What To Put Under Above Ground Pool

What to Put Under an Above Ground Pool: A Comprehensive Guide

Choosing the right base for your above-ground pool is crucial for its longevity, stability, and your overall enjoyment. A poorly prepared base can lead to uneven settling, damage to the pool walls, and even leaks. This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to consider when deciding what to put under your above-ground pool, ensuring a safe and enjoyable swimming experience for years to come.

Understanding the Importance of a Proper Pool Base

Before diving into the specifics of what to use, let's understand why a proper base is so important. The ground beneath your pool needs to be stable, level, and capable of supporting the significant weight of the pool, water, and any additional features. Without a solid foundation, you risk:

• Uneven Settling: This can cause the pool walls to bow, crack, or even collapse.
• Damage to the Pool Liner: An uneven base can put stress on the liner, leading to tears and leaks.
• Leaks: Sharp objects or uneven surfaces can puncture the pool liner.
• Reduced Pool Lifespan: A poorly prepared base significantly shortens the life of your above-ground pool.
• Safety Hazards: An unstable pool poses a safety risk to swimmers.

Preparing the Ground: The Foundation of a Successful Pool Installation

The first step in creating a suitable base is proper ground preparation. This involves:

1. Clearing the Area: Removing Debris and Vegetation

Thoroughly clear the area where your pool will be located. Remove all grass, weeds, rocks, sticks, and any other debris. Even small objects can cause problems later. The surface should be completely smooth and free of obstructions.

2. Leveling the Ground: Achieving a Perfect Plane

This is arguably the most crucial step. You need a perfectly level surface. Use a level and landscaping rake to create a flat base. Any significant slopes or dips will need to be addressed by adding or removing soil. Consider renting a laser level for increased accuracy, especially for larger pools. Remember, a level base is paramount for a stable and long-lasting pool.

3. Compacting the Soil: Ensuring Stability

Once level, thoroughly compact the soil. This prevents settling and ensures a stable foundation. You can use a hand tamper for smaller areas or rent a plate compactor for larger spaces. Compacting the soil is critical; a loose base will settle over time, leading to the problems mentioned earlier.

Choosing the Right Base Material: A Variety of Options

Now for the heart of the matter: what to actually put under your above-ground pool. Several materials are suitable, each with its own advantages and disadvantages.

1. Pea Gravel: A Popular and Effective Choice

Pea gravel is a popular choice due to its excellent drainage properties and relatively low cost. It's a layer of small, rounded stones that allows water to drain away from the pool base, preventing waterlogging and ensuring stability. It's crucial to use a sufficient depth of pea gravel, usually around 4-6 inches, depending on the soil conditions. Proper drainage is essential to prevent the buildup of moisture under the pool.

Pros: Excellent drainage, relatively inexpensive, readily available. Cons: Can be more labor-intensive to install than other options, can shift slightly over time.

2. Sand: A Smooth and Stable Base

Sand provides a smooth, level base, which is particularly beneficial for protecting the pool liner from punctures. It offers good stability, but it lacks the drainage capabilities of pea gravel. Using sand necessitates excellent ground preparation and compaction to prevent settling. A combination of sand and pea gravel can be a highly effective solution – sand for a smooth surface, and gravel for drainage.

Pros: Creates a smooth surface, relatively easy to level. Cons: Poor drainage properties, requires excellent ground preparation and compaction.

3. Concrete Slab: The Most Durable Option

A concrete slab provides the most durable and stable base for your above-ground pool. It's ideal for areas with poor soil conditions or for exceptionally large pools. However, it's also the most expensive and labor-intensive option. Ensure you have a professional pour the concrete slab to guarantee a perfectly level and stable surface.

Pros: Most durable and stable option, long-lasting, excellent for poor soil conditions. Cons: Most expensive, most labor-intensive, requires professional installation.

4. Landscape Fabric: Preventing Weed Growth and Soil Migration

Regardless of the base material you choose, it's highly recommended to use landscape fabric. This fabric acts as a barrier, preventing weeds from growing up into your pool base and helps to prevent soil from mixing with your chosen base material. It’s a simple yet crucial step that adds to the longevity and overall quality of your pool base.

Pros: Prevents weed growth, reduces soil migration, enhances longevity. Cons: Minimal cost, but requires additional time during installation.

Choosing the Right Base Material for Your Situation

The best base material for your above-ground pool depends on several factors:

• Soil Conditions: Poorly draining soil necessitates a base with excellent drainage properties, like pea gravel. Well-draining soil may allow for the use of sand or even just a compacted soil base with landscape fabric.
• Budget: Pea gravel is the most affordable option, while concrete is the most expensive.
• Skill Level: Installing a concrete slab requires professional help, while pea gravel or sand can be installed by a DIY enthusiast.
• Pool Size: Larger pools may benefit from a more robust base, such as a concrete slab.

Step-by-Step Installation Guide (Using Pea Gravel and Landscape Fabric)

This guide provides a general overview. Always consult your pool's specific instructions.

1. Clear and Level the Ground: As previously discussed, meticulously clear and level the area where your pool will sit.
2. Install Landscape Fabric: Lay down a layer of landscape fabric, ensuring it extends beyond the pool's perimeter. This will prevent weeds and soil from mixing with the gravel.
3. Add Pea Gravel: Spread a layer of pea gravel (4-6 inches deep) evenly over the landscape fabric.
4. Level the Gravel: Use a rake and level to ensure a perfectly flat surface. Take your time with this step; it's crucial for a stable pool base.
5. Compact the Gravel (Optional): For added stability, gently compact the pea gravel using a hand tamper.
6. Install Your Pool: Carefully position your above-ground pool on the prepared base, following the manufacturer's instructions.

Maintaining Your Pool Base

Even with a perfectly prepared base, regular maintenance is important. Periodically inspect the area around your pool for any signs of settling, erosion, or weed growth. Addressing these issues promptly can prevent major problems down the line.

Conclusion: A Solid Foundation for a Lasting Pool

Choosing and installing the right base for your above-ground pool is a critical step in ensuring its longevity, stability, and safety. By carefully considering the factors outlined in this guide and following the installation instructions, you can create a solid foundation for years of swimming enjoyment. Remember, a well-prepared base is an investment in the long-term health and enjoyment of your above-ground pool. Don’t cut corners – your peace of mind and the longevity of your pool are worth the effort.