Can you put an above ground pool in the ground like if the pool is 5 feet tall dig a hole 2 ft deep?

Question

Would that make it sturdier when the pool is in use?. Thanks

Answer 1

Depends on the type of above ground pool. I'm sure you can no matter the type. But be careful...make sure there isn't any rocks and such that could puncture the pool. I don't think it would make it sturdier, however. And therefore, I'm not sure what purpose it would have...aside from making you work harder then you need to.

Answer 2

Check with the pool's Manufacturer. In most cases, some part of the pool is below grade level, because the pool must be installed on level ground, and that does not exist in a properly engineered yard, they all have some pitch for good drainage. Sometime, an up-graded finish, or a non-metallic frame is required.

Before doing anything else, however; check to see what the clearances are between any overhead or underground wiring and the inner wall of the pool. Also check for clearance between overhead conductors and deck, rail, or platform surrounding the proposed pool.

The National Electrical Code lists all of the required clearances in Article 680; the Sections may change, depending upon what edition of the NEC is enforced in your Jurisdiction. Also, check with the Building Department to see if they have amended these distances, as well as with the local Electrical Utility Company; sometimes, they will require greater clearances than the NEC, and then these MUST be complied with. There is a new national "one-call" phone number to request an underground utility "locate"; it is 811. It is VERY IMPORTANT to have your yard marked before purchasing the pool, and once again, before installing it. I usually suggest that when there is room, people add at least 18" to the required clearances, in case the locating markers are not exactly placed. By Code, the only underground wiring allowed within 5' of your pool is the wiring required to operate the pool pump and other equipment.

If the pool can be recessed by the 24” you are hoping for, be sure to provide an approved barrier system around the yard or the pool; some Jurisdictions require this, others don’t. The CPSC has barrier recommendations on their website, check them out.

Lastly, please hire a qualified, licensed electrical contractor to do the electrical installation for you. Make sure he (or she) does a lot of pool installations; even with Licensed Electrical Contractors, I fail about 85% of the pools I inspect. Not because I’m a jerk on a power trip, but because they’re not safe. That is the number one reason to get a Permit for your pool installation; safety.

Good luck, and remember, the pool salesman is just a salesman, and he’ll tell you whatever you want to hear if he thinks it will make the sale. Get everything in writing, and check out your local Codes before making a purchase. Also, be sure that the pool pump is listed to UL STANDARD 1081, and has a listing Mark on the pump from an accepted US NRTL (if you are in the US), this is probably the biggest problem I have with chain recreational equipment retailers and also with sales over the internet. If the pump has more than a three foot long cord, or does not have a “twist-lock” plug on the end, it is not listed for use with a permanently installed pool (in the US). Look for a UL, ETL, FMA, or other US listing mark; “CSA” without a “US” is not acceptable south of Canada.

Sorry, I gave you WAY more info than you were looking for.

Answer 3

Not a good idea. If the dirt surrounding the pool is touching the walls, it may rust them out faster. If you empty the pool, the weight against the walls can cause it to collapse or bend inwards. My BIL dug his out and left a one foot gap between the pool wall and the edge of the hole. He installed drainage piping to take rainwater away from the sides. Then he built a deck around it.

Answer 4

Yes, we put in a 15x20x52 oval pool last summer. Actually one end is buried about 2 1/2 feet and the other end is only about 8 inches. Just that little bit has made it sturdier. You can jump off the deck in the thing and it doesn't shake or waiver one bit. It's very nice and certainly worth it but it was VERY HARD work. We dug the whole thing ourselves so we could save the money we would have spent renting a backhoe.

Answer 5

Yes, and then install some decking round it.

Answer 6

when the guy was doing our pool my dad asked them to do that but he said then we cant offer warrenty because if you put the dirt against it will rust.

Answer 7

if you dig the hole wide enough for clearance all the way around...you dont want to backfill right against the walls, so , no it wont make it any sturdier...

Answer 8

Yes you can do that but, make sure you rust coat all your metal parts on the pool that will be under dirt otherwise they will rust rather quickly.Also make sure you put pabble stone in for good drainage and a sturdy dirt so that the sides don't cave in on you.Good Luck!

Answer 9

Sounds like a good idea. It's a lot of work to dig a 2 ft hole.

Answer 10

yes you can but what ever you back fill with around the pool make sure it is has good drainage.and make sure you do not let the water level get below grade