Backfill

Our new 33' above ground (oval) was installed yesterday and is still filling! Our yard was not level at all, so one side if the pool is at ground level, the other end had to be dug out almost 18 inches. My question: after the pool is at least 3/4 full, can I backfill the dug out area with dirt and sand. I have read where some people recommend retaining walls or gravel, dirt and concrete mix.

The installer (who has been installing pools for 18 years) told me dirt is fine and will not cause any problems. The pool is an aluminum/resin wall.

I have two friends whose pools are dug deeper in the ground than mine and they backfilled with just dirt. I just want to do it right...

Thanks in advance

Hi Trp and congrats on the new pool! Wow! A 33' AG is a big pool! One of our installer types should be able to advise you about this situation. Welcome to the Pool Forum and hope you enjoy being a part of the group.

I can't answer your questions definitively, either, but I can offer a caution about who to ask. What works in soil work -- compaction, excavation, fill layers, backfill etc -- is very local in nature. Methods that work well in south Florida are NOT appropriate for Southern California . . . and vice versa.

I would *strongly* encourage to talk to LOCAL contractors, pool owners, and / or inspectors, and weigh that advice heavily against any information you gain here.