Ground preparation for above ground pool?

Question

The ground is sloping - about 8" from one side to other of area of pool. The pool is 12' diameter frame type. The ground is quite compacted. Is it best to remove the earth at the higher end or to build up the lower end (with sand?). any cost effective ideas much appreciated.

Answer 1

Bring down the highest point to level with the lowest. You should be putting in foundations if using brick etc.

Answer 2

Dig out is the most cost effective.

Answer 3

dig out the higher end and add to the lower. Use a level to make sure its level. I agree with inviting people to help, it took my husband and neighbor a full day to dig. Do not put sand under, it's too slippery. After we leveled ours we got a large rubber mat to put underneath, works great.

Answer 4

Dig out the higher side so its level with the lower side, make sure the site is level all over,go slightly over size, don't build up the lower side with the dirt you dug out it will sink in time with the weight of water in the pool.

Make sure there are no stones sticking up on the levelled site, good idea to compact with a roller or vibrating plate,

I put some old carpet down to cover the whole area it helps to protect the pool liner, and it`s softer to stand on when in the pool.

Ive had a 15` pool for 5 years now , my grandchildren love it, good luck with yours.

Answer 5

I would move the high end , reason building up on the low end will be far too time consuming waiting for it to be compact enough to hold.   That was the suggestion from our pool man.

Money saving idea   sweat equity... grab a spade mark the depth on the spade and mark on  the ground where.  If you have a couple of friends invite them to help (if they want to get in the pool) LoL!   have plenty of water and offer BBQ afterwards while they help you set up.....

Answer 6

Dig off the high side, move to low , then grass seed later on in the year.

Sand sounds good , but may move under weight of water

1 litre=1kg erosion will wash sand out. Sun,s UV will erode any plastic bags used to hold sand

Answer 7

Grab a level & start moving high end dirt to lower end.

Best not to try to make the low end any higher than you have to.

Best to set it on the firmer ground.