How to Compensate for a 6 Inch Ground Slope

by Bill Austin
(Athens, Georgia)

This past weekend I purchased an Intex 15 X 4 ft Metal Frame Pool. I know is was stupid not to check beforehand to be sure, but I went ahead and setup the pool on what I believed was, for the most part level ground(maybe 1 to 2 inches off at most).

I began filling the pool with water and went off to run some errands. When I returned the pool was half full and noticed that there was a 6 inch difference in elevation between from front to back.

Being concerned about the integrity of the pool, I immediately shut off the water and began doing some research. I read your response to another person under the topic of "Unlevel Concrete Pool Location". So here is what I am thinking of doing.

The metal frame legs of the pool is basically 1.5 inch thin wall tube steel. I'm thinking about getting some heavy gauge galvanized metal pipe long enough to drive into the ground to slide the pool legs over (or inside of) this pipe which will also be set to correct the difference in elevation on the low side. My thinking is that this will provide stronger reinforced legs and level the metal pool frame from front to back and side to side. Then I was going to adjust the liner bottom such that it will sit on the sloped ground surface. Essentially, this will level the top of the pool (Frame) and will also result in having the pool bottom sloped with the ground slope to provide one side 6 inches deeper than the other side.

My question for you is, do you think this will work? Any other suggestions you have would be appreciated.

Thank You, Bill



Hi Bill. It sounds possible but I honestly can not tell you if it would work or not. The best thing would be to take the pool down, level the ground, and reinstall it.

My concern would be putting to much pressure on the liner in the low area. I don't see how you can raise the top without stressing the walls and base.