Panel Assembly Technical Bulletin No. 2

---

Panel Assembly

Technical Bulletin

No.

2

Page 1 of 7

2.1 Parts List a. Pool Panel Hardware Kit 3/8” (10) (4) (4) 1/8” (4) 3/8”x3” (2) (6)

nuts and bolts flange side supports or gussets triangular outside corners triangular inside corner supports spacer washers 39” vertical steel angles anchor bolts long reinforcing channel 12" blocking angles

Please be advised that gloves and safety goggles should be worn during the installation of the Endless Pool.

b. Liner Hanger Kit (packaged separately in a long triangular box) (4) mitered corner pieces (2) short end pieces (4) long side pieces (2 of which require trimming) bag of self-drilling Tek screws nut driver

c. Bullnose Coping Kit (optional packed in 2 boxes) (4) radiused corners box of straight pieces bag of self-drilling fasteners driver bullnose clips

2.2 Slab Preparation If your local code requires a Main Drain Outlet in your pool floor, refer to Tech Bulletin #16A. It is important that your Endless Pool® be installed over a smooth, level concrete slab that is capable of supporting 200 pounds per square foot for a flat bottom pool. The thickness and the quality of the concrete slab will effect the anchoring method. The floor must contain no voids or bumps and shall be relatively smooth and level. For those installing the deep end option, the walls of the deeper section must also contain no voids or bumps. The corners at the depth change should be eased slightly (approx 1/4"). If a new slab is poured, consult your local electrical codes regarding grounding and bonding. Many areas require a bonding wire to be attached to the reinforcing bar that is buried in the concrete.

2.3 Drainage Drainage needs to be provided around the pool and near the water quality equipment. It is important to be prepared for the unlikely event of a leak. It is ideal to install floor drains in the area just outside the pool panels, but not directly under the panel or the pool itself. In installations where this is not possible, it is recommended to install a secondary containment system to help divert water to a more desirable location. The same applies to the water quality equipment area. Please call the Customer Service Department if you need any assistance in the design of a containment system. It is extremely important to ensure that any water that may reach the bottom flange of the pool panel, by splashing, run off, or accidental leakage, be drained away immediately. With the bottom flange of the pool panel standing in water, corrosion may occur over time. It is worth the time and effort now to install a drainage system rather than be unprepared in the event of a mishap.

Endless Pools Inc.

3/30/2007

Panel Assembly

Technical Bulletin

No.

2

Page 2 of 7

2.4 Panel Assembly Once the 6 pool panels have been bolted together tightly as shown in Technical Specification 1.3, it is important to ensure that the pool is square. This can be done by measuring the diagonals. The difference in the diagonal measurements must be less than 1/8". It is also important to make sure the pool is level and there are no significant gaps under the pool panels. For small gaps (1/8" or less), a bead of silicone is often enough to fill the space sufficiently. For larger gaps, non-shrink grout can be packed into the void. The goal is to prevent the liner from squeezing between the bottom of the panel and the concrete floor when filled with water. It is also important to ensure that the panels are vertical. Check the width dimension at the top and bottom of the panel and adjust accordingly.

2.5 Electrical Safety To avoid severe electrical shock, the Endless Pool and ancillary equipment must be installed in accordance with the National Electric Code and any applicable local code or ordinance. A licensed electrician should perform all electrical work.

a. Bonding All pool equipment, steel pool panels and fittings, and any cables and conduits within 5' horizontally of the inside wall of the pool and 12' above the maximum water level must be bonded together with a No. 8 solid copper wire.

b. Grounding All pool equipment, all other equipment located within 5' of the inside wall of the pool, all junction boxes, all transformer enclosures, all Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCI), and all panel boards must be grounded. The grounding conductor is required to be an insulated copper conductor not smaller than No. 12 solid copper.

c. Proximity of Equipment All wall switches, power receptacles and other electrical devices including electrical wires and power lines must be at least 5' from the inside wall of a spa and at least 10' from the inside wall of a pool. Lighting fixtures, lighting outlets, and ceiling fans located over a body of water within 5' of the inside wall of the pool must be protected by GFCI. They must be a minimum of 7'6" above the maximum water level if the body of water is classified as a spa and 12' above the maximum water level if classified as a pool. See the National Electric Code for details.

2.6 Anchoring Methods a. Anchor Bolts (Please refer to Technical Specification 1.5) The preferred and most common method for anchoring your Endless Pool is with the use of anchor bolts. It is extremely important that the concrete in which the anchor bolts are placed is strong enough to support the load imposed on it by the anchor bolt. If the slab is inadequate, another method of anchoring would be more appropriate. Anchor bolts are best drilled with a hammer drill using a 3/8” masonry percussion drill bit to a depth of approximately 2 1/2”. Drill no closer than 4” from the edge of the concrete slab. Drilling too close to the edge can often create a condition in which the concrete is not strong enough to resist the outward load of the pool. Snug the 9/16” nut on the bolt to set in place.

b. Blocking Angle (Please refer to Technical Specification 4.2) Blocking angles may be used when one or more sides of the pool are inaccessible. Blocking angles are installed prior to the pool being pushed into place. The same anchor bolting method described above should be used to secure blocking angles to the concrete slab.

Endless Pools Inc.

3/30/2007

Panel Assembly

Technical Bulletin

No.

2

Page 3 of 7

c. Tension Straps (Please refer to Technical Specification 4.1) Optional tension straps are available to be used when it is not desirable to drill through the concrete slab. The tension straps will have a tendency to bow up a few inches in the center until the pool is filled and the force of water pushes the walls fully outward. Please ensure that the proper width of the pool is maintained at the top of the panel as well as the bottom panel. Tension straps cannot be used with the optional deep end.

d. Concrete Collar (Please refer to Technical Specification 4.3) Concrete can also be used to anchor the pool to the slab provided that the pool is at least partially recessed and the walls of the pit that the pool sits in are strong enough to resist this outward load. Do not pour concrete to bear against a non-structural wall.

2.7 Bracing Whenever possible, we recommend bracing the long side walls of the pool. This will help limit deflection. It is particularly important to brace the walls of the pool if a rigid coping system such as tile is being installed. These types of materials will have more of a tendency to crack with deflection. Bracing can be accomplished by installing 2x4 supports that extend from the z-braces of the pool to the surrounding pit. The pit wall must be able to resist this lateral load (see drawing on p.6).

2.8 Optional Insulation To conserve heat and reduce operating costs we strongly recommend that the Endless Pool be insulated with rigid foam. Simple 2" thick rigid foam insulation boards are usually adequate and are available from any building supply house. Check with your supplier for a recommended adhesive appropriate for the type of rigid insulation that they supply. If the pool is to be installed outside in a cold climate, you might consider using two layers. Be sure to consider the danger of freezing for any pipes running outside the insulation.

2.9 Liner Hanger Installation It is important to lay out the entire liner hanger system before any sections are secured down. The liner hanger must be installed flush with the inside edge of the reinforcing channel. This will cause the liner hanger to overhang into the pool in the areas that do not have a reinforcing channel. This will also allow for a minimal gap between pieces in the corner. We provide 1/8” spacer washers in the pool panel hardware kit to shim the liner hanger to the height of the reinforcing channel. Caulk the gap between the panel and the liner hanger to ensure that no water falling on the top flange of the pool can work its way down behind the liner.

2.10 Deep End Liner Specification Form If the optional deep end has been selected, the liner must be custom ordered. Once the panels have been bolted together and anchored down, complete the attached form and fax it to the Customer Service Department. Dimensions must be within 1/8". Be sure to include the color and a valid UPS shipping address. The liner order will be processed and sent directly to you by its manufacturer. It should arrive in 2-3 weeks. If you have selected the double deep end option please call our CSD for the proper form.

Endless Pools Inc.

3/30/2007

Panel Assembly

Technical Bulletin

No.

2

Page 4 of 7

Please read before filling your pool! 2.11 Your Pool Water

As with any swimming pool, an Endless Pool requires water chemistry monitoring. The water quality system, which includes automated recirculation, heating, filtration and purification, does most of the work for you. However, balancing and maintaining your pool water is essential to the life and health of your equipment. A detailed explanation of how to initially balance your water is included in the "Operations and Maintenance” video, and also the “Operations and Water Quality” video.

2.12 Your Source of Water

Endless Pools, Inc. recommends having a sample of water tested before you begin to fill the pool. Doing so will give you an idea of how suitable your water source is for swimming pool use. Testing the water, which is illustrated in the “Operations and Maintenance” video, can be done by using your Taylor test kit. A local swimming pool supply store can also test your water at a minimal charge. Take a copy of the “Water Chemistry Testing Log” with you.

a. Well Water

Certain geographic areas are high in mineral content. For pools where well water is to be the water source, strong consideration should be given to having water tanked in. Well water often has high iron, calcium, and mineral content which is not ideal for your swimming pool. If well water is the only available source, please call our Customer Service Department at (800) 910-2714, or seek advice from a local pool store.

b. “Hard” Water and Water Softeners

The phrase “hard” water refers to having high levels of calcium in the water. Many homes that have “hard” water will often have a water softener installed in their homes that lowers the level of calcium in the water. For ideal water conditions in a vinyl liner pool, the calcium hardness level should be between 180-250 ppm. Please call us to discuss your options if you have a water softener and/or high calcium in your water supply.

2.13 Oxidation and Chlorine Requirements

The Nature 2 system included in your pool kit significantly reduces the amount of chlorine you’ll need to use. This purifier adds silver and copper to the pool, which will kill bacteria and algae in the water. However, it does not oxidize or “burn-up” small particles of debris in the pool. Maintaining a minimum level of 0.5 ppm free chlorine in your pool at all times is necessary. Adding 1/2 cup of Clorox a day will add about 0.5 ppm of free chlorine to a standard sized pool. How quickly that chlorine is consumed depends upon water temperature, bather load, and the amount of direct sunlight the pool receives.

a. Chlorine Stabilizer and Outdoor Pools

Your Taylor test kit comes equipped with testing procedures for cyanuric acid. Cyanuric acid is a chlorine stabilizer, meaning it protects chlorine from getting broken down by sunlight. If your pool is located outdoors, we recommend using the granular form of stabilized chlorine (Should have an active ingredient of sodium dichlor) instead of Clorox. Another option would be to supplement Clorox by adding cyanuric acid. Either method will necessitate testing for cyanuric acid every two weeks. These chemicals are readily available at any pool supply store.

b. Chlorine Stabilizer and Indoor Pools

Many customers are sold a stabilized chlorine product for use in their indoor Endless Pool. Endless Pools would not recommend this practice, as Clorox bleach is ideal for this setting. Using a stabilized chlorine source is more expensive, and it also requires the periodic testing for cyanuric acid levels. If the level gets too high, it can render the chlorine ineffective, and it may necessitate the partial draining of the pool in order to lower the levels.

c. Alternatives to Chlorine and Nature2

Although some alternative Sanitization systems can be used with an Endless Pool, the following precautions must be followed: • Under NO circumstances can salt-generating systems be used in an Endless Pool. • Bacquacil systems damage clear plastic products. Light lenses and pump strainer lids will crack. • Bromine can be used, but not in conjunction with Nature2. • Please call Customer Service with any questions about alternate systems.

Endless Pools Inc.

3/30/2007

Panel Assembly

Technical Bulletin

No.

2

Page 5 of 7

Endless Pools Inc.

3/30/2007

Panel Assembly

Technical Bulletin

No.

2

Page 6 of 7

Endless Pools Inc.

3/30/2007

Panel Assembly

Technical Bulletin

No.

2

Page 7 of 7

Endless Pools Inc.

3/30/2007