Trying to figure out how to level the ground for your swimming pool this summer? Yes, we know just how much work you have to put in to pull this off ( excavating, digging, and whatnot). But hey, do you know that you can get the job done without digging? Well, yes, you can! Just think it to be a much more comfortable and cost-effective way to level your pool for the ultimate summer fun.
Of course, every one of us knows just how important it is to install or level an above-ground pool properly and also maintain it consistently despite the cost. In addition to being aesthetically pleasing, a well-installed pool will turn out to be safe for you and your family. You might not know this, but an improperly installed pool can be incredibly dangerous to anyone using it (which, of course, is a surefire way to ruin summer fun!). With this in mind, it’s only reasonable to get an idea of how to level the ground for your pool correctly (of course, without digging).
Need a little help? Just keep reading!
In this post, we’re going to take you through the process of leveling your pool without digging and, of course, leave you to get to work. Sounds good?
Let’s get started:
- First off, check the ground to see if It’s out of level within two inches from the shallow side to the deep side. How can you do this? Just start by screwing two 2-by-4 boards together (next to each other) while ensuring that they’re 1 or 2 feet longer than the overall diameter of your swimming pool. You can always outsource this work if it seems confusing.
- Now, place the attached boards on the ground (precisely where the pool will be installed) and put a level on them. Once done, gently lift and lower one end of the 2-by-4 boards until it indicates that it is level. At this point, you can easily measure the distance between the bottom of the 2-by-4 to the ground. Doing this will give you a better idea of just how unlevel the ground is.
- Right now, you’ll want to drill a 3/8-inch hole right through the middle of the 2-by-4s. Afterward, drive a metal rod through the tunnel to secure the 2-by-4 boards to the ground. Done? Now you should get sand and pour it over the area with a primary focus on the low area of the pool. Be sure to pour as much sand as needed and, of course, keep rotating the boards until it indicates that the sand is level properly.
- Done with the leveling? Now it’s time to wet the area, get your tamper, and use the same to tamp down the sand. Be sure to keep at it until you find that the sand is hard and compact. It’s incredibly important to ensure that the entire area or circle is done correctly. At this point, You’ll do well to walk over the area and, of course, confirm that it leaves no impression on the ground. If it does, you might end up needing a repair or remodeling.
- Using a metal stake, drive a hole into the middle area of the pool while making sure that it goes in line with building codes for correct placement and proper compliance with local ordinances. Speaking of which, you should be aware that some districts require that swimming pools maintain a center distance from existing buildings or property lines (and that includes your home). With this in mind, you would want to do your best to comply accordingly.
- At this point, chances are the sand is firm (or better still, confirm that it is). If such is the case, get a piece of string (preferably one that is six inches longer than the radius of your pool) and tie it to the metal stake. Now take a can of spray paint and tie it to the loose end of the string. Once done, pull the string out to the grass (and mark it at the 6-inch mark). The goal here is to locate the area on the grass that should be leveled. Marked the area? Well, now it’s time to get rid of everything from the grass to the sod and roots (basically anything that shouldn’t be in the workspace).
- Once you’re done cleaning the area, you can start arranging your wooden plank level. This is where you’ll get a 1-inch by 6-inch plank of wood (one that’s six inches longer than the radius of the pool) and duct tape a 4-foot level to the plank centered on one end of the 1-inch sides. Now, using a hammer, drive a 4-inch nail halfway into a 1-inch side of the plank. Next up, take out the metal stake (at the center of the pool) and drive a 2-inch square stake into the ground. Finally, hammer the plank’s 4-inch nail into the center of the square stake so it can rotate around the pool area.
- Where’s the lowest point of the pool? It’s crucial to figure this out and, of course, ensure that the rest of the pool area is at the same level (any mistake at this point can ruin the entire process and may even require a need for remodeling services). It’s also worth mentioning that you should avoid adding soil to the pool when leveling. Why? Well, it’s only because the weight of the pool is going to push it out. That said, it’s best to avoid it altogether. Finally, be sure to pivot the plank within the pool area and keep leveling until you’re pivoting continuously (around 360 degrees).
- Wrap things up by spreading a layer of crushed limestone throughout the pool area. And then seal it by wetting, tamping, and leveling with your base. Don’t forget to add soil and limestone and, of course, keep at it until it’s flush.
And there you have it! A handy step-by-step guide to leveling your pool like a pro and ensuring that the pool is neat, tidy, and safe to use. Right now, it’s all up to you to read over again (if necessary) and, of course, get it right. Here’s to the best summer fun!