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Builder / Installation Guide

Builder & Installation Guide

Everything You and Your Builder Need Before Installing Your Swimming Pool

Helpful guidance for homeowners, builders and contractors preparing for an in-ground swimming pool installation.

Download Builder Installation Guide

Do you install in-ground swimming pools?

No. My Pool Direct is a supply-only company. You will need to source a local builder or groundworks contractor to quote for and complete the excavation, base preparation and installation.

Why choose fibreglass or polymer over concrete?

Fibreglass and polymer pools are generally quicker to install than concrete pools. They are also often more affordable and provide a smooth gel-coat finish that feels comfortable underfoot.

What is included in the pool package?

Pool packages usually include the essential components needed to get started, such as skimmers, return jets, pipework, filtration and lights. Heaters, covers and enclosures can be added separately.

Installation Process

Every installation is different, however the principles remain the same. Before any excavation begins, your builder should read the installation guide in full and ensure they understand the manufacturer’s requirements for the concrete base, drainage, pipework, backfilling and final commissioning. Correct preparation at every stage is essential to ensure your swimming pool is installed safely and performs exactly as intended.

Cranes & Property Access

Accurate access information is essential before delivery. Please check gate widths, overhead cables, restricted access, tight roads and any lifting requirements. A local crane company may be required depending on site access.

Planning Permission

Many domestic garden pools do not require planning permission, but there are exceptions. Always check with your local authority, especially if your property is listed or the pool is close to boundaries or neighbouring properties.

Maintenance Costs

Running costs vary depending on pool size, weather, water temperature, usage and whether the pool is covered. A cover and efficient heating system can help reduce running costs.

Pool Heating Options

We offer modern, economical pool heating options designed to help you get more use from your swimming pool throughout the year.

Air-Source Heat Pumps

A cost-effective option for customers who mainly want to use their pool during milder months.

View air-source heat pumps

Inverter Heat Pumps

A premium option for customers who want improved efficiency and extended pool use throughout the year.

View inverter heat pumps

Before You Start

  • Choose a reputable local builder or groundworks contractor.
  • Ensure your contractor has reviewed the correct installation information.
  • Confirm access measurements before delivery.
  • Check whether a crane or lifting equipment will be required.
  • Arrange a qualified electrician for any electrical work.
  • Contact your local authority if you are unsure about planning requirements.

Important Installation Notes

Please Read Before Starting Groundworks

Pool Excavation Size

To allow for skimmers and optional swim jets, please make sure the excavation is 1 metre larger than the full pool size. This mainly applies to ceramic pools and on-site built pools.

Block Wall Requirements

No block wall is required around the pool unless the pool is being installed semi-sunk.

Semi-Sunk Pools

Semi-sunk pools require a block wall around the exposed area above ground, with concrete or gravel-packed infill between the blockwork and pool structure.

Concrete Ring Beam

A concrete ring beam is always required around the top section of the pool to allow for the surrounding finish.

Backfilling Support

Timber bracing across the width of the pool is only required for polymer and fibreglass pools when backfilling.

Optional Tech Box

Some Dura Polymer groundwork plans show a marked box area. This is only required when the optional tech box is being installed.

Guides & Instructions

Download Installation Manuals & Technical Guides

Use the buttons below to access the relevant installation manuals, preparation guides, plumbing guides and electrical documents for your pool project.

Aboral UK Pool Manual Sloping and constant depth pool installation guide. Download PDF → Electrical Wiring Guide Electrical wiring installation guide. Download PDF → Dura Polymer Preparation Guide Site preparation guidance for Dura Polymer pools. Download PDF → Dura Polymer Installation Guide Building preparation and skimmer pool installation guide. Download PDF → Fibreglass / Ceramic Pool Installation Guide Step-by-step guidance for installing fibreglass and ceramic pools. View Guide → One Piece Fibreglass Pool Installation Installation guide for one-piece fibreglass swimming pools. Download PDF → Filtration Plumbing Guide Plumbing guidance for filtration systems and pool equipment. Download PDF → General Electrical Guide General electrical guidance for pool projects. Download PDF →

Options to Suit Your Project

Pool Options, Finishes & Accessories

Choose from a wide range of pool options and accessories to complete your swimming pool project, from internal finishes and colour choices to filtration, heating, lighting and cover systems.

Swimming pool options

Complete Your Pool

Accessories & Equipment

We supply the essential equipment needed to help you get the most from your pool, including filtration, pumps, lighting, heating options, pipework, covers and maintenance accessories.

✓ Filtration & Pumps
✓ Heating Solutions
✓ Lighting
✓ Covers & Rollers
✓ Pipework & Fittings
✓ Cleaning Equipment
Swimming pool accessories and equipment

Constant Depth Pool Installations

Installation Gallery

A selection of constant depth pool installations showing groundwork preparation, positioning, backfilling, pool surrounds and completed installation stages.

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From Delivery to Completion

These images show typical stages of a constant depth pool installation, including lifting, positioning, pipework preparation and surrounding works.

Builder / Installation Guide Builder / Installation Guide Builder / Installation Guide Builder / Installation Guide Builder / Installation Guide Builder / Installation Guide Builder / Installation Guide Builder / Installation Guide Builder / Installation Guide Builder / Installation Guide Builder / Installation Guide Builder / Installation Guide Builder / Installation Guide Builder / Installation Guide Builder / Installation Guide Builder / Installation Guide Builder / Installation Guide Builder / Installation Guide Builder / Installation Guide Builder / Installation Guide Builder / Installation Guide Builder / Installation Guide Builder / Installation Guide Builder / Installation Guide Builder / Installation Guide

Sloping Bottom Pool Installations

Sloping Bottom Pool Installation Gallery

A selection of sloping bottom pool installation images showing delivery, positioning, groundwork preparation, plumbing, backfilling and finishing stages.

Sloping bottom pool installation Sloping bottom pool installation Sloping bottom pool excavation Sloping bottom pool groundwork

Built for a Gradual Depth Change

Sloping bottom pools require careful preparation to ensure the pool is correctly supported across the full base profile. These images show different stages of the installation process from shell positioning through to surrounding works.

Sloping bottom pool installation stage Sloping bottom swimming pool installation Sloping bottom pool backfilling Sloping bottom pool project Sloping bottom pool installation project Sloping bottom pool pipework preparation Sloping bottom pool shell positioning Sloping bottom pool groundwork installation Sloping bottom pool installation gallery Sloping bottom pool installation example Sloping bottom swimming pool project Sloping bottom pool site preparation Sloping bottom pool installation works Sloping bottom pool project installation Sloping bottom pool base preparation Sloping bottom pool surround preparation Sloping bottom pool installation detail Sloping bottom pool fitting stage Sloping bottom pool installation stage Sloping bottom pool finishing works Sloping bottom pool finished installation Sloping bottom pool installation completion Completed sloping bottom pool installation Sloping bottom pool completed project Sloping bottom pool final installation Sloping bottom pool installation finished

Installation Videos

Watch Our Swimming Pool Installation Videos

See our swimming pools being delivered, positioned, installed and commissioned. These videos demonstrate the installation process for both fibreglass and polymer swimming pools, together with useful advice for builders and customers.

Dura Polymer Pool Technology

Learn more about our Dura Polymer swimming pool construction and manufacturing process.

Fibreglass Pool Installation

Watch one of our fibreglass swimming pools being delivered and installed in the UK.

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