How to level the bottom for a pool without digging | Improved Home (2023)

Most people dream of having a pool in their own backyard. It would be nice to swim out the back door instead of going to a crowded public pool or lake. Except, there's just one problem: you don't want to dig up your garden. That's okay! We have a way around this.

There are several steps you need to take to level an inground pool without digging. These steps include:

1. Make sure your soil has less than 2 inches difference between the shallow end and the deep end.
2. Measure the difference between the uneven surface and the floor.
3. Use sand to level and compact the soil.
4. Mark 6 inches outside the radius where you want to place yoursSwimming pool.
5. Spread and seal in crushed limestone for extra hold.

As you can see, you can level the floor in just five simple steps. In this article, we explain these steps fully. So no questions remain unanswered.

Before you do anything, you need to check your local building codes and ordinances. There is usually a required distance between the center of your pool and your home. Also, certain states require a fence or safety barrier around your pool.

Knowing this information can help you ensure you are leveling the correct area of ​​your yard.

Tools you need to complete your leveling project

Here's a list of the tools you'll need to get the job done:

• electric screwdriver
• 3 inch screws
• 2″ x 4″ planks (the length will depend on the size of your pool
• 1″ x 6″ plank (length will depend on the size of your pool)
• A 2 inch square wooden peg
• tape measure
• Sand (The amount depends on how much leveling you need)
• Manipulation
• Water
• metal stake
• A string (6 inches longer than the radius of your pool)
• Sod cutter (if you have grass that needs to be removed)
• spray paint
• Hammer
• 4 inch nail
• Ground Limestone (amount depends on the size of your workspace)
• shovel
• rake
• wheelbarrow

Shovel, rake and wheelbarrow are for the cleanup phase of your project.

Step One: Measure the difference between the shallow end and the deep end of your pool

First you need to check how uneven the ground your pool will be on is. To do this, you need to screw two 2″ x 4″ boards together lengthwise. Keep this in mind when closing a hot dog bun; Your boards should just bolt together like that.

However, your boards should be at least 1 to 2 feet longer than the diameter of your pool. Some people are very experienced in this kind of work. If you find this to be overwhelming or difficult, try hiring someone. It takes less than an hour and costs around $15-$20 to hire someone.

Step two: leveling

Lay these boards on the ground where you will be installing your pool. Next you need to place a spirit level on the boards to measure the difference from one end to the other.

You can buy a level from Lowes or Home Depot for under $20 if you don't already have one. Grab the end that your instrument calculates is closest to the ground. Raise it until your measuring tool shows the boards are level.

Now measure the distance between the end of the plank and the floor.

Step Three: Use sand to level your bottom for pool installation

Before pouring the sand, you need to attach the boards to the ground. Drill a hole that is 3/8 inch through the center of your boards. Next, drive a metal stake through the hole into the land and secure the boards.

Now it's time to pour your sand over the area. You should pour the sand where you custom raised your board. The reason for watering here is to raise the ground until it is level.

You'll know it's level when you turn your boards, and they do so smoothly over sand and soil. Now that your ground is level, you should seal your sand. You can do this by wetting your sand and using a tamper. The tamper compacts your sand.

Do this around the entire circle of sand that you poured. You will know when the sand is ready when you step on it and there are no shoe prints on the surface.

Step Four: Measure six inches from the radius of your pool

The next step is to take a metal stake and drive it into the ground. This stake should fit the middle of your pool.

Now you need to check the radius of your pool to make sure nothing else is in the way. You need a string. Make sure it's at least six inches longer than the radius of the pool.

Tie the string to the metal rod. Take the loose end of the line and feed it out as far as you can. The point where the line reaches needs to be marked with some spray paint. Do this throughout the area.

However, as you walk, make sure the cord in the middle moves with you. You don't want the center to wrap around the stake. If it wraps around the metal rod your measurement will not be accurate.

If there is grass within the marked radius, you must remove it. You can remove it with asod cutter.

Now it's time to clean up your workspace.

Step Five: Assemble Your Wood Plank Tier

Take a 1″ by 6″ wooden board. Make sure the length is at least 6 inches longer than the radius of your pool. Center a 4-foot level on one of the 1-inch sides for your planks. You can use tape to attach it at this point.

Drive a 4" nail halfway through the opposite 1" side of your plank. The nail and spirit level should be on opposite ends. Replace the metal stake in the ground with a 2-inch square timber stake. The top of the stake should be level with the territory.

Next, line up the nail in your board with the wooden peg. Drive the nail into the center of the wooden peg. This allows your plank to move around the area where your pool will stand.

Step 6: Level the rest of the radius of your pool

Now it's time to find the deepest point of the pool again. Start the leveling process by swinging the plank around the surface. You need to bring the rest of the range up to the same level as the lowest point. Also, you may need to mow more grass or clear rocks.

You'll know it's level when your board spins without getting stuck. It is important to note that you should not use soil during the leveling process. The floor cannot support the weight of your pool. Eventually the ground will become uneven and you need to fix the problem.

Step Seven: Add limestone for extra support

Now you can add crushed limestone over the area where your pool will stand. Spread the crushed limestone on your workspace. Next, wet it and pound it down with your tamper. Make sure your limestone is level with your sand base.

Once the limestone has hardened, you can add soil and additional limestone over it. Make sure it's flush with the rest of your floor. Congratulations! The place is now ready for your pool!

Other ways to level the bottom for a pool

While the method above is comprehensive, affordable, and results in a fully leveled spot for your new above ground pool, you can use something other than sand to level your pool without digging. Here is a list of a few alternatives:

1. Pour a concrete slab.Concrete is easy to create a smooth and level surface. As an added bonus, the rough texture of the concrete will ensure your above ground pool stays in place during use. However, remember that you must use another layer between the concrete and the pool to prevent abrasion and pool leaks.
2. Install solid foam.Laying foam directly onto grass can create a level surface for an above ground pool. These foams are usually made of polystyrene or polyurethane and can be found in different thicknesses.
3. Use a rolling tamper on your floor.While this option can be effective, it doesn't completely eliminate digging. Some digging is required to remove grass and turf from the area.
4. use pavers.Pavers and patio blocks are often used for leveling. Because of their longevity, they are the ideal choice.
5. Install gravel.Gravel is often considered a better alternative to sand for leveling the bottom of a pool. It is much easier to use and reduces the risk of living beings. However, gravel needs to be installed properly to avoid cracking the outside of your pool.

These are the most common alternatives to sand to level your floor.

related questions

What happens if the bottom for a pool is not level?

It is extremely dangerous to place a pool on an uneven surface. Not to mention it won't look very good.

The extra weight on one side of the pool eventually causes it to collapse. Anyone in the pool could be seriously injured, if not killed. the good news is youdon't have to drain the poolto level it!

Can you install an above ground pool directly on grass?

While it is possible, it is not recommended to place an above ground pool on a natural grass pitch. It's an especially bad idea if you intend to take down the pool during the off-season, as the pool will kill your weed.

Take the time to properly level your floor

You're probably looking forward to jumping in your pool. Save yourself the hassle of re-leveling by taking your time. By making sure you get the job right the first time, you can enjoy your pool for much longer!

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