Crusher Run As Base Material

by D. Volpone
(Rochester, NY)

We are replacing a steel pool because water issues caused it to shift and damaged it beyond repair. We are considering a 15x30 resin above ground pool.

To deal with water issues an installer suggested we put crusher run, rather than just dirt/sand, under the pool. Also, we like the idea of styrofoam underneath, along with foam cove. What do you think? Is this "overkill"? Thanks





Hi D. Crusher run makes an excellent above ground pool base. It levels easily and then packs solid. Once the pool frame is installed I would use sand over the crusher run instead of foam.

Oval pools have side braces that require a lot of extra attention. You will be digging trenches and packing soil back in around the braces. You will also be laying down pressure plates that stick up into the pool area. These plates need to be completely covered with dirt or sand. I prefer sand over the plates on oval pools; it just seams to work better.

I built a 15 x 30 foot oval for myself one time and used Styrofoam sheets. Since it was for myself, and I could experiment, here is what I did. I had the foam from a pool I had taken down for a customer. I also had a few extra sidewalls around. I set the braces up, then I cut a piece of 48 inch steel sidewall the length needed to completely cover the brace assemblies going down each side. So I had two pieces of sidewall about 4' x 20' covering the brace channels on each side of the pool, on the inside of the pool.

The sidewalls created a flat surface that I could easily put the foam sheets over. They also collected the weight of the water and held the braces in place and kept them from bowing outwards at the tops.

So unless you want to get creative you may want to stay away from the foam sheets.

Take a few minutes and review these two oval pools being set up, you may come up with some more ideas.

Atlantic Above Ground Pool

Diamond Star Pool Installation