The Importance Of Leveling Land For Pool Installation And Removal

An above-ground pool can provide your family with countless hours of enjoyment in warm weather, but pool installations are not as easy as it may seem. Many modern above-ground pools come with excellent instructions and video tutorials, but before you can assemble the pool itself, it is vital to ensure you are working with level ground. This will also facilitate the pool removal process when it is time to retire the pool from use.

Here is a look at why leveling land for pool installation and removal is so important and how you can successfully perform this vital part of preparation.

Why Does Your Pool Need Even Ground?

There are three main reasons you shouldn’t consider installing your pool until the ground has been leveled.

The Pool’s Structure Could Be Compromised

When a pool is installed on uneven ground, the water inside of the pool places extra pressure on certain sections of the pool’s liner and wall. The uneven distribution of weight can cause some of the walls to twist, buckle or break.

In some cases, the compromised section of the wall could simply give out, which would destroy the pool completely and leave you facing the expense of a replacement. This can also cause water to flood through the yard and potentially injure those who are using the pool or happen to be nearby.

The Pool’s Water Level Will Be Uneven

Installing an above-ground pool on ground that is uneven is a safety risk because it creates a shallow end and a deep end, which may be dangerous for smaller children who are unable to touch the bottom in unpredictable areas.

In addition, uneven water levels can be problematic for cleaning equipment, such as skimmers as they may get stuck in different areas of the pool when encountering unexpectedly shallow water.

The Pool Will Not Be Aesthetically Pleasing

Another major problem associated with pools installed on uneven ground is their visual appearance. When the water in the pool is not level, it is immediately noticeable to all who view it. One side of a pool is not meant to look lower than the other, and this can quickly become an eyesore and send a message that the homeowner is prone to cutting corners in home improvement tasks.

This can affect your home’s resale ability, as potential buyers may be hesitant to buy a home in which corners were cut. Moreover, they will need to empty and disassemble the pool, level the land and then replace it, which can be an arduous task.

Leveling the Ground for an Above Ground Pool

It is not difficult to level the area of your yard in which you wish to install your pool, but you will need to have the proper tools on hand. A sod cutter or rototiller can be very helpful for clearing grass. You will also need a board, level, wide shovel, wide rake and lawn roller.

Here is a look at the steps that are involved in leveling land for pool installation.

Choose a Suitable Location

If you place your pool in the wrong section of your yard, it will be nearly impossible to move without first draining it and completely disassembling it. Therefore, it is worth taking the time to find the ideal place to install it.

It will be far easier if you can install it in the flattest area of the yard. This means less shoveling and less leveling overall. However, this may not always be the most convenient location in the yard for a pool. You also need to consider a spot where there are no large trees hanging overhead that can drop leaves and debris in the pool, as this can lead to frustration in terms of maintenance and cleaning.

You also need to choose a place in the yard that is away from sewage and septic lines, power lines and underground cables. It is also a good idea to choose an area that is clearly inside the property’s boundaries, leaving around a foot or two of a buffer zone in each direction.

Clear the Site

Take the time to remove grass, rocks and any other debris in the area where you plan to place the pool as this can damage the liner and potentially destroy the pool.

Use a sod cutter to cut, roll and relocate your grass to a different area of your yard. Some people rent a rototiller to facilitate this process.

If you have time, you may wish to lay a thick tarp across the area where you will lay the pool to starve the grass of water and sunlight, which can make it easier to dig out.

Fix Any Holes or Bumps

Use a leveling device to see how level the ground is. One good approach is laying a long, straight piece of board across the intended pool site, and then using a level to see if it is flat.

For areas that are not level, it is better to remove bumps in the dirt instead of adding more dirt to lower areas, as this will result in a more stable base. Some pool manufacturers recommend digging down and sinking the pool at least two inches into soil because the area will be topped off with sand once the base is flat.

Add Sand

Once the ground is level, you need to order a truckload of sand to serve as a base that will protect the pool’s liner and create a buffer against any weeds, grass or sharp objects you might have missed when cleaning up the site. You will need to order enough sand to form at least a two-inch layer across the entire pool area.

Rake the sand, water it and leave it to dry overnight. Then, compact it to form a solid base using a rented lawn roller. Finally, check everything again with the level to ensure the entire space is perfectly level and ready for you to install the base layer and the pool itself.

Reach Out to the Northern Virginia Construction Experts

If you are considering installing an above-ground pool in your yard, hiring experienced professionals to help with leveling and installation can ensure safe and durable results. Contact the residential remodeling and landscaping professionals at Dirt Connections to find out more about our services or to arrange sand delivery for your project. We also offer affordable pool removal services.