Prepare the Ground

• Use heavy equipment such as a rented skid-steer loader to prepare the ground for your swimming pool installation. You must remove all rocks, roots and other debris from the site. Prior to installing your vinyl pool, you must make sure the ground is totally level.
  
  Place a layer of sand on the ground where you plan to install the swimming pool. This layer of sand not only acts as a cushion for the vinyl pool, but it also acts as a firm base for the pool liner.
  
  

Build the Frame

• Erect the frame for the swimming pool. Most vinyl pools have connecting sections that form the outer shell. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for putting the frames of the vinyl pool together. Because the weight of the water in a vinyl pool presses against the walls of the pool liner, it's important that adequate bracing be in place for this structure as well.
  
  Check all the metal parts that come in contact with the vinyl liner to make sure they aren't sharp. If any sharp metal pieces protrude, file them off or cover them with foam to protect the swimming pool liner. For extra protection, cover the seams of the frame structure with duct tape.
  
  Put the electrical and plumbing fixtures in place. You can complete the connections after the vinyl liner is in place.
  
  

Set the Vinyl Liner

• Rake the sand base to remove all pebbles and small objects. Make sure the sand is level.
  
  Place the swimming pool liner in its proper location. Be extremely careful not to disrupt the sand base. Fasten the vinyl liner to its vinyl lock connectors around the edge of the pool.
  
  To help keep the vinyl liner in place, attach shop vacuums to the exterior wall. Watch carefully to make sure there aren't any wrinkles in the pool liner as you begin to fill it with water. Once there's about 12 inches of water in the pool, you can remove the shop vacs. Depending on the size of your pool and the thickness of the vinyl liner, you may be able to get by without using the shop vacuums.
  
  

Finish the Installation

• Add the fittings to the pool liner after you fill the pool with water. These include the drain and the filter. Because of the underwater cutting, you may want to consider hiring a professional to complete this task. Put the steps in place and anchor them.
  
  Complete the plumbing work and the electrical connections. Finish the decking and fencing around your pool and you are ready to enjoy it.