Leveling the ground for your above ground pool is crucial. Whether you are digging the ground or not, ensure that the ground is flat before you install the pool.
If you are looking for the easiest way to get the ground level, it shows that you are most likely looking for a way to do it without digging the ground. If the answer is yes, then we go straight to the answer.
Using concrete to level the ground without digging is the easiest way to level the ground for your swimming pool.
Below are the simple steps you need to take to level the ground with concrete:
- Locate the right spot.
- Clear the area.
- Map out the spot where you will place the pool.
- Level the soil.
- Wet and compact the soil.
- Fill it with concrete.
- Water and let it dry.
- Compact the concrete.
- Lay the protective pad.
- Set up the pool.
Read further for more details on each step.
What should I put under my above ground pool to level?
There are different things you can use to level your above ground pool. It depends on your budget and the level of work required.
If you are looking for the cheapest way to level the ground, then sand is the best option for you. But you need to bear in mind that sand is not reliable in the long run because it can wash away. Moreover, critters can easily burrow underground.
For the easiest option, you can consider using concrete. Though the pool pad is the easiest, due to the cost, a lot of people like using concrete.
Other things you can use to level the ground are; crushed limestone, pavers, patios, and pool pads.
How do you prepare the ground for an Intex pool?
Whether you are using an Intex above ground pool, a Coleman above ground pool, or a Bestway above ground pool, the land preparation is the same.
Below is a simple general guide on how to prepare the ground for your Intex pool.
How do I level my ground for a pool without sand?
As we stated earlier, sand is very cheap to use, but it is not reliable. So, if you don’t want to deal with a lot of maintenance issues in the long run, avoid using sand for your Intex or Coleman above ground pool.
However, if you still wish to use sand to level the ground, follow the instructions in the post here to get optimal results.
The instructions are almost the same as with other methods. But instead of using sand for the leveling, you will use other materials.
Below is the general instruction:
- Locate the right spot.
It is very important to find the right place to install your pool. Since you don’t want much digging, you have to avoid slopy areas.
Also, make sure that there are no trees in that area. If there are trees, do your best to cut them down. If you have trees close to your pool, you will have frequent maintenance issues because of the debris and dead leaves falling into the pool.
- Clear the area.
Once you find a good spot, clear the area. You need barren ground to install your pool. So, if there is grass in the area, clear it. You can use weed killer. To make the process easier, you can cover the area with a tarpaulin for a few weeks.
- Map out the spot where you will place the pool.
Get the dimensions of your pool base and use them to map out the area where the pool will be placed. Ensure you give extra space of about 6 inches.
- Level the soil.
Now that you know the exact spot to set up the pool, the next thing is to level the soil. Locate the low and high points of the area and level them. Use your shovel to scrape the area and fill any holes there. Make sure the ground is flat and even.
- Wet and compact the soil.
Thoroughly spray the ground with water and compact the soil. When you are done with the watering, ensure that the ground is still level. Allow it to dry. You can leave it overnight.
- Fill it with concrete.
Fill the area with enough concrete. You need a base that is at least 2 inches thick. It can be more than 2 inches, but it cannot be less than that.
- Water and let it dry.
Water the concrete and let it dry. You can leave it overnight to dry very well. Make sure you wet it with enough water.
- Compact the concrete!
Once the water dries, tamp the concrete until it becomes compact and sturdy. The concrete needs to be stable before you stop.
- Lay the protective pad
One more thing needs to be done now that the concrete slab is ready to be used. You can’t place the pool directly on the concrete.
If you do so, due to the rough surface of the concrete, there would be an abrasive force that could cause tears and pool leaks. To avoid that, you have to add an extra layer with a pool pad.
The pool pad helps to protect the pool base against abrasion and tear. Not only that, but it also serves as an insulator that prevents heat loss from the pool bottom.
- Set up the pool
Following the instructions in the manual, set up your swimming pool and enjoy it like never before.
Can you put a pool in a sloped yard?
Yes, a pool can be installed in a sloped yard. But before you do so, you must level the ground. So you need to dig the area until it becomes level ground.
However, if you have a flat area you can use for your pool, it’s better to avoid the sloped ground.
How do you level a sloped yard for a pool?
We have mentioned and discussed different methods to level the ground for your pool. When the area is not level, the best way to level it is by digging.
Though digging requires a lot of work, it gives you a better result and can last longer with a more stable base.
Can you use sand to level the ground for my pool?
Yes, you can use sand to level the ground for your Intex or Coleman above-ground pool. It is the cheapest method you can use to level the ground for pools.
However, it is not as reliable as other methods. The sand can wash away in the long run. Moreover, critters can easily burrow underground, causing damage to the pool base.
If you want to learn more about this article go to this post.
If you want to use sand to level the ground, you need to read the post to learn more about the process.
