How To Level An Above Ground Pool?
So you have excitedly ordered your new above ground pool. We bet you can’t wait to get it up and to run. But before you start pulling everything out of the box, there is a fair amount of prep work that will need to take place. Ensuring you don’t have an unlevel above ground pool installation is the first step in putting up your new aquatic oasis. Leveling the land for an above ground pool can be time-consuming. A technician will need to push soil from side to side until the perimeter of the pool reaches a balance. The process for leveling an above ground pool is almost always the same. These steps include:
1) Locate the center where the pool will be established. Hammer a stake to mark. Because you’ll be digging, you’ll need to contact local ordinances or building codes office to make sure you don’t run into power lines and establish the proximity of the pool to the house.
2) Mark edges of the pool. For example, if your circle pool has a diameter of 13 feet, you’ll need to mark the shape for reference. Most recommend adding another 6-inches around for added visibility. You can use spray paint to mark.
3) Eliminate all grass and sod by shoveling away the topsoil. Move debris away from the field.
4) Build a plank level.
5) If the pool has deep ends, you’ll need to find the lowest point of the pool. That is the level you’ll need to bring the rest of the pool. Dig down to the lowest point.
6) Once you’ve leveled the soil, you’ll need to spread about one to two inches of limestone over the area. Wet, then tamp. Use the wood plank to level for leveling the limestone.
7) Remove the center stake, fill with soil and limestone. 8) Once the entire area is level and no retaining walls are needed, the pool can be constructed.
Can You Set Up A Pool on Unlevel Ground?
Are you wanting to get your above ground pool and running right now? While it is tempting to pull everything out of the box and get started building, an unlevel above ground pool can have certain unwanted drawbacks — the most significant problem being that the pool is lopsided. Water will flow to one side, making it more like you have a deep end to your above ground pool instead of the uniformity depth you were expecting. Many manufacturers will warn that you shouldn’t try to build a pool on extremely unlevel ground. But they do insist that if you are looking for how to set up above ground pool on unlevel ground, that there is some wiggle room. If you are in a pinch and can’t afford the tools or the labor for pool installation and leveling, do the best you can to make the entire surface level. This will involve digging and moving soil. Using a larger leveler, try to get it as spot-on as you can before filling the pool. To soften the pool bottom use sand spread over smaller limestone as you normally would.
Common Problems While Leveling for an Above Ground Pool
Leveling the land for a new pool isn’t always peaches and cream. In fact, there are more than enough above ground pool leveling problems that can happen. Take a look at a few of the most common we have seen throughout the years. It is clear that the leveling yard for pool is not something that can be sidestepped. Because it is a difficult task, hiring a professional for the installation of your new pool is usually the best solution to these common leveling dilemmas.
● Not removing the topsoil, sod, tree roots
● Leaving the soil lumpy
● Not getting a good, stable level
● Forgetting to treat the area for crabgrass.
Is The Process Different For Re-Leveling An Established Pool?
An unlevel above ground pool will be easy to spot. Whether it has a slight lean or a huge one, something will look just off. This can happen over time because of settling in soil or improper preparation for the land. It is crucial that when you have an above ground pool built to address some of the potential issues that may arise after a few years, such as shifts in the soil. If you have been wondering how to level above ground pool already up, it is best to start fresh. Takedown the pool and relevel. The cause of unevenness should be addressed, such as building a retaining wall to prevent further shifts in soil, or using proper methods removing soil, sod, adding limestone, tamper, and sand.