Pool Set Up Questions

by Roger and Susan Trivette

We put up an 18 foot pool last year, thought we had the ground fairly level...NOT! We did enjoy the pool all summer, though.

This year we're going bigger....22 ft. We're renting a Bobcat tomorrow to level the area, then will put down sand.

Does this sound like a good plan? How thick should the sand be? Does the sand need to set a while? Should we put a liner above the sand? And how far out from the pool should we level the ground and cover with sand?
Sorry so much!
Thanks!

Roger and Susan, lots of questions, but that's OK. I am going to assume you are talking about a vinyl lined, steel walled, above ground pool.

I would level the ground at least two feet beyond the pool bottom rails. I would pack the ground and check it over and over again for level. Use a laser transit for best results, they can be rented and are well worth the money.

The next thing I would do is lay out the bottom rail and get it all connected. Use a tape measure and center point and make it perfectly round. Use the laser transit and set each post plate perfectly level. Now pile the sand in the center of the pool, but do not spread it out.

Install the wall and the pool frame before you spread out the sand. The sand is to cushion the liner only, not for the frame to sit on.

These pages show pools being installed using this method. Take a look and see if they help.


Above Ground Swimming Pool Installation


Atlantic Above Ground Swimming Pool Installation


Diamond Star Above Ground Swimming Pool Installation

If it's a metal frame pool like an Intex I would level the round a couple of feet beyond the pool, spread out and pack a couple of inches of sand and install the pool. I would do this entire process checking every step with a laser transit making sure it's perfectly level.