Essential Tool For Leveling Above Ground Pools

Installing an above ground pool brings excitement for summer fun, but it also requires proper planning and preparation. One critical step is ensuring the ground underneath is completely level. A pool set on uneven ground risks tilting, structural damage, and water overflow issues. Thankfully, pool levelers provide an easy solution for creating a flat surface. This essential pool accessory makes installation safer, easier, and optimizes the pool's lifespan.

Issues With Unbalanced Above Ground Pools

What problems arise from a unleveled above ground pool? An unbalanced foundation during installation almost guarantees future headaches. As more water weight presses down, slanted areas sink lower and lower over time. An unleveled pool encounters several escalating issues:

• The structure tilts more over time from the water's weight pressing on weak spots.
• The tilted angle stresses supporting legs and walls, risking bending or cracks.
• Water starts overflowing heavily on the lower side.
• Circulation pump problems since water unevenly drains.
• There's an increased drowning risk if young kids enter the deeper side.

Additionally, the aesthetic appeal diminishes once crookedness becomes visible. Guests using the pool may feel uneasy by the titled surface. Soon the enjoyment and functionality drastically decrease from the compounding issues.

Consequences Increase Over Time

At first, a slightly unleveled pool may not seem like a big issue if the tilt angle stays minimal. But aggravated problems develop as more water weight presses down unevenly. The initial unevenness exponentially grows more pronounced season after season:

• A 1-2 degree early tilt can evolve into a 10+ degree angle after a few years.
• The tilted slope stresses the entire infrastructure, wearing out components faster.
• Metal components like ladders and rails eventually bend from the slope's pressure.
• Pump motors work harder to circulate water on an uneven surface causing early burnout.

While releveling fixes become necessary, the costs grow higher over time too. It's clearly best to properly level an above ground pool during the original installation for optimal enjoyment and lifespan.

Purpose of Above Ground Pool Levelers

An above ground pool leveler (also called pool coping or pool mat) is an essential installation accessory designed specifically for leveling the foundation. This handy tool creates a flat, even surface before filling the pool with water. It provides the stable base vital for assembly while allowing adjustments to correct unleveled areas.

How Pool Levelers Work

Pool levelers sit underneath the entire pool structure. Special leveling feet with adjustable heights lift the bottom track or rails on top of the mat. If the bubble shows unleveled spots after prepping the site, the installer tweaks the adjustable pads in the problem areas to compensate. This raises the frame incrementally until every point hits level.

The mat material itself also helps stabilize and distribute weight. Common options include dense foam, rubber, thermoplastic, or composites. Some have bottom channels or holes to allow water drainage below the liner. Levelers range from 1-4 inches thick generally.

Types of Pool Levelers

There are a few types of above ground pool levelers available:

• Unattached mat: Made of foam or composite material placed under bottom rails.
• Attached mat: Connects directly to the pool frame for convenience and stability.
• Adjustable leveling feet: Threaded feet that twist to precise heights needed.
• Complete kits: Combine a pool mat with adjustable levelers for full solution.

It's important to match the right pool leveling system for your exact pool make and model. Consult manufacturer guidelines to select compatible leveling products.

Using Above Ground Pool Levelers

A pool leveler simplifies installation while allowing adjustments even after assembly. Once the base frame is together, an installer can tweak pad heights as needed until satisfied the pool sits perfectly level.

Complete Overview and Step-By-Step Guide

These are the basic steps for utilizing pool levelers:

1. Clear and level installation area first.
2. Lay ground liner if included.
3. Assemble bottom rails and vertical posts per instructions.
4. Place complete pool mat in position.
5. Attach adjustable leveling feet underneath rails.
6. Check for level and tweak feet heights as needed.
7. Finish installing top rails and verticals.
8. Snap wall sheets into position.

If unleveled areas sneak through, the installer can keep adjusting certain levelers up or down even after assembly finishes. Just unscrew the threaded post heights little by little until reaching perfection. This remains possible since the pad heads stay accessible underneath.

Leveler Placement and Installation

It's vital to situate pool levelers in the optimal location underneath rails. Failure to properly level risks liner damage, overflow issues, and structural harm over time. Precise installation best practices include:

• Cover entire interior frame area without gaps.
• Review manufacturer instructions for sizing and spacing.
• Arrange interlocking tiles tightly without leaving gaps if using segments.
• Ensure leveling heads align underneath rail connectors.
• Adjust pads under support posts for maximum strength.

Ongoing Maintenance Tips

Regular maintenance optimizes performance and longevity for pool levelers. Follow these helpful care guidelines:

• Check leveler condition while closing pool for winter.
• Give levelers a thorough cleaning before covering.
• Ensure pad heads remain screwed in place tightly.
• Conduct seven-point inspections checking level regularly.
• Re-adjust pads over time if any sinking spots appear.

Remember - keeping pads properly leveled means less strain on the entire structure. Take time ensuring things stay even for best results.

Finding the Best Above Ground Pool Leveler

With so many pool levelers available, it helps knowing what factors to evaluate during selection. Beyond covering the right dimensions, also consider key characteristics like:

Key Features To Evaluate

• Material durability - Withstands weather and wear without damage.
• Weight rating - Supports your pool's size when filled.
• Adjustability range - Lifts pools within typical unleveled parameters.
• Padding density - Compresses minimally for stability.
• Leveling precision - Adjusts small increments with ease.

Also confirm levelers match the specific pool make and model through manufacturer guidelines. Custom shaping or connector styles ensure proper fitting alignment.

These top-rated above ground pool levelers provide precision adjustability for simplified installation:

• Blue Wave Bronze 8-ft x 16-ft Foam Pool Mat
• SmartDeck Above-Ground Swimming Pool Leveling System
• Swimline 8-ft x 16-ft True Track Foam Pool Mat
• Intex Round Metal Frame Pool Set
• Polygroup Oval Frame Above Ground Pool Set

Be sure to measure pool dimensions before ordering. Also check delivery timelines since levelers release pool filling. Order early and read return policies just in case any sizing issues sneak through.