Are you thinking of ways to level the ground in your backyard for your swimming pool? Everybody knows that it is not an easy process, yet achievable.
But do you know that you can level the ground without digging? Yes, it’s possible. And it’s much easier and more cost-effective.
So if you have been having a headache over this issue, you don’t need to worry anymore. You will enjoy this summer like never before.
However, remember how important it is to properly install your pool. When you don’t install your pool properly, you are endangering your life and that of your family.
That’s one of the reasons why you need to level the ground for your Intex or Coleman above ground pool. Moreover, it adds more aesthetics to your home. So, you need to do it well.
If you are thinking of how to handle the project without digging the ground, then continue reading. In this article, you will learn different ways to level your backyard without digging.
Why do you need to level the ground for your Intex above-ground pool?
You know that your above ground pool will be very heavy when you are done with the setup. More so, it’s not made with hardened steel or concrete.
So, the pool will not be durable if it is not managed well. This is why you need to take the installation seriously if you don’t want to encounter heavy maintenance costs.
Since your pool is going to be heavy once you fill it up, having an unleveled base may lead to cracking and tearing. The pool liner can fall apart.
The level base makes everything easy and less expensive in the long run.
A lot of people talk about concrete foundations because it’s the easiest way to level the ground. Anyway, concrete is good, but you have to be mindful of its rough surface as it can puncture the base of the pool.
A pool leak is not something you want to get yourself involved in because fixing it can be frustrating. So, since the concrete surface can scratch the pool liner, you need to layer a pool pad between the pool and the concrete surface.
How to level the ground for your Intex above ground pool without digging
Whether your above-ground pool is the Intex brand, Coleman brand, or any other brand, you can use this guide to level the ground. So, don’t bother about the Intex in the heading. It will also work for other brands such as Bestway, Summer Wave, Leslie’s, Coleman, etc.
Nonetheless, no matter the brand you have, you will still use the same tools to level the ground. So, let’s look at the tools you will be using. Below is a list of the important tools you need to level the ground for your pool without digging.
Tools needed:
- Shovel
- Water
- Sand
- Limestone (crushed)
- Wheelbarrow
- Rake
- Tamper
- Tape measure
- Hammer
- Metal stake
- Sod cutter
- 1″ x 6″ plank
- 2″ x 4″ planks
- 2″ nail
- 2″ square wooden stake
Things you need to do before leveling
To set up your above-ground pool properly, you need to carry out some basic checks to ensure that the site is suitable for the project. Some of the basic steps are:
- Locate the best spot.
This is the easiest step, but one of the most important steps you should not overlook. Identifying the best site to install your pool is crucial to the success of the project.
Always look for a flat area. It will reduce the amount of shoveling needed and make the whole process easier.
- Clear the area.
You don’t want to have a tree close to your pool to avoid debris and dead leaves in your pool. If there is grass in the area, clear it because it will be hard to level ground covered with grass.
You can use a sod cutter to remove the grass. You can hire people to do that for you, or better still, cover the grass with a tarpaulin. The grass will die after a few weeks due to a lack of sunlight and water.
- Inspect and level the area.
The ground must be level before you start the main installation.
So, check if there are high and low points. You can use your plank to do that. You can do some shoveling to clear high points or fill up the low points.
Remove rocks and stones in the spot. Ensure that it is clear of first, bumps, and holes before you start watering.
- Water the ground and temper it.
To get the best result, you need to wet the ground and temper so optimal compactness is guaranteed. Make it to be taut, hard, and level as much as possible.
- The leveling process
Now that you are done with the preliminary, we can move on to the main leveling stage. This could be tedious, especially if you are new to it. So, you need to pay attention to the instructions.
- Map out the perimeter of your Intex above ground pool
Measure the radius of your pool and get a rope that is 6 inches longer. Use spray paint and make a circle (the pool dimension) in the prepared area with the rope as the radius.
- Pour the sand and level
You will need a truckload of sand or more. Ensure that the sand is enough because that’s what serves as the base.
Spread the sand with your rake and form a 2-inch thick base. It can be more than 6, but don’t go below 2 inches.
- Water and let it dry.
Once you are done with the leveling, water the sand immediately. Allow it to dry. You can leave it overnight to dry properly.
- Then compact
Get your lawn roller and compact the sand well until it is flat and hard. If you don’t have a roller, you can hire one from the garden centers.
- Cover with limestone (optional).
Limestone makes it sturdier as it gives extra support. However, it is not necessary that you use it. But it can help to make the base last longer since it will prevent critters from burrowing underground.
- Lay the base protector down.
One thing you need to know is that your pool base shouldn’t be in direct contact with the sand or whatever base you are using.
Direct contact can cause abrasion, tears, and pool leaks. To prevent that from happening, you need to put a swimming pool base pad between the pool and the base.
The pool pad doesn’t only protect the vinyl, but it also serves as an insulator to reduce heat loss from the base.
Once you are done with the steps above, you can go ahead and install your Intex pool.
Other methods you can use instead of sand
Though sand is the cheapest option, it is not the best or easiest way to level the ground for your pool. Some of them are far easier to install than sand. They are:
- A concrete pad or slab
Concrete is the easiest way to level the ground without digging. You can readily make a level surface with concrete.
However, you need to be careful with the rough surface as it can puncture the base of the pool. So, if you are using concrete, ensure that the base is protected with an above-ground pool pad to prevent abrasion.
- Crushed stones
Crushed stones are a better alternative to sand. Moreover, critters cannot easily burrow under the pool’s base. So, this method will last longer than when you use sand.
- Solid foam
If you are not ready to go through the stress, you can purchase a pool pad, such as a solid foam, at the pool stores.
It’s very easy to use as you can cut it into different shapes. However, be ready to spend more because the pad is courtly.
