Do you want to install an above-ground pool? In this post, I will share how to prepare the ground or site for an above-ground pool to ensure that the pool is stable and safe for your family.
Summer will be here before we know it. And most people like to cool off by going to the beach or swimming in the pool. We live in PA and summers can get pretty hot.
When covid hit in 2019, beaches and public pools were closed. People wanted to have a pool in their own backyard. However, installing an inground pool costs a lot of money. Labor and materials have skyrocketed over the years.
Nowadays, building an inground pool would cost 100k or more. The cost is like building a new house and the pool doesn’t add value to your home. So, it’s considered not a good investment.
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For this reason, people are choosing above-ground pools over in-ground pools. Aesthetically, in-ground pools look so much better than above-ground pools. However, pool companies like Intex are making more attractive and modern above-ground pools like this one. Want to know the pros of cons of owning an above-ground pool? Check out the blog post here.
Why is it important to have a level ground site before installing an above-ground pool?
Safety
An above-ground pool that is not properly leveled can be dangerous. It can’t be any more than two inches off or it may cause the pool walls to collapse or the water to shift, leading to injuries.
Structural Integrity
An uneven base can put unnecessary stress on certain areas of the pool and may cause the pool to warp or even collapse over time.
Aesthetics
An uneven surface can cause the pool to look lopsided and unappealing, which can detract from the overall look of your backyard.
Proper Water Balance
An uneven surface can cause the water in the pool to be unevenly distributed. This can lead to difficulties in maintaining the proper chemical balance of the pool water.
Here are the steps you can follow to prepare the ground for your above-ground pool:
- Choose a suitable location: Select a flat, level area that is free from rocks, roots, and other debris that could puncture the pool’s liner. Ensure that the location has good drainage to prevent water from pooling around the pool.
- Mark out the pool’s shape: Use spray paint or stakes and string to mark out the pool’s shape on the ground. Use a level to ensure that the markings are even and level.
- Remove grass and vegetation: Remove all grass and vegetation from the area inside the markings. You can use a shovel, sod cutter, or garden tiller to remove the grass. For a very slope yard, you may want to rent a backhoe or excavator.
- Level the ground: Use a compactor, tamper, or hand tamper to level the ground inside the markings. Make sure that the ground is level, and that there are no high or low spots.
- Add Pavers. Put pavers under the pool legs to prevent the legs from sinking. The pavers need to be level with the ground to prevent poking the pool liner. We used 12x12x1 concrete pavers.
- Add a layer of sand: Spread a layer of sand inside the markings. The sand should be at least 2-3 inches thick and level. Use a rake to spread the sand evenly. Compact sand using a tamper.
- Install the pool: Follow the manufacturer’s instructions to install the pool. The pool should be level and centered inside the markings. Use a laser level to ensure that the pool is level.
- Backfill around the pool: Backfill around the pool with sand or gravel to secure the pool in place. Make sure that the backfill is level and compacted.
- Install the pool liner: Install the pool liner according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Make sure that the liner is smooth and free from wrinkles.
- Fill the pool: Fill the pool with water and check the level. Adjust the pool’s legs or add more sand or gravel if necessary to ensure that the pool is level.
Check out the video for Preparing Ground and Intex Pool Installation.
We have a very slope yard so we hired a contractor to level and prep the ground for the pool. They used a backhoe to dig the ground. It took 4-5 days to level the ground. It would have taken us weeks if we had dug it ourselves.
I am so glad we decided to hire professionals to level and prepare the ground for us. To me, it was money well spent. Leveling the ground ourselves would’ve caused us lots of headaches and frustration. Our pool is pretty level and we are pleased with their work.
Before you install your above-ground pool, make sure you are aware of the rules in your local government. That is why I wrote a blog post about it here. Make sure you read it before installing the pool.
We are going to do landscaping around the pool this spring to make it look finished. My family loves our Intex Graphite Panel Pool. We can’t wait for summer to go swimming again.
I hope this post was helpful on how you can prepare the ground for your above-ground pool and enjoy a safe swimming experience with your friends and family.
Jennabel
Other Posts You May Like:
Intex Above-Ground Pool Landscaping Makeover
Above-Ground Pool Maintenance (How To Keep Your Intex Pool Clean)
Intex Graphite Panel Above Ground Pool Review
5 Things You Must Know Before Buying or Installing An Above-Ground Pool
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How did you get the rain water to not pool around the pool, when it rains? Did u dig a French drain? Or does the rain water not fill the little ditch surrounding the pool?
Hello! We added sand and rocks around the pool after it was installed. It does get muddy when it rains. But we are going to hire a contractor to build a retaining wall and put river rocks around the pool for drainage.