and smooth the liner tothe wall.

5. Fasten the Liner in place (V-Bead Liner only)This step applies only if you have a V-Bead Liner.

See steps 2 and 3 if you have an Overlap Liner,or step 4 if you have a Beaded Liner.

a. Remove the slotted tubesand connectors from the topedge of the pool wall. Impor-tant: do not remove all ofthe slotted tubes at once;remove only two lengths ofslotted tube at a time.

b. Hook the V-bead over the edge ofthe pool wall.

c. The space between the ends of theslotted tubes at the tops of thelocations where the verticals willbe attached, should be about 1/2"(13 mm). If you have a GibraltarOval System , refer to page 2-6,step 2 in the Gibraltar manual.

d. Replace the two lengths of slottedtube and connectors.

e. Repeat steps (a) to (d) until youhave gone around the entire pooland finished attaching the pool liner in place.

f. Start filling the pool with water. As the pool fills, work out all the wrin-kles and smooth the liner to the wall.

6. Proceed to Section 4a. Continue with Section 4 to finish assembling your pool.



Installing the TopRails & Verticals

A. Attach your Verticals and Top Rails1. Continue filling your Pool

a. Continue filling your pool with water. Do not put in more than 12" (30 cm)of water until the top rails and vertical columns are all attached.

b. Keep working on the top rails and vertical columns while the pool fills.

• See the drawing on the next page for an overview of all the parts usedto install the verticals, top rails and top connectors.

2. Install the Vertical Columnsa. Line up the bottom of one verti-

cal column (key 1) with the twosmall tabs on one base plate(key 2). The tabs must be on theinside of the vertical column.

b. Line up the screw holes andfasten with one self-tappingscrew on each side (key 3).

c. Hook a top plate (key 4) over the top edge of the poolwall (key 5). Place the top plate down over the top ofthe vertical column with the tabs on the inside ofthe column. Make sure the vertical column isstraight up and down.

d. Line up the screw holes and fasten with one self-tapping screw on each side and one on the front(key 6).

e. Repeat the last four steps for each of the vertical columns around thepool wall.

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!Hint:Use the ridges in thepool wall to makesure the verticalcolumn is straight upand down.

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Overview ofVertical, Top Railand Top ConnectorAssembly

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3. Install the Top Railsa. Place a top rail (key 7) with one end on top of the top

plate. The side of the top rail facing the centre of thepool should be close to the pool liner and pool wall.The side of the top rail facing the outside of the poolwill form a large overhang.

b. Line up the holes as shown. Fasten through the twooval holes to the top plate below with two self-tappingscrews (key 8). Do not tighten the screws yet. Leave thescrews slightly loose until all the top rails are in place.

c. Repeat the last two steps for the other end of the top rail.d. Repeat steps (a) to (c) to install the rest of the top rails around the top of

the pool wall.e. Make the pool settle into a per-

fect circle by pushing the top ofthe pool wall vigorously inwardat each vertical (this will helpmake the bottom of the pool wallshift into a perfect circle).

f. Adjust all the top rails to line upevenly with each other andtighten all the screws.

4. Install the Top Connectorsa. Line up a one-piece top connec-

tor (key 9) above the ends of twotop rails.

b. Hook the top connector underthe inside edges of the top rails.

c. Bring the top connector downinto place and pull out the fronttabs to hook it under the outsideedges of the top rails.

d. Repeat the last three steps forthe rest of the top connectors.

e. Coat all showing screw headswith clear outdoor varnish.

B. Fill your Pool with Water1. Finish filling the pool

a. Fill the pool with water to 2" (5 cm) below the lowest opening. Next,follow the installation instructions for your skimmer.

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!Caution:Before anyone usesyour pool, read andfollow all the SafetyRules in Section 1.This pool is not fordiving or jumping.

!Important:The pool wall maybulge and shift alittle while fillingwith water. This isnormal.

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Push vigorouslyPush vigorously

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D. Maintaining your PoolAfter you have finished installing your pool, follow these instructions tokeep it clean and in good shape.

1. The Linera. Check the liner regularly for leaks.b. Minor repairs can be made to the liner with a repair kit.

2. Pool Wall and Vertical Columnsa. Keep the pool wall and vertical columns clean. Wash down every

so often with mild soap. Do not use abrasives, chemicals orcleansers.

b. Wash off any spilled pool chemicals right away.c. Recoat all showing screw heads with clear outdoor varnish.d. Check all metal parts for rust regularly, at least once per season.e. Touch up scratches and rusty area on metal parts with matching

anti-rust paint. Follow the directions on the paint can.f. Every two years, lower the water level in your pool to 12" (30 cm)

deep. Remove the top edge of the liner from the pool wall andlook for hidden rust on the inside of the pool wall.

g. Pay special attention to any leaks at the skimmer and returnopenings. Leaks must be fixed immediately.

E. Winterizing your PoolAt the end of the swimming season, you must follow these directions to makeyour pool ready for the winter.

1. Lower the Water Levela. Lower the water level in your pool until it is about 6" (15 cm) below thewater return fitting.b. Remove all hoses attached to the skimmer and return fittings. Make sureall water is drained from the skimmer housing, and make sure the holeat the bottom of the skimmer is left UNPLUGGED.

2. Check all Joints and Screwsa. Make sure all the frame joints are fitting together well. Make sure thepool wall has not shifted from the bottom rail.b. Make sure all screws and bolts are tight.

3. Check for RustPaint any scratches or rusty areas with anti-rust paint.

4. Check the LinerMake sure the top of the liner is still attached to the pool wall with plasticcoping. Do not remove the liner from the pool. Removal of the liner will voidthe existing warranty. Do not drain all the water from the pool for the winter.

5. Finding LeaksMake sure the liner has no leaks. Check the liner for leaks and repair anyholes with a vinyl patch. Leaks in the winter can cause severe damage toyour pool.

Caution:Chlorine candamage your poolliner and metalparts. Wash anyspills right away.

Remember:Any rusty areas onthe pool wall mustbe repaintedquickly with anti-rust paint. A badlyrusted pool wallcan collapse.

Caution:Do not drain allthe water fromyour pool for thewinter, and do notremove the liner.An empty poolmay collapse inthe winter.

Continued next page


Remember:Failure to installthe �poolWinterizing Kit�and follow thewinterizing proce-dures, in accord-ance with thesesinstructions, mayvoid the poolwarranty.

6. Pool AccessoriesRemove all pool accessories from the pool, including the ladder. Leave theskimmer and filter parts attached to the pool wall. Ensure that the skimmerlid is installed and the opening at the bottom of the skimmer is open sothat accumulated water can drain immediately.

7. The FilterDisconnect the filter from the pool. Follow the filter directions for winterizingyour filter.

Important Winterizing NoticeAll Pools:The water level must be maintained at least 3� below the skimmeropening throughout the winter. Surplus water must be removed bypumping, draining or siphoning so that it doesn�t enter the skimmerduring the winter. Remove all hoses attached to the skimmer andreturn fittings. The opening at the bottom of the skimmer MUST bekept open so that accumulated water can drain immediately.

Pools with 12� skimmers:In addition to the above, the Pool Winterizing Kit (Part Number 1370138)must be inserted into the 12� skimmer (see illustration below)Failure to install the �Pool Winterizing Kit� and follow thewinterizing procedure, in accordance with these instructions, mayvoid the pool warranty.The Pool Winterizing Kit (Part Number 1370138) is also available fromyour pool dealer.

All Pools:Do not attach the pool cover to the top rails, connectors or any part ofthe skimmer.

Pool Wintering Kit

12� Wide MouthSkimmer

Maintain waterlevel at least 3�below skimmeropening throughoutthe winter

3�

Insert the Pool Winterizing Kit (Part Number 1370138) into the skimmeruntil it fits flush with the skimmer flange. On some skimmers, it may benecessary to trim the foam to make a friction fit and/or use a woodenwedge to keep it in place during the winter.


F. Safety Rules For Pool OwnersYour pool contains a large quantity of water, and is deep enough topresent inherent dangers to life and health unless the following safetyrules are strictly observed. First-time users run the highest risk of injury.Make sure everyone understands all safety rules before entering thepool. Post NO DIVING and NO JUMPING signs beside the pool.

For additional safety information please read the enclosed bookletThe Sensible Way To Enjoy Your Aboveground/Onground SwimmingPool.

1. No Jumping or DivingThe top rail of your pool is not a walkway and must not be used forjumping or diving. Do not permit jumping or diving into the poolfrom a deck or the top rail of the pool. Diving or jumping into thepool can result in serious injury.

2. Never use the Pool AloneNever permit the pool to be used unless it is attended by at leastone person other than the bather. Someone should always be avail-able to lend assistance in an emergency.

3. Never Leave Children UnattendedNever leave a child alone and unsupervised in or near the pool�not even for a second. There is no substitute for constant adult su-pervision.

4. No �Rough-housing�Do not permit �rough-housing� in and around your pool. Surfacescan become slippery and hazardous when wet.

5. Light the Pool at NightIf the pool is used after dusk, adequate lighting must be provided.Illumination in the pool area must be sufficient to clearly judge pooldepth and all features in and around the pool. For lighting recom-mendations, consult your local licensed electrical contractor.

6. Restrict Access to the PoolDo not leave chairs or other furniture beside the pool that could beused by a child to climb up into the pool. Ladders must be removedwhenever the pool is unattended. A fence with a lockable gatearound the pool or yard is strongly recommended and may berequired by law in some jurisdictions.

7. No Alcohol or DrugsThe use of alcohol or drugs does not mix with pool activities. Personswho have been drinking alcohol or using any drugs should not beallowed in the pool, and should be carefully supervised in the sur-rounding area.

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section 1 general instructions - … diving or jumping. observe all safety rules. 1 pool component...

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