How to Attach L Bracket on Brace

by Erik
(Illinois)

I have a deep end on my pool and want to use the method mentioned in here about the two cinder blocks and the L bracket.

My question is how to attach the L bracket, do I have a welder put that on or are there holes I can attach bolts or is there some weld like compound?

Hi Erik

That's a good question and I am sure there are a number of correct answers.

I do it just like I do the Doughboy brackets using four nuts and bolts.

I'm sure welding would be fine also, done correctly. Four heavy duty Tek screws, self taping screws, should work also.

I'm sure you will not find pre drilled holes as this is a custom modification. And all bottom channels are different, but there is always a way to attach the bracket securely.

Traditional buttress oval pool expandable liner

by Brenda
(Tennessee)

I saw on you website how the center portion of pool could be dug out for an expandable liner. The instruction for buttress free and traditional buttress oval pool have the straps that go all the way across.

We bought a traditional buttress 15 x 30 pool. Do you just not use those straps when putting in an expandable liner?

Hi Brenda

You can't just eliminate the straps, it's not quite that simple.

This page

Above Ground Pool Directions

has a drawing of how to attach a bracket to the underside of the buttress channel.

I would not try doing this with buttress pools where the upright and angle brackets are attached to a thin metal strap. I would only do this on pools with a sturdy steel buttress channel.

Removal of Straps

by Jeff Heller
(Valley Stream, NY USA)

Hi, I have a 15' x 30' x 48" deep Johnny Weissmuller pool that is about 24 years old and, other than the liner, is in great shape.

As I select a new liner I wanted to know if I can cut out the straps that are under the sand and have the installers dig out another 6" so I can have a 54" deep pool.

At this point I was under the impression that the straps were to insure proper alignment during installation and since the entire bottom of the pool is in a bottom track and the outside has a cement collar what the risks are?

Thank you, Jeff

Hi Jeff

It sounds like you would be fine to cut our the straps. They do more than just align the pool during installation, they keep the sides from pushing out when the pool is filling.

Replacing the straps usually requires installing L-brackets under the brace assembly, and installing an 8" x 8" x 16" block. This design is shown on this page.

Above Ground Pool Directions

If your concrete is up against the pool, preventing it from pushing out, you may be just fine. The pool will push out, so you need to be sure your support will hold it all together.

Above Ground Oval Deep End-Conversion

by Steve
(Ontario canada)

Hi there, I have purchased a used 16x26 above ground pool. I have installed it except for liner. My question is do I have to use the steel straps across bottom. They are a little rusty, and now I am thinking of removing them prior to installing liner in order for me to make it slightly deeper in center. How crucial are these straps.

Hi Steve It can be done but you can't just remove the straps, they are very important.

Most Doughboy brand oval pools are designed for deep ends. It's a simple matter of bolting an L bracket to the underside of each channel. I've included a photo of one of them being set into place against a block. You would use either a solid 8" x 8" x 16" block, or a block like in the photo is fine with some concrete in and around it. My page Oval Pool Deep Ends has a lot more information about digging the oval pool deep end.

Any rusted straps not in the deep area, that you plan to use, can be replaced with some Simpson Strong Tie found at Home Depot or Amazon.
Be sure to leave the pressure plates in place, they are also very important, as is the small ledge between the plate and the start of the hole.