Above ground pool install advice.?

Question

The pool is a 12x24ft oval above ground pool. It’s going on a preexisting pool site that has been taken over by weeds and grass. I want to lay down new plastic and sand. No I know I need at lest 4 inches of sand here. I know I need to use masonry sand. And I know I need to kill all life in the area. But I don’t know if my calculation is correct. For this area of overage and depth I’m thinking about 5 ½ tons or about 7 yards of sand. Is this going to be to much? I think of 5 tons of sand and I’m thinking I’m going to be overwhelmed here. So I need help with the amount of sand to get. Plus should I hand tamp the area or just rent a gas ground tamper? And how should I go about beveling the inside around the base? Just build a 4 or 5 inch 45* slope or what? I’ve never done this and if I fail I’m going to have a very upset wife on my hands. Please any advice/ tips/ help you can send my way would be very much appreciated. or if someone could just take me through the steps?

Answer 1

I have installed many above ground pools successfully. This is what I would do. Spray the area with roundup or any brand herbicide. I would manually pull as much of the weeds and roots as reasonably possible. I would consider how sandy the site is. If it is reasonably sandy already, I would just add a couple of inches. Maybe 3-5 yards of sand. Start with a shovel and rake. Finish it smooth as possible with a 2x4. Spraying with water helps the sand stay put on slopes. Also , I always used regular yellow fill sand, not masonry sand. It is alot of work and other family members should help with the labor.