5 Upper St Martins Lane,
Covent Garden,
London, WC2H 9EA
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.
Plan your access and plan the lift. The pool can either be moved into position by crane or
an excavator (minimum 13 tonne excavator).
Once you have decided on the best route of delivery and you consulted with either a crane hire company or an experienced groundworks company they will need to provide you with a lifting plan for the safe and correct lifting and movement of the pool. To enable them to create the lifting plan you will need to provide them with the pool weight (found in construction Specification document
Page 4) and Pool and Pool Pod dimensions (found in the combined technical drawings).
They will also need to move the Pool Pod the dimensions of which can be found in the
technical drawings.
Once you have received the lifting plan please supply us with a copy to keep on your file.
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)
An important safety consideration: should children and/ or pets live at the
property, safeguarding measures should be in place. This could be by
either upgrading to a solid cover or alternatively the pool should have a surrounding fence.
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.
Taking all of this into consideration once you have decided the position of your pool, please
re-consult your Pool drawings. These will give you the dimensions of the pool shell, the visible
water area and the excavation size.
Use this information and string lines, peg out the shape of the pool in the exact, intended
location (always taking a diagonal measurement to check that the box that you pegged
out is square). This will also give the customer the opportunity to see the potential location
and check that they are happy. Once this has been checked and the customer is happy it
can be sprayed in with line marker spray.
At this point consider the intended location of the Pool Pod base and trench .
(The dimensions of the Pool Pod and base are available in your technical drawings.) It should be
placed a minimum of 1 m from any boundary to ensure that the heat pump falls within
permitted development (if applicable) it should also be a maximum of 8 m away from the
closest corner of the pool. This is to ensure that the water flow to and from the pool is
sufficient for the pumps and filters and there is not an excess heat loss through the pipes to
ensure the running costs are not unnecessarily high for the client. The heat pump should
have 2.5 m of clear airspace in front of it and it should not be in an enclosed area. This is
to ensure that it operates efficiently and that the cold air is not recirculating back onto the
air inlet (this will cause serious problems in the pool’s ability to heat itself).
The trench should run in a direct line from the Pool Pod back to the closest corner of the
pool (a maximum of 8 m) it should measure 450 mm wide x 650 mm below finished 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
Prior to a new pool order we must attend the property to complete a pre-installation
consultation. This will enable us to run through what will happen on delivery day, what needs
to be done to prepare for the delivery and answer any questions you may have. Once this
has been completed you can select a delivery date and pay the 10% deposit. (We cannot
hold delivery dates without the deposit.)
If we have been unable to attend the property prior to pool order we must attend as soon
as possible after deposit payment to complete the visit (within 2 weeks).
Once you have paid the deposit and you have a delivery date we recommend securing the
copings for the pool surround. This can sometimes be a long lead time and making an
order at this point can prevent delay to your project after installation.
We offer two options for assistance at this point of the installation.
Option 1
Technical drawings. We can provide technical drawings to enable you to source your own
coping option.
Option 2
Coping packs are available to purchase for each pool model. Please place the order for the
correct coping pack when making your pool order. If the coping pack order is not placed at
time of pool order we cannot guarantee they will be available by your delivery date.
When completing the surround of the pool Softwood decking is not suitable. It gets slippery
and splinters very quickly. Any paving should have an adequate slip rating and should be
pendulum slip tested to ensure that it is safe with wet feet and you can not catch your toes
on a riven surface. Paving should also be bullnose or overlip on the edge facing the pool.
Step Two:
To prepare for the excavation for the pool, begin with your pegged, sprayed area that you
have marked using your excavation drawings, however this time you will need to measure the pool depth too.
The excavation drawings will give you the total excavation depth from the finished pool level
ensuring that this allows for the slopes of the patio to go away from the swimming pool at a
rate of 2 cm per 1 m.
Once you have pegged out the total pool area, you will need a laser level. You will set this on
the datum point, which is normally a peg that you’ve put in the ground at the finished level.
For more detailed information on the different elements required for preparation for the
pool delivery please see the construction specification document.
Your laser should have a MM read out on the detector for setting the form work.
Start your excavation at one end, working your way backwards. Depending on the soil type
you may need to complete some extra preparation work. For example, benching the sides
of the excavation at 45 degrees if the soil is unstable for any reason. However, this will
increase your costs as you will need more backfill material, please bear this in mind from
the start.
If the ground is soft at the base of the excavation it will need a ground bearing test
as we require ground capable of supporting 100 kN/m2.
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.
After completing the excavation for the pool you can excavate the trench from the pool to
the Pool Pod area, If access on the site is restricted this may have to be done before the
excavation of the pool.
This should be a minimum of 450 mm wide, usually the width of the excavator bucket and a
depth of 650 mm below your finished patio level / ground level.
You will then need to line it with sharp media ready for the pipework and electrical conduits.
You will need a 150 mm reinforced concrete base for the pool and a 100 mm base for the
Pool Pod.
Before laying the concrete you should start by applying a layer of damp proof membrane
at the bottom to ensure the concrete doesn’t dry or wet too quickly.
You will need a timber formwork, normally 6 x 2 timbers to form the base. You will put this in
with stakes and use your laser level to put the formwork all the way around the edge at the
correct level. Mark out base shuttering by pegging 200mm in from the excavation
Then, you will need a142 reinforcing mesh with rebar chairs to upstand the rebar off the base of the pool by 75 mm.
The rebar should not be walked on once laid and should be in
the middle of the concrete slab. It should also not touch the edges of the concrete formwork. So as to fully enclose it in concrete. Space the rebar out using rebar chairs a minimum of 50 mm from the base of the slab.
Given the amount of concrete, it is advisable to use a concrete pump, you will need C30
concrete minimum or above, with a maximum slump of 100. You will also need a bull float
and tamp bar to ensure the concrete is laid smoothly.
Once the concrete has been laid, you will need a minimum of three days drying time in good weather.
If for any reason, your pool base is not plus or minus 7 mm, you will need to enlist a
professional liquid screed company and have a layer of liquid screed added on top of this
concrete base.
However, this will increase your finished level by over 40 mm. So If you are not confident in
getting the concrete base perfectly level when installing it, it is recommended that you
account for this and budget for this from the start.
You will then need to install your Pool Pod base. You will need 4 x 1 timber for this. The
dimensions of this base are shown in your technical drawings. You can pour this at the same time as your pool concrete base.
It is recommended to use an edging trowel on the edge of this base. You may need additional formwork to allow the pipes to come up to the left hand side of the Pool Pod easily.
The EVi Pool Pod will require two 16 amp Cee form sockets supplied from the main
distribution board located within 2 m to the Pool Pod, both sockets will be utilised.
Two dedicated feeds one to the air source heat pump, and pool pod and its contents.
This must be protected from an 30ma RCD and with a type C MCB.
This should be installed to BS7671:2008 as amended.
The cable should be installed and isolated at the start of the build, with the electrician returning to do the final testing once in position.
After delivery your electrician will need to install poolside junction boxes on the lip of the
shell in order to run extension cables for lights, Family pack cover, and/ or turbine where
specified. This ensures that the electrical appliances can be serviced at a later date. It is
recommended that the enclosures are suitably filled with insulation gel.
(Please see page three for items that you will require.
EVi Pools can supply additional
cabling if required. This must be ordered no less than four weeks prior to delivery date. Your
electrician will be required to make the extension from each electrical item to the Pool Pod
after delivery).
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:
You will be provided with a pre-allocated delivery slot on the delivery day however we will
endeavour to get to you as early as we can. Therefore it is essential you are ready for
delivery by 9.00am.
You will need a minimum of 4 people on site for the day as it is going to be a busy day!
Should you require additional technical assistance during delivery day or on any other day
of the installation this can be pre-booked with your sales representative. We require 4 weeks notice of booking.
An EVi representative will also be on-site on the day. They will assist with the delivery and
movement of the pool. They will also plumb and pressure test the system.
Please note that we require four weeks’ notice to any changes to technical assistance dates booked.
Should you require any date changes due to unforeseen circumstances in under four weeks’ notice, we may not always be able to offer the new date requested, due to pre-arranged scheduling commitments.
This may lead to a delay in your project.
Your pool will be delivered on an Articulated lorry or trailer and will need a space a
minimum of 2 cars width to be able to get close to your property. Please ensure the road around the area you plan to unload the pool is clear.
At delivery EVi Pools will supply a 20 mm XPS layer. This should be installed on top of the concrete base below the base of the pool prior to loading. This layer is included in your technical drawings.
Order of Work and Warranty Hand Over
We will provide both you and the EVi Representative you with a copy of the ‘Order Of Work’
for the delivery day.
Please take some time, in advance, to read through this and familiarise yourself with the order of the day to minimise any possible delays in your installation.
On the day once you are satisfied the EVi representative has completed the plumbing and pressure testing and the pressure test was result was good you will need to sign and countersign both yours and the EVi representatives forms and the pool’s warranty will be handed over to you.
After the installation the pool owner will complete the Warranty registration form which is returned to EVi Pools. This registers the new pool owner as the warranty holder.
If you are the pool owner and installer we will email you the warranty information after
delivery.
Pool Lifting
Once the shell is delivered it will need to be lifted. You should have your lifting plan in place from your crane company or groundworks company to enable you to move the pool correctly and safely.
The Pool Pool Pod and Heat pump will also need to be lifted. Please provide details of this to the lifting company at booking.
Once the pool is lifted into position the level must be checked on each corner with your laser level on the top of the shell.
The pool has four lifting points installed on its structural lip. You will need four small D-rings – rated 2 tonnes minimum and four 3M strops also rated to 2 Tonnes minimum each. You
may also need lifting chains and a swivel hook to move the pool into position.
Your EVi representative can connect the plumbing of the pool shell and Pool Pod and perform a pressure test.
It is helpful to have your electrician on-site on the day of delivery so he can discuss with the EVi representative the electrical connections.
After delivery your electrician will need to be on site to move the pool side extensions for the following:
– Pool lighting 2.5 mm 3 core x 1 per light
– Turbine 16 mm 3 core (x1) (if applicable)
– Family Pack cover 2.5 mm 3 core (x1) (if applicable)
These connections will need joining in an IP rated junction box and ran through the trench in suitable conduit back to the Pool Pod. The pool cannot be backfilled until this has been competed.
Do not start the turbine until the pool contains water and the turbine is fully
immersed in water.
Please ensure all heavy machinery is driven no closer than 1.5m to the
pool shell.
-Remember that the swimming pool is a flexible structure so you must backfill the pool carefully. You should also not put any weight on the walls of the swimming pool other than the backfill or they will bend.
-The pool will be delivered with wooden braces. Do not remove these until your pool is full of water. This is to ensure the pool does not bow inwards.
-Do not walk down the sides of the pool or on the backfill until this has gone off and the pool is full of water.
– Never use soil or gravel for the backfill. It will invalidate the warranty.
Use only recommended 14:1 Lean mix (stabilised sand / screed / CBS / Cement bound Sand).
Start by putting string lines down each side of the pool so you can ensure the pool does not
bow in or out when backfilling.
Use the String lines to ensure the pool is straight at all times
and keep checking throughout the process.
You should have someone down in the hole packing the material as someone is passing
them more material.
Fill the pool up to the first ledge with water, this will stabilise the shell, you can then backfill up to this point. Then further fill the pool adding another 300 mm of water then backfill up to
this point. Then carry on up to 200 mm below the top of the pool.
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.
Step Seven:
You are now ready to complete the final step of the pool installation. Please note that when completing the surround of the pool Softwood decking is not suitable. It gets slippery and splinters very quickly.
Any paving should have an adequate slip rating and should be pendulum slip tested to ensure that it is safe with wet feet and you can not catch your toes on a riven surface. Paving should also be bullnose on the edge facing the pool.
The first line of paving should be stuck to the edge of the pool using a modified polymer adhesive such as ct1 or Innotec.
It will need to be sealed from within the pool using a good quality silicon such as DOW.
Please note that when completing the surround of the pool Softwood decking is not suitable. It gets slippery and splinters very quickly.
Any paving should have an adequate slip rating and should be pendulum slip tested to ensure that it is safe with wet feet and you can not catch your toes on a riven surface. Paving should also be bullnose on the edge facing the pool.
Step Eight:
Assisted Pool Start up
To schedule a pool start up 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 correct water level in the pool at all times is extremely important. If the water level is allowed to drop or overflow, this can cause irreparable damage to the shell of the pool. Also, if an automatic cover is fitted to the pool an incorrect water level will also damage the slats of the cover.
The correct water level should be level with the centre of the skimmer. The water level must be a min of 2 cm below the coping stones. Please be aware in heavy rain this may overcome the overflow and the water level
should be allowed to drop before opening or closing the cover. Please be aware that, backwashing, evaporation, using the pool will all result in the loss of water, this is normal.
You should check the water level prior to cover operation. The overflow may need
cleaning of leaves periodically.
Water balance and chemicals
The pool owner is supplied with the ‘Your EVi Pool Document.’ This Document instructs the pool owner on how to care for the pool and its parts, how to maintain the pool and manage the water appropriately.
Please read this document prior to installation.
Starting up the circulation system
Please refer to ‘Your EVi Pool’ Owners manual for start up procedue
Please be aware in heavy rain this may overcome the overflow and the
water level should be allowed to drop before opening or closing the cover.
If heavy rain has increased the water level to a level that is too high a
backwash can be performed to adjust the pool water to the correct level.
Please be aware that, backwashing, evaporation, using the pool will all
result in the loss of water, this is normal.
Additional Assistance
In the initial planning stages we offer digital consultations, where we can offer you basic
advice on placement of the pool, look at access for delivery and answer any questions you
may have.
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 assist with installation or advise.
Should you require technical assistance during the installation we will require four weeks
notice from the date of the requested booking to guarantee availability of site staff.
During the installation should you need to move the technical assistance date booked due
to unforeseen circumstances we will do our best to accommodate your requirements
however we may not always be able to offer the date requested due to pre-arranged
scheduling commitments. However we will endeavour to offer you as close to the date
request as possible.
Please be aware that for this reason, changes to technical assistance dates may hold up
your project.
Please call us to book an engineer.
5 Upper St Martins Lane,
Covent Garden,
London, WC2H 9EA
© 2022 EVi Pools (UK). A trading name of Waterstream Ltd.
Company Number: 5679475. VAT Number: 885 8772 48
