Do I have to level to the lowest spot within pool area?

[robin640]

Yesterday I removed the sod where our pool will sit. Using a transit, I have determined there is a 12” slope spanning the 24’ length of the pool. Tonight I removed 6” from the high side of the yard tappering to the middle of the pool.

I have plenty of mortar sand to fill the lower side of the land. Is this okay to fill the low side of my land with mortar sand? Alternatively, do I remove another 6” of dirt from the high side of the yard and taper to the lowest part of the yard?

Thanks,
-Ron

[sevver]

I would remove the rest from the high side and then some, you want the low side to be underground so that there will not be any erosion.

[robin640]

That is what I thought too. Any good tips to remove top soil / sand for the 24'X16'X8" footprint?

If I can, is it a good idea to leave 12" of undisrupted ground around the perimeter?

Thanks,
-Ron

[medvampire]

Bobcat or other small skid stear loader is ideal for leveling the ground. I would leave some room around the pool to be able to landscape. While landscapeing I would use rock with a plastic under it to prevent grass or other weeds growing under the pool. Some vegation will grow up through your liner.
Later
Steve

[hrsdennis]

Hi, You should have a good 12 - 24 inches of level ground around you pool. This is very important on the low side. There are many ways to fill and pack a low area but sand is not one of them. Sand should be used under the liner only. Not under the pool frame.

Digging down to the lowest spot is the best option but not always the most feasable. The pool just needs a firm level base with plenty of ledge around it. Best of luck, Dennis

[robin640]

What is the best type of fill to use if I decide to back fill the low side of the pool area?

[robin640]

My local building materials company has "dirty loom" for $5 a ton. Any idea if this is okay to be used in leveling my pool area?

[robin640]

The "dirty loom" is screened to rocks no larger than 3".

[hrsdennis]

Hi Robin, In Arizona we use either the excisting dirt or crushed granite.

I have quickly learned here that other parts of the country are quite different.

There have been several good threads in this section about fill material and compacting. I would browse back a few pages or more and find a few of them.

Best of luck, Dennis