Above Ground Pool Installation

Install type: Freestanding Pool: Above Ground Minimum clearance: 15 feet Minimum embedment: 12"+ deep

Above Ground Pool Installation

This freestanding method uses a concrete footing and a vertical 2" PVC sleeve to hold the Swim Tether plate securely.

Placement: Position the footing hole approximately 12" from the pool edge.
Ensure you have at least 15 feet of clear swim distance

Materials & Tools

  • Swim Tether install plate (stainless)
  • 2" Schedule 40 PVC pressure pipe (white) — recommended
  • Optional upgrade: 2" Schedule 80 PVC (same OD, thicker wall / tougher sleeve)
  • Optional: fiberglass rebar (won’t rust; adds stiffness to the concrete post)
  • Post hole digger (recommended) or auger
  • Concrete mix
  • Level
  • Water + bucket / mixing tub
  • Wet towel / rag for cleanup

Depth Guidance (Important)

  • Minimum PVC embedment: 12" below grade
  • Cold climates: go deeper to reduce frost heave risk
  • Best practice: set the bottom of the concrete/footing below your local frost line when applicable

If you don’t know your frost depth, check local building guidance for your area.

1

Choose the Location

Pick a spot roughly 12" from the pool wall that gives you a straight swim lane with 15 feet of clearance. Mark the center point for your footing.

2

Dig a Deeper Footing Hole (Post Hole Digger)

Use a post hole digger (or auger) to dig a vertical hole. Set depth so the PVC will be embedded a minimum of 12" below grade. In regions with frost, dig deeper as needed—ideally to get the footing below your local frost line.


Pro tip for stiffness: Widen the bottom of the hole (a “bell” shape) so the footing resists rocking/tilting under load.
3

Pour Concrete & Set the PVC Plumb

Mix and pour concrete into the hole, then place the 2" PVC centered in the footing. Use a level to keep the PVC perfectly vertical and brace it until the concrete firms up.

4

Fill the PVC & Insert the Plate

Fill the PVC with concrete to the top. Insert the stainless plate by pressing firmly and evenly. You want the plate to displace some concrete (this helps prevent air gaps). Wipe away excess with a wet towel before it cures.

5

Let It Cure Completely

Allow the concrete to fully cure before inserting the Swim Tether and swimming. Follow the cure guidance on your concrete mix (temperature and humidity affect cure time).

Depth matters. Minimum embedment is 12" but colder regions may require deeper footing placement to reduce frost heave.
How far from the pool should the footing be?
About 12" from the pool edge is a solid target for most installs.
How deep should I embed the PVC?
Minimum 12" below grade. If your region freezes, go deeper as needed— best practice is placing the footing below your local frost line.
Why a post hole digger instead of a wide square hole?
A post hole digger makes it easy to go deeper with less mess and less concrete, and deeper footings are what actually fight movement (especially frost heave).
Why should the plate displace concrete?
Displacing concrete helps prevent air gaps where the concrete meets the stainless plate, improving strength and longevity.
When can I swim?
Only after the concrete is fully cured. Cure time depends on the mix and weather—follow the label instructions.