A bracing system for in-ground steel and vinyl swimming pools that allows the pool to be constructed very quickly and without the use of concrete either on the braces or around the bottom perimeter of the pool is described. The bracing system works by properly using the resistance of undisturbed earth around the perimeter of the pool (after excavating for the pool) and the weight and correct placement of the back-fill material reintroduced around the pool. Each earth brace system is comprised of a number of structural components in contact with peripheral wall panels of the pool. These include a horizontal lower structural member, an upper structural member, a diagonal brace member and a vertical support member. The horizontal and upper structural members each possess load bearing pad assemblies at their ends away from the wall panels to contact undisturbed earth surrounding the pool (after excavation).
Support systems for vessels such as above-ground swimming pools are disclosed. Each system may include one or more buttresses adapted to support substantially the entire vertical height of the side wall or each of a series of side walls of the pool. A strapless support system to provide a pool having a deep end is also disclosed. The buttresses, which flare along their lengths, closely match the support they provide each side wall to the outward water pressure present along its height for enhanced reliability. The diminished space required for installation of the disclosed buttresses reduces the surface area required for their associated pool.
