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Alternative Ameri-Dome Installations

A pool dome can work even when your pool has limited concrete deck space, an above-ground design, steps, pavers, or another unusual footprint.

Ameri-Dome spanning part of a large pool with an alternative cable installation
An alternative cable installation spanning part of a large pool.

1. Water Tube Anchoring

A ballast-based option when a standard cable-and-anchor installation is not suitable.

Pool dome secured with a water-tube ballast system

If a standard cable-and-anchor system is not suitable for your pool deck, we can make your dome with a water-tube ballast system.

The water tubes hold the perimeter down, while tethers prevent the dome from shifting across the deck or toward the pool.

A vinyl sleeve is built into the outside of the dome directly above each water tube. The sleeve accepts a 4- or 5-foot length of 1″ or 1-1/4″ diameter PVC pipe, available from most home improvement stores. The tie-down points connect to this pipe using one of the 3 anchoring methods below.

Method 1: Existing Brass Pool Cover Anchors

Anchor insert diagram
Pool cover anchor insert

Method 2: Eyebolts and Concrete Anchors

Eyebolt anchoring diagram
Eyebolt and concrete anchor

This type of dome can also be anchored to secure fences, posts, etc.

Typical spacing on anchor points for water tube domes should be no less than 5′ apart.

Pricing note: Water-tube domes have a 10% upcharge on the cost of the dome.

If Pool Cover Anchor Adapters (method 1) or Eyebolts with Concrete Anchors (method 2) are required, there is an additional charge.

Purchaser is responsible for providing the tie-down ropes, PVC pipe, and any anchoring stakes required, as we do not carry them.

For more examples, visit the water-tube installation photo gallery.

2. Wooden Deck Installation

Pool dome installed on a wooden deck surrounding an above-ground pool

For a wooden deck installation, the deck must completely surround the pool. The dome is mounted to the deck using a threaded eyebolt system. These anchors are spaced approximately every 3 feet to provide an even “pull” on the dome for strength and also to prevent wrinkles on the walls of the pool dome. An additional piece of vinyl is mounted to the deck at the water's edge and hangs down into the water in order to help create a proper air seal. Normally, a piece of indoor/outdoor carpet is provided by the customer to lay on top of the deck to prevent air leakage through the gaps in the wooden deck. When the pool dome is removed for the summer, the eyebolts are also removed, leaving the deck free & clear of any obstructions.

3. Concrete Footing Installation

Pool dome installed on concrete footings around an above-ground pool

To install a dome on the ground, pouring a concrete foundation is a good method to consider. The concrete “footing” can be poured “flush” with the ground so when the dome and anchor bolts are removed in the “off” season, the area around the pool is left unobstructed. The anchor bolts are positioned every 3 feet or so in this application. Extra area can be provided within the dome to allow for patio furniture and other items. This makes sense when small children are being supervised within the unit, as the parent or other responsible individual can remain close at hand in order to monitor the use of the pool. For further specifications, see our Dome Footing Diagram.

4. Grass, Dirt, or Paver Installation

For areas that have grass, pavers, or dirt and in situations where pouring a full footing is not desired, the use of concrete piers poured directly in the ground is another idea to think about. This method is also used for in-ground pool dome installations where the deck of the pool is irregularly shaped and the wall(s) of the dome must “traverse” over a non-concrete area. The tubing is 1″ EMT Conduit available at your local building supply store. The dome is secured to the EMT conduit at approximately 3′ intervals. Special Anchors are required, and the poured-in-place concrete block spacing can be up to 6′. For more information on this type of installation, view our Paver Details.

View EMT Rail Anchoring Instructions

5. Accommodating Steps

Pool dome installation bridging steps in a pool deck

If the dome perimeter must cross steps in your pool deck, we can help plan an installation that follows the change in elevation. Call us at 1-800-982-6966 to discuss the layout.

6. Small Dome on a Large Pool

A cable-bridge system can support a dome where part of its perimeter must span the water.

Small pool dome supported by a cable system over part of a large pool

This mounting system allows us to place a dome over pools where spanning the water is necessary. It uses a cable system, turnbuckles, an oversize air-flap seal, carabiners, adjustable ballast containers, and UV-protective holders. See the commercial Cable Bridge mounting system (PDF) for another version of this approach.

Select any photo to enlarge it.

Small dome on a large pool before the weighted cable system
Small dome on a large pool before weighted cable system.
Dome spanning the water using a cable system
Dome spanning the water using a cable system, turnbuckles, an oversize air-flap seal, carabiners, adjustable ballast containers, and UV protective holders.
Side view of the small dome before the cable system
Side view of the dome before cable system.
Side view of the small dome with the cable system in place
Side view of the dome with the cable system in place.

7. Special Installation Needs

If your pool or property has a condition not covered here, call us. We will review the layout and help determine a practical installation approach.

1-800-982-6966