Does a pool have to be level? - Project Sports
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Does a pool have to be level?

7 min read

Asked by: Valerie Weeks

An above ground pool needs to be setup on level ground. Manufactures typically state a pool should be level within an inch, while those who are OCD may try to do even better. An above ground pool that is off level by 3 inches or more is unsafe.

What happens if pool is not level?

The water will press with more force on one section of the pool than the others. This uneven weight distribution can buckle, twist or even collapse the pool wall, resulting in property damage and injury to anyone in or around the pool when it fails.

How many inches can a pool be unlevel?

Any more than two inches is unacceptable. Intex pools that are three inches off or more will not last and no one should be swimming in one. Not only does it look very bad, once the uneven wall starts to create the outward pressure one side it will eventually push the pool out of shape more and more.

Do I need to level above ground pool?

Above-ground pools need to be placed on level ground or you will find yourself with an unnatural shallow end to your pool. Besides being unsightly, an improperly installed pool is unstable. Not only do you risk injury to swimmers and bystanders in the event of a pool collapse, but you risk the end of summer fun.

What happens if my Intex pool is not level?

Unlevel Intex pools may have one part of the pool lower than other parts, and this unevenly distributes pressure on your pool’s walls. A part of your pool may have the highest weight due to it being on uneven ground. This will can cause your wall to collapse and leave permanent damage on your Intex pool.

How do you level a pool that is already filled?

  1. Drain some water. You are going to be lifting the lower side of the pool, so you need to get rid of some of the weight. …
  2. Remove blocks. When you installed the pool, you put leveling blocks under the slab. …
  3. Raise the wall. …
  4. Replace blocks. …
  5. Repeat. …
  6. Fill the hole. …
  7. Refill the pool.
  8. How do I level my pool without digging?


    You're gonna get your heavy twine or light rope whatever it is and you're gonna tie that to the metal ring. So you can pull the board. Around. While you're looking at the level to watch.

    Can you put an above ground pool on unlevel ground?

    Less than an inch of unevenness is acceptable, but anything beyond that can lead to the leveling problem. Such a pool won’t last for long, and you would need to bring it down and get it reinstalled by a professional. Leveling the surface first before assembling the pool is important.

    What is the easiest way to level a ground for a pool?

    1. STEP 1: Determine your location and remove any large rocks or debris. …
    2. STEP 2: Place 2x4s on the site and place a level on top. …
    3. STEP 3: Add or take away soil until the ground is level. …
    4. STEP 4: Repeat the process until the entire area is flat. …
    5. STEP 5: Rake any remaining rocks or debris and tamp the ground.
    6. How do you fix an above ground pool that is not a level?

      If you're replacing a liner that now's a great time to tweak your level or your pool out it's very simple. We have videos to show you how to do. That.

      What causes an above ground pool to collapse?

      Pool Collapse – An above ground pool collapse is often caused by the results of ice damage, but it can also happen when there is too much snow accumulated on top of the pool and the frame cannot handle the weight.

      What should I put under my above ground pool to level?

      Concrete is probably the best option since it is usually 100% level and smooth. Also, grass can’t grow through concrete and animals and bugs can’t damage or burrow through it either. Grass or dirt is also another great option, as long as it has been properly leveled and you’ve killed off the grass first.

      Should I put sand under my Intex pool?

      The folks at Intex are fairly clear that you should NOT put sand under your pool. The sand can easily wash away, causing voids under your pool and risking your pool leaning and even collapsing.

      How many bags of sand do I need for a 12 foot pool?

      How Much Sand Will I Need For Pool Installation?

      Amount for Sand Base with SAND COVE Amount for Sand Base with FOAM COVE
      12′ Round 1.00 1.00
      15′ Round 1.50 1.50
      18′ Round 2.00 2.00
      21′ Round 2.50 2.50

      Can you put an above ground pool on grass?

      Installing an above-ground pool on a natural grass lawn is not a good idea, particularly if you plan on taking down the pool for part of the year. There are several reasons why natural grass and above-ground pools do not mix well, but one of the most important is that the pool is going to kill the grass.

      Are pool liner pads worth it?

      Pool liner pads are not a necessity, but they’re definitely worth the very small investment you’ll make. They protect your liner from unnecessary damage resulting from rocks and other debris. They also provide a nice cushion for your feet on the floor of the pool.

      Should you put a pad under an above ground pool?

      Above-ground pools should be placed on pool floor padding for two important reasons: Installation of padding underneath the swimming pool liner protects it from stones, roots, or other sharp debris that might cut the pool liner and cause a leak.

      What is the best thing to put under a pool liner?

      Pool Floor Padding



      By far the best material to place under a swimming pool liner is Armor Shield or Gorilla Pad. These materials are breathable allowing moisture to escape and are extremely tough, keeping insects and moles from coming through and piercing the vinyl pool liner.

      Should I put sand under my pool?

      Sand is the recommended base material upon which an aboveground pool should sit. Sand is used under an aboveground pool to protect the pool’s vinyl liner from rocks and objects that could tear the liner. Also, sand under an aboveground pool acts as cushioning for its floor, making it more comfortable for feet.

      How many inches of sand do you need for a pool?

      The general rule is that there should be a two to three-inch base of sand under an above ground pool. If you know the dimensions of your pool area, then you can easily figure out how much sand you’ll need for the base using a sand calculator.

      Can you put a pool on concrete?

      Many wonder though if above ground pools are exclusively used over grass, sand, or soil only and if installing it over concrete is impossible (for fear of it getting punctured). The good news is, yes, you can install your above ground pool on concrete if a sand or soil base is not possible.

      How many bags of sand do I need for an above ground pool?

      So how much sand will you need? You will need at least 2 inches (5.08 cm) of sand for your above-ground pool lining. For an average 15 × 30 foot (4.5 x 9.1 m) rectangular pool, you will need around 2-3 cubic yards (1.53 – 2.29 cu m) of sand or approximately 4 tons (3600 kilos).

      Can you use dirt to level a pool?

      You’ll need to dig away these area in order to create level ground for the pool. Dig away soil instead of building up low patches. Always dig away slopes and high spots to make them level with lower areas, even if it takes more work.

      How much area will a 50 lb bag of sand cover?

      50 lb bag of sand cover how much area?” Generally, a typical 50 lb bag of sand yields 0.5 cubic feet, which will cover approximately 3 square feet area for standard 2 inch depth, 6 square feet at 1 inch deep, 2 square feet at 3 inches deep, or 1.5 square feet at 4 inches deep.