Install an EVi Pool
IN 8 EASY STEPS
Step One:
Planning:
HOW WILL WE GET THE POOL INTO POSITION?
Before you start to plan any part of the pool installation, the first thing to do is check if
planning permission is required. Usually a pool falls within permitted development however
if it is outside the scope of permitted development the process of applying is very
straightforward and very rarely declined. This applies to not only the pool installation at the
property but any other applications that need to be made to relevant local council
departments. For example if a road closure may be required, the application should be
made in advance of order. There are many various reasons why planning permission would
be required.
The client should always enquire to avoid potential problems in the future.
The process of applying and gaining permission for a road closure can take up to 16 weeks.
Determine the optimal delivery route and select your lifting method (crane or minimum
13-tonne excavator). You must consult with a specialist crane hire or groundworks firm to
develop a formal Lifting Plan. To facilitate this, provide the lifting team with the pool weight
(refer to Construction Specification, p 4) and the dimensions for both the pool and the Pool
Pod (refer to Technical Drawings). A copy of the finalised lifting plan must be submitted for
our records prior to the pool delivery.
Please note
Machines like Telehandlers and Manitous are not suitable for moving a pool.
Placement:
WHERE IS THE BEST PLACE FOR THE POOL?
Deciding on ideal pool placement is an integral part of a pool that not only runs
well but is easier to maintain and looks great too.
Below are the most important points that should be considered when deciding on
the best location.
The pool position should be:
■ A minimum of 2 m away from any building, fence or brick wall (unless you
have consulted a structural engineer)
■ Complimentary of sun rise and set locations. There are some great apps
available to download to help you with this.
https://suntracker.app/
■ A maximum of 8m away from the Pool Pod measured by the closest corner
of the pool.
The pool position should not be:
■ Too far from the house so that you can easily run services- power, water and
drainage to the intended pool location
■ Under any trees
■ At the bottom of a slope
■ Raised off the ground more than 30cm (unless you consult a structural
engineer and install retaining walls)
Safety Considerations: Safety is a priority, particularly for households with
children or pets. Please ensure proper safeguards are in place, such as a solid
safety cover or a dedicated pool fence, to prevent unauthorised or accidental
access to the water.
Normally when designing the falls of a patio, the falls will be away from the swimming pool
This is to prevent any surrounding water from entering the swimming pool. It is normal
practice to allow 2 cm per 1 m of patio for the fall. So, if your patio is to
be 4 m wide, your pool will have to be 8 cm above the surrounding ground level.
The first coping should be laid level. All the patio after this should have a fall.
Once the pool position is decided, refer to the technical drawings for the specific
dimensions of the pool shell, the visible water area, and the required excavation size. Using
this data, peg out the shape of the pool in its intended location using string lines. Always
take diagonal measurements to ensure the layout is perfectly square. This process also
allows the customer to visualize the final position and confirm their satisfaction before the
area is permanently marked with line marker spray.
Next, plan the location of the Pool Pod base and the connecting trench. Follow permitted
development guidelines and local regulations. The base should also be no further than 8 m
from the closest corner of the pool. Adhering to this maximum distance ensures sufficient
water flow for pumps and filters while preventing excessive heat loss through the pipework,
thereby keeping operational costs low for the client.
For the heat pump to operate efficiently, it must have at least 2.5 m of clear airspace in
front of it and must not be placed in an enclosed area. Obstructed airflow causes cold air
to recirculate back into the inlet, which will significantly impair the pool’s heating capability.
Finally, the service trench should run in a direct line from the Pool Pod to the nearest corner
of the pool, measuring 450 mm wide by 650 mm below the finished ground level.
Booking a delivery date:
10% Deposit to secure the delivery date
Tech visit to be attended within 2 weeks of deposit paid
25% Payable within 1 week of Tech visit
Balance payable up to 48 hours prior to despatch
Before a new pool order can be finalised, a pre-installation consultation at the property is
required. This meeting is essential for reviewing the delivery logistics, discussing necessary
site preparations, and addressing any technical queries.
To officially secure a delivery date, a 10% deposit is required.
Please note that delivery slots cannot be held without this initial payment. If the consultation has not taken place prior to the order, it must be scheduled and completed as soon as possible, and no later than two weeks after the deposit has been paid. At the point of order, we also require the pool owner’s full contact details, including name, phone number, and email address.
The project will proceed according to the following schedule and payment milestones:
● Initial Order: A 10% deposit is required to secure your delivery date.
● Technical Consultation: The site visit must be attended within two weeks of the
deposit payment.
● Second Deposit Payment: 25% of the total balance is payable within one week of
the completed technical visit.
● Final Balance: The remaining balance must be cleared no later than 48 hours prior
to dispatch.
Please note: Once you have paid the deposit and you have a delivery date we recommend
securing the copings for the pool surround. There can sometimes be a long lead
time for pool copings and making an order at this point can prevent delay to
your project after installation.
Specific coping packs are available for each pool model to ensure a precise fit and finish.
We recommend placing your coping order simultaneously with your pool order to
guarantee availability. Please note that if the coping pack is not ordered at this initial stage,
we cannot guarantee they will be available by your scheduled delivery date.
We work closely with a specialist external supplier who provides these tailored coping sets. If
you would like to proceed, simply notify us, and we will facilitate the connection with the
supplier to ensure your requirements are met.
Step Two:
Using the previously marked and sprayed perimeter, refer to your excavation drawings to
determine the required depth. These measurements are calculated from the finished pool
level and must account for the 2 cm per 1 m patio gradient to ensure correct drainage
away from the pool.
To ensure accuracy during the dig, a laser level must be used. Establish a fixed datum
point—typically a secure peg set at the final finished floor level—to serve as your constant
reference for all depth measurements. Once the total pool area is pegged and the datum
is set, verify all dimensions against the technical drawings before beginning the excavation.
For further details on specific material requirements, please refer to the Construction
Specification document.
Your laser should have a MM read out on the detector for setting the form work.
Begin the excavation at one end of the marked area, working backward to maintain a clear
path for machinery. Depending on the soil composition, additional structural preparation
may be required. If the soil is unstable, it may be necessary to bench the sides of the
excavation at a 45-degree angle. Please note that while this ensures site safety, it will
increase the overall project cost due to the additional volume of backfill material required.
The base of the excavation must provide a stable foundation for the pool structure. If the
ground at the formation level appears soft or compromised, a ground bearing test must be
conducted. The substrate must be capable of supporting a minimum load of 100 kN/m2. If
the ground fails to meet this specification, further ground stabilisation measures will be
necessary before proceeding.
Ground water! If you hit ground water please contact us for advice on the
best solution. Very heavy groundwater may require dewatering at
additional cost. This can take a few weeks before the installation can
continue.
If you have clay soil you may also need to increase the excavation
size to install 50 mm clayboards.
Following the main pool excavation, you should proceed with the trench connecting the
pool to the Pool Pod area.
Note that if site access is restricted, it may be more practical to complete this trenching prior to the main pool dig.
The trench should be excavated to a minimum width of 450 mm (typically the width of a
standard excavator bucket) and a depth of 650 mm below the finished patio or ground
level. Once the trench is cleared, it must be lined with a bed of sharp sand or similar suitable
media. This provides a stable, protective base for the subsequent installation of pipework
and electrical conduits.
Concrete Base Construction and Reinforcement
The structural integrity of the installation requires a 150 mm reinforced concrete base for the
pool and a 100 mm base for the Pool Pod.
Formwork and Preparation
Construct the formwork using 6 x 2 timbers, positioned 200 mm inward from the excavation
walls. Use a laser level to ensure the timbers are perfectly level. Before pouring, install a
Damp Proof Membrane (DPM) across the formation level; this prevents the concrete from
losing moisture too rapidly into the subgrade, ensuring a consistent cure.
Reinforcement Specifications
Install A142 reinforcing mesh within the pool base. The mesh must be fully encapsulated in
concrete to prevent corrosion:
● Positioning: Use rebar chairs to suspend the mesh at least 75 mm above the DPM,
the center of the slab.
● Clearance: Ensure the mesh does not touch the timber formwork at any point.
● Integrity: Once the reinforcement is laid, it must not be walked upon, as this can
displace the chairs or deform the mesh.
Concrete Pour and Finishing
Due to the volumes involved, the use of a concrete pump is usually recommended. The
concrete must meet a minimum specification of C30 with a maximum slump of 100 mm.
Use a tamp bar to compact the mix and a bull float to achieve a smooth, level finish.
Curing Time
The finished slabs require a minimum of three days of curing time in favorable weather
conditions before any further installation or loading can take place.
Once cured, verify the base with a laser level. The slab must be within a
maximum tolerance of ±7 mm (14 mm total deviation). Precise leveling is
essential, as this base determines the final water line of the pool.
If the concrete base exceeds the±7 mm tolerance, a professional liquid screed must be
applied to achieve the required level. Note that this will increase the finished height of the
base by approximately 40 mm. If there are concerns regarding the precision of the initial
pour, it is recommended to factor the cost and height of a liquid screed into the project
budget from the outset.
The Pool Pod base can be poured simultaneously with the main pool slab 4” x 1” timber
formwork. Refer to the technical drawings for specific dimensions. It is recommended to use
an edging trowel for a professional finish and to install additional formwork to create a clear
internal channel, allowing pipework to enter the left-hand side of the Pool Pod without
obstruction.
The electrician will be required on-site up to three times during the installation process.
Visit 1: The first visit should occur at the start of the build, prior to delivery. The electrician will install two 16A, 230 V, blue (IP44) BS EN 60309-2 industrial socket-outlets, supplied from the customers main distribution board. Refer to the ‘EVi Electrical Specification’ document for electrical specifications and the Pool Pod Technical drawings for socket location details.
Visit 2: The second visit will take place once the pool has been delivered and the pool and plant (Pool Pod) are in their final positions, before back filling begins. The electrician will make the poolside connections for the lights, optional Training Pack and Optional Family Pack cover. They will then connect the necessary junction boxes to the Pool Pod junction box. If required, the electrician will also lay (but not connect) the cable for the Family Pack cover, ready for connection after the cover upright installation. Refer to the Pool Pod technical drawings for the junction box location details.
Visit 3: (Optional Family Pack) The third visit involves connecting the cable to the Pool Pod and the motor bar of the Family Pack cover.
For a list of required items, please refer to the ‘EVi Electrical Specification’ Document.
EVi Pools can supply additional cabling if required, which must be ordered at least four weeks prior to the delivery date.
Drainage
The pool will require a (110 mm)drain next to the Pool Pod capable of taking 15 m3 an hour
(250L/min). This should be connected to the main drain or alternatively, this could be
spread on a large area of grass to soak in subject to permission from the environment
agency. This should not be allowed to flow into a septic tank, reed drainage system or
sewage plant. A separate drain (110 mm) should be provided near the pool for the overflow
to be connected to the 300 mm twin wall, 300 mm below finished level, optionally one for
the condensate if a heat pump is fitted. (See technical drawings for further information.)
Step Four:
On your scheduled delivery date, you will be provided with a pre-allocated time slot; however, our team aims to arrive as early as possible. To ensure a smooth transition, it is essential that the site is fully prepared and all personnel are ready by 9:00 am.
To manage the logistics of the installation, a minimum of four people must be present
on-site for the duration of the day. For any additional technical assistance required on delivery day or throughout the installation process, please coordinate with your sales representative. We require at least four weeks’ notice to guarantee availability for these bookings.
An EVi representative will be on-site to oversee the delivery and will complete the pool and
plant room plumbing and perform a full pressure test of the system to ensure its integrity before the installation proceeds.
Please be advised that a minimum of four weeks’ notice is required for any changes to scheduled technical assistance dates.
While we understand that unforeseen circumstances may arise, requests made with less than four weeks’ notice are subject to our existing scheduling commitments. In such cases, we may be unable to accommodate your preferred new date, which could result in significant delays to your project timeline.
The pool will be delivered via an articulated lorry or large trailer (during restricted access deliveries). To ensure a safe approach and sufficient room for unloading, a minimum access width of two car widths is required. Please ensure all roads leading to and around the designated unloading area are clear of parked vehicles or obstructions prior to our arrival.
Once on-site, EVi Pools will provide a 20 mm XPS insulation layer. This must be installed directly onto the clear concrete base before the pool is lowered into position. This layer is a critical component of the installation; please refer to your technical drawings for precise placement and alignment details.
To ensure a seamless installation, both you and the EVi representative will be provided with an Order of Work. Please review this document in advance to familiarise yourself with the sequence of events and to prevent any avoidable delays.
On the day of delivery, formal sign-off is required at two critical stages to protect your
warranty and verify the quality of work:
1. Pre-Offloading Shell Inspection: Before the pool is removed from the delivery vehicle,
you must inspect the shell for any cosmetic damage. You will be required to sign a
declaration confirming you are satisfied with the condition of the pool upon arrival.
2. Pressure Test Verification: Once our representative has connected the pipework and
completed the system pressure test, you must sign to confirm that the test was
successful according to the results (parameters specified and result documented
within the ‘order of work’ and the plumbing is secure.
Warranty and Registration
Comprehensive warranty information is located within your Trade File. Please note the
following regarding the warranty handover:
Handover: The official warranty will be handed to the end-user only after the pool has been
fully commissioned, following the completion of the backfilling process.
Pool Lifting
The pool is equipped with four dedicated lifting points located on the structural lip. To
facilitate a safe lift, the following rated equipment is required:
● D-Rings: Four units, rated to a minimum of 2 tonnes each.
● Strops: Four 3-metre strops, rated to a minimum of 2 tonnes each.
● Additional Hardware: Lifting chains and a swivel hook may be necessary to ensure
the pool can be rotated and positioned accurately.
Immediately after the pool has been lowered into the excavation, you must verify its
placement using a laser level. Check the level at each of the four corners on the top of the
pool shell to ensure it sits perfectly within the required tolerances before proceeding.
When you strap up the pool you must ensure that it is level, this means when you lower the pool down it will touch the base flat. Strops, not chains should be used on the lifting points of the pool to prevent damage to the edge of the shell.
With the pool shell and Pool Pod now in position, the EVi representative will finalise the plumbing connections between the two units and conduct a comprehensive pressure test to ensure system integrity.
Prior to commencing the backfilling process, your electrician must return for their second site visit to complete the following:
● Poolside Connections: Wire the pool lights and, if applicable, the Training Pack Turbine.
● Junction Box Integration: Connect all poolside junction boxes to the central Pool Pod junction box. (Please refer to the Pool Pod Technical Drawings for precise junction box locations).
● Cover Preparation: If a Family Pack cover is being installed, the electrician should lay the required cabling at this stage.
Note that this cable should be left ready for connection following the backfilling process and final cover installation.
Refer to the ‘EVI Electrical Specification’ document for further details.
Do not start the turbine until the pool contains water and the turbine is fully
immersed in water.
Heavy Machinery Buffer Zone: To prevent structural damage, do not operate or
drive heavy machinery within 1.5m of the pool shell at any time.
Bore Water Warning: Bore water is strictly prohibited for the initial filling of the
pool. If this is your only available water source, you must contact EVi Pools for
essential advice before proceeding.
The pool is a flexible structure and requires precise handling to maintain its
shape. Failure to follow these rules will invalidate your warranty:
● Specified Materials Only: Use only the backfill material specified. Using
alternative materials will void your warranty.
● Wooden Braces: Do not remove the internal wooden braces until the pool
is completely full of water. These prevent the walls from bowing inward
during the fill.
● No External Pressure: Avoid applying any weight to the pool walls other
than the backfill material itself.
● Restricted Access: Do not walk down the sides of the pool or on the
backfill until the material has fully set and the pool is filled to its final level.
The backfilling process must be performed in stages to balance internal and external
pressure, ensuring the pool shell maintains its structural shape.
Only use a 14:1 Lean Mix (Stabilised Sand / CBS / Cement Bound Sand). The use of any other material will invalidate the structural warranty.
Before starting, set string lines along each side of the pool. These serve as a visual guide to
ensure the walls remain perfectly straight. Monitor these lines constantly throughout the
backfilling process to check for any inward or outward bowing.
Installation Sequence
1. Initial Stabilisation: Fill the pool with water up to the first ledge. Once the water reaches this height, add and pack the lean mix backfill up to the same level.
2. Incremental Filling: Continue by adding 300 mm of water, followed by 300 mm of backfill. Repeat this stepped process, always keeping the water level slightly ahead
of or equal to the backfill level.
3. Final Level: Continue this sequence until both the water and backfill reach 200 mm
below the top of the pool shell.
Labour Requirements
For an effective installation, one person should remain in the excavation to manually pack
the material around the shell while another operative feeds the material from above. This
ensures there are no voids and that the material is densely compacted where required
under the steps and ledges.
Please ensure that the excavation is shored, the person in the hole is supervised
at all times and that they are trained to work in confined spaces.
Ensure you tightly fill any voids under the steps as you backfill. If you do not do
this, it will put strain on the pool shell once filled with water and can cause the shell to crack.
This would not be covered by warranty.
Once you are at the top of the pool, the surround of the pool needs to be poured with a
reinforced concrete base for you to lay the patio on top of.
Ensure the pool is not bowing in or out when you begin pouring the concrete and vibrate the concrete as you pour. You can now backfill all trenches first with sharp sand 100 mm above all the pipes followed by soil.
Do not use a plate compactor or wacker plate within 1.5 m of the pool shell.
Do not drive any machinery such as excavators or dumper trucks within 1.5 m of the pool excavation.
This will cause damage to the shell.
Step Seven:
For the pool surround, adhere the first line of paving to the pool edge with a modified
polymer adhesive (such as CT1 or Innotec), and seal the join from within the pool using a
quality silicone (such as DOW).
You must incorporate access points into the surround for the skimmer and sump tube.
Skimmer cover drawings can be supplied upon request. If the Family Pack cover has been
ordered, consult the installation notes found within the Trade pack.
Safety and Material Requirements for Pool Surround Paving:
● Softwood decking is not suitable as it can be slippery and splinters easily.
● All paving must have an adequate slip rating and be pendulum slip tested to
ensure a safe surface when wet.
● The paving surface should not be riven.
● The edge of the paving facing the pool should be bullnose or overlip.
The space between the pool coping and the paving requires a flexible seal, usually 5 mm of Modified polymer (e.g., CT1) or matching Innotec, with green frog tape recommended for precise application.
Step Eight:
Assisted Pool Start up
Once the pool is installed we recommend starting the circulation system as soon as possible. To schedule the pool startup with an EVi representative, please contact our office. We recommend booking this service as early as possible to ensure availability.
Pool Water Level
Maintaining the proper water level is very important for your pool.
Ideally, the water level should be level with the center of the skimmer. Allowing the water
level to drop too low or overflow could potentially cause damage to the pool shell. In
addition, if you have an automatic cover, an incorrect water level may lead to damage to
the cover slats, so it is a good idea to check the level before operating the cover. You may
also need to periodically clear leaves from the overflow.
Water balance and chemicals
The “Your EVi Pool Document” is located within the Trade Pack. This document provides the
pool owner with essential instructions on pool care, part maintenance, and appropriate
water management. It is important that you read this document before beginning the
installation.
Starting up the circulation system
Please refer to ‘Your EVi Pool’ Owners manual for start up procedue
In periods of heavy rain, the pool water may overflow into the overflow system. Should this occur, you should allow the water level to drop before opening or closing the pool cover. If the water level is too high following heavy rain, a backwash procedure can be performed to bring it back to the correct operating level.
Please note that a certain amount of water loss is normal due to backwashing, evaporation, and regular use of the pool.
If there is continued construction or significant landscaping after the pool installation, the pool must be securely boarded and covered (using Terram 1000 over a solid cover). This is necessary to prevent damage to the pool shell and to avoid overloading the filtration system.
In this situation, we also recommend performing more frequent backwashing to keep the filter from becoming overloaded.
Additional Assistance
We begin the planning process with digital consultations to offer you basic advice on pool
placement, review delivery access, and address any initial questions you may have.
Following this, a mandatory pre-installation consultation visit to the property takes place
when you place an order. The goal of this visit is to thoroughly review the installation process
with the groundworks team and all other trades involved in the build. We will examine
access and delivery options and identify any potential obstacles.
We then must attend the property prior to ordering for a pre-installation consultation visit.
The purpose of this visit is to run through the installation process in detail with the installer, groundworks team and other trades involved in the build. We look at access and delivery options and look for any potential obstacles that there may be for delivery.
Engineer On Site help
We can provide on-site assistance, at a day rate, either to help directly with the installation
or to offer expert advice.
● Booking Requirements: To guarantee the availability of our site staff, we require a
minimum of four weeks’ notice from the date of your requested booking for
technical assistance during installation.
● Rescheduling: Should unforeseen circumstances require you to move a booked
date, we will make every effort to accommodate your new request. Due to
pre-arranged scheduling commitments, we may not always be able to offer the
exact date you ask for, but we will endeavor to provide the closest possible
alternative.
● Note on Changes: Please be aware that changing technical assistance dates may
unfortunately lead to delays in your project timeline.
Please call us to book an engineer.
