Leveling An Inground Pool With Water

After investing the time, money and effort into installing an inground pool, finding that the finished product isn't perfectly level can be incredibly frustrating. But even with careful planning and preparation, some slope and elevation issues are bound to arise once the weight of the water gets added.

Small discrepancies in flatness may not be noticeable right away. But over time, the consequences of an unleveled pool can compound. Here are some telltale signs that your pool's grading is off:

• Uneven water lines around the perimeter
• One side sitting visibly higher than the other
• Water overflowing or unable to fill to normal levels
• Strain on filtration system components
• Improper skimmer function due to water level difference

The sooner these problems are identified and corrected, the better. A pool that is significantly out of level risks damage from shifting or collapse, especially when filled with the weight of water pressing on it.

Using Leveling Tools

Your eyes can often detect major slopes, but for a more precise diagnosis you'll need to use leveling tools. Here are some good options:

• Water level: This tool allows you to mark and compare the water line height at different points around the pool.
• String line: Stretch this across opposite sides of the pool and measure down to the water to identify any elevation differences.
• Laser level: Projects a straight laser line across the surface, making high and low spots clearly visible.
• Straight edge: Place this long ruler-like device across the pool to check that the edge is perfectly straight.

Checking The Structure

In addition to assessing water levels, you'll also want to thoroughly examine the pool shell itself for any signs of damage or instability. Significant slope issues may be caused by:

• Cracks, leaks or deterioration in the foundation
• Settling or sinking of the ground under the pool
• Shearing or warping of the pool walls
• Damages to the vermiculite, gunite or vinyl liner

These problems should be addressed and repaired before attempting to alter the grading. Trying to level an already compromised structure could make matters worse. Getting an assessment from a structural engineer is wise.

Safety First When Leveling

Leveling an existing pool comes with some risks that you'll want to minimize with proper precautions:

• Draining the pool too low reduces support and weight balance from the water.
• Lifting or shifting parts of the pool shell applies stressful forces.
• Compacting soil and inserting objects beneath the pool edges can destabilize the foundation if not done carefully.
• Making lots of measurements near the water raises risks of falls and electrocution.

Go slowly, distribute force evenly, brace unstable sections and keep the remaining water at balance points to prevent a collapse. Having an experienced pool contractor assist is wise for all but minor leveling needs.

Gathering The Right Tools

These tools will help make the leveling job safer, easier and more precise:

• String lines - Allows accurate slope measurements over distance
• Laser level - Shines a guide line across the surface to identify high and low points
• Long straightedge - Check flatness along pool edges
• Underwater adhesive - Secures blocks and fills gaps
• Jacks or levers - Safely lift the pool edge
• Rubber mallet - Gently tap blocks into place

Having a few helpers will also aid the process and provide assistance. Don't forget common safety gear like goggles, gloves, waterproof boots, etc.

Materials To Add Or Remove

These items allow you to make the necessary adjustments to the pool's foundation and underlying soil grade:

• Leveling blocks - Lift lower sections gradually
• Wedge shims - Fine tune the angle and elevation
• Sand, gravel and soil - Pack beneath blocks to stabilize and fill gaps
• Concrete - For pouring new level footings if needed

You may also need to remove and haul away existing fill using buckets, wheelbarrows, shovels and so on.

Step-By-Step Leveling Process

Once you have all the necessary tools and supplies, you're ready to get down to the careful work of actually leveling the pool.

Having some basic masonry skills will help immensely during the process. Take frequent measurements and make small incremental adjustments for best results.

Dealing With Significant Slope

For pools with major elevation differences from end to end, just adding blocks here and there may be insufficient. Some alternate leveling methods include:

• jacking - Use adjustable padded jacks beneath the shell to lift and lower spots
• grinding - Carefully grind down the high areas of the pool foundation
• digging - Excavate beneath sections to lower them relative to other areas
• plastering - Apply fresh plaster layer to create a new sloped bottom

These aggressive approaches require fully draining the pool and carrying out extensive demolition and reconstruction work. An engineering assessment is a must to ensure the structural integrity remains intact.

Maintaining Proper Water Balance

After all the hard work of leveling, keep your pool in top shape by maintaining water at the proper midpoint level at all times. This prevents overflow, ensures efficient skimming and protects the pump motor from damage due to running dry.

Check the water level against the skimmer opening regularly. Top up with fresh water as needed. Also watch for erosion, settling and gaps under the pool edge that could throw things off level again. Refill and pack any such areas promptly.

Periodically run a string line or laser level across the pool surface to catch unevenness early before problems compound. A bit of preventative maintenance goes a long way!