Pool Dome Installation for Inground Swimming Pools

Before You Install Your Pool Dome

Here are the basic steps to install your new dome. Please note: This is only an overview of a normal dome installation and is provided for you so that you may get an accurate idea of what is actually involved when installing a dome for the first time. Your new dome will come with more detailed instructions on specific items that may or may not apply to your particular installation. Please use the instructions provided with your dome as the actual installation guide.

After placing a few thousand domes around the world over many years, this system has been simplified and perfected so any “do-it-yourselfer” can complete the process easily and obtain professional results! However, Ameri-Brand is also your source for custom expertise. Our page on alternative pool dome installations should give you a small taste of what we can create to accommodate your needs.

Although installation times vary with each individual unit, a typical installation time frame is accounted for by the example times shown below (larger commercial domes and sport domes will take longer). For this example, this installation begins at 12:00 noon. Also, subsequent reinstallations will take much less time, as there will be no need to drill holes, etc. Allow extra time for installation of add-ons like the Airlock Entry System (view the Airlock Assembly Video).

Residential Pool Dome Installation Steps

Follow the sequence below for a typical residential installation. The times are one example and will vary with the size and details of your dome.

Step 1: Snap a Chalk Line

Example time: 12:20 p.m.

Snap a chalk line on the pool deck to form the outline of the dome using the original “X” marks to form your perimeter line. (These are the ones that were placed on the deck in indelible marker when you measured the dome for ordering.)

Chalk line marking the planned pool dome perimeter — Marking the dome perimeter with a chalk line

Step 2: Mark Anchor Spacing

Example time: 12:45 p.m.

Using the instructions we provide for your specific dome as your guide, place a chalk mark across the perimeter line at each anchor location. This anchor spacing is typically every 3'. It is not necessary to mark the corner anchors at this time, as their exact placement will be determined after the dome is spread across the pool.

Typical pool dome anchor locations marked along the perimeter — Marking anchor locations

Step 3: Drilling Anchor Holes

Example time: 2:00 p.m.

Drill a hole with a “Roto-hammer” and a 1/2" diameter masonry bit to a depth of 2" at each anchor location.

Half-inch masonry bit drilling a two-inch-deep pool dome anchor hole — Drilling dome anchor holes

Step 4: Installing Anchors

Example time: 2:30 p.m.

Drop an anchor sleeve into each hole drilled. Tap gently with a hammer if necessary until the top of the sleeve is flush with the swimming pool deck. To “set” the anchors, place the anchor setting tool (provided with your dome kit) into the center hole of each anchor and strike the tool with a hammer until it feels like it has bottomed out. Do not screw in the eyebolts yet, as we do not want to snag the dome on them as it is spread across the pool.

Anchor sleeve and setting tool positioned flush with the pool deck — Installing anchors in the pool deck

Step 5: Spreading Out the Dome

Example time: 3:00 p.m.

Being careful not to drag or scrape the dome across the pool deck, spread the dome over the pool and position it as closely as possible to the perimeter chalk line.

Pool dome material being spread carefully across the pool — Pulling the dome across the pool

Step 6: Add the Eyebolts

Example time: 3:30 p.m.

Screw an eyebolt into each anchor and screw the retaining nut down to “lock” the position of the eyebolt in place.

Eyebolt secured in a pool deck anchor with a retaining nut — Screwing in the eyebolts

Step 7: Attach Eyebolts to Cable

Example time: 3:45 p.m.

Attach the cable of the dome to the eyebolts.

Pool dome cable and vinyl hem secured through an anchor eyebolt — Attaching eyebolts to the dome anchor cable

Step 8: Make Corner Radii

Example time: 4:15 p.m.

Determine the corner anchor positions by pulling the corners of the unit into place. Drill the remaining corner anchor holes, set the anchors, and screw in and set the remaining eyebolts. Attach the cable to these eyebolts.

Pool dome corner pulled into position to establish the corner radius — Creating the corner radius

Step 9: Position Dome Blower

Example time: 5:15 p.m.

Position the blower assembly and control switch between any 2 anchors at any place around the perimeter, with the exception of directly at the entry, a corner, or the anchor hem close-off.

Dome blower positioned between two perimeter anchors away from an entry and corner — Positioning the dome blower

Step 10: Inflate the Dome

Example time: 5:45 p.m.

Plug the dome in and the inflation begins. Go put your swimming trunks on and be sure to grab the camera.

We really do appreciate customer photos!

Ameri-Dome rising as the blower supplies air — Inflating the Ameri-Dome

Commercial Pool Dome Installation Video

See how the installation process scales for a larger commercial pool enclosure.

Video: Cover Installation for a Commercial Pool Dome

Install Your Ameri-Dome