One more quick question.. I'm sure it'll answer itself in time, but the instructions in my book aren't clear at all....

When it comes to the straps between the braces, do these get buried, or sit on top of the soil?

Also, for trenching, does the strap that connects the two braces (across from each other) get buried or go on the soil? (do you dig your trenches the full length of the pool, or just the 4-5' that's required to get the brace in the ground?)