Unlevel Frame Pool

by Donna
(Texas)

I just put a 16'x48" metal frame pool up. It is unlevel by 2.5 to 3 inches. We added another strap around the outside of the pool and braced the deepest sides using 2 2x4's. Do you think that this will be safe enough or should we drain the pool and start over?

Hi Donna

I don't think you will have a problem with it. I think the extra strap was an excellent idea. I love the way it is sitting under the cover, very smart.

Out of Level Pool

by Shane
(Canada)

Hi there, we have an 18' round steel walled pool that is approx, 2" out. I am ready to raise the sunken post, but want to confirm that I need to. The post has been sunk for about two years and doesn't seem to moving any more. Do I need to empty the pool and raise the post? Thanks Shane

Hi Shane

I would not drain the pool just to fix it. It has been that way for a while and not causing a problem.

If you drain the pool to fix it you take the chance of having to replace the liner. Liners shrink when emptied.

I would wait until I did need to make a liner change and fix it at that time.

If you go ahead with the repair now be sure to leave some water in the pool. After taking off several top rails and unhooking the liner someone would need to be on the inside of the pool holding the liner back out of the way. The person on the outside would raise the post and make sure the cove is as it should be on the inside of the pool.

It can be done if it is a visual problem for you, or it could wait a while, either way.

24 Round Pool - Water Level Difference

by Kerri
(Missouri)

I have a 24' round, 52" deep above ground pool. Ground was "leveled" and construction began. During construction, rail, wall and uprights were continuously check to be level. Pool is now full and, of course, there's about a 2" difference from the skimmer side to its opposite. So, when the water level gets to the middle of the skimmer, it's going to be 6" from the top there and about 4" from the top on its opposite side. The top platform is still showing pretty darn level all the way around and the verticals are showing level. I don't get it. Is this going to be safe to use?

Hi Kerri

Two inches off level is not that bad. If the pool looks safe in all other aspects you should be fine. The water is always level, so the small differences in your rail level has added up to two inches. Enjoy the pool for now and anytime in the future you need to drain the pool, fix the level. You could make a chart, measure from top rail to water level at every post. This will tell you exactly what you need to do when the pool is drained.

The chart would look something like this. Post #1 - 5 1/2" Post #2 5 3/4" and so on.

Summer Escapes Pool Unlevel

I bought a 15'X42" summer escapes pool. When we leveled the ground it was nothing but a muddy mess. My yard is clay so the water has no where to go after all the rain. My pools up and it has still rained consistently.

So when we prepared the ground we made it level, we did use sand, covered it with tarp and used support blocks under the posts. It's like 4-6" unlevel. My "helpers" whom help me prepare and set up don't seem to be too concerned and it's got me pretty worried. It hasn't moved, it's the same amount unlevel as when we started but it sways as the water moves.

I called a local pool store and the man told me to get sand and build a 3-6" support barrier around the bottom of the pool and not to worry about draining and refilling.

I've tried to research if anyone has done this successfully but I am getting no where. Can you give your opinion please. Thanks for your time!

Hi

If it were mine I would drain and level it. If the pool is sitting on too much sand that could be the problem. I would just use an inch or two to cushion the pool, all other leveling would be done with dirt, clay or crushed granite.

Putting sand around the pool would not do any good. Sand will shift and not offer any support. Again, I would make the pool level.