Help with sand base...

Installing an Echo Canyon 18' above ground 54" deep. The patio blocks were installed and are level. I plan on using some limestone screenings to support the wall rail in a 4 or 5" path around the diameter and a little around each block for stability. My question is about the sand base. What is the best way to screed the sand level? When the excavators were at the site, they spread the sand around and tamped it. I told them not to...but they did before I came out and caught them. I'm not even sure how much they put down and I'm worried that there could be some rocks in it. Not only that.. but I'm sure if there is too much sand...my j-hook liner won't fit correctly or be too large. Any suggestions?? I did buy a "liner guard" to put over the sand base but I don't plan on buying styrofoam coving. I was just going to build the cove with the sand over some plastic sheeting that I'll duct tape up on the wall. I guess I just don't understand how you screed the sand level and work your way out of the pool if the walls are already up?? We will need to lay the liner guard down without disturbing the sand. Any tips would be soooo greatly appreciated. BTW..I DO have access to a laser level! :confused:

Ok, your best bet is to rake the sand flat using an ordinary garden rake.
Work your way to one spot where you have a ladder straddling the wall, once outside, remove ladder, rake sand in that spot.
Now, not sure how your liner guard installs, but you could install in, tape sections together, roll it up from each end to the middle, THEN rake your sand from the middle towards TWO opposing ends (separately), every 2 feet or so of raking, roll the liner protector towards you so it essentially follows you to the wall, flip the last bit after fixing the sand where the ladder stood.
If you need to check and see where your sand levle is at right now (in comparison to the top of wall), stretch a string across the pool tightly and measure down to the sand to measure the current depth.

I thought I read in a previous post somewhere that while raking someone strapped styrofoam to their shoes/feet to reduce or eliminate the foot print issue?

I'd like to hear how the liner fit went - we have a j-hook too and exact fit, how deep and how much sand is a good question. Please keep us updated.

The liner guard is a whole piece of fabric-like material (gorilla pad)...no duct taping it together. I imagine if I have to unroll the vinyl liner without stepping in the sand, I'll have to do the same with the liner guard. Should I build the sand cove over the liner guard or just lay the pad down after everything is complete? I'm imagining I'll have a little ridge where the guard ends at the cove.:confused: