Leveling Ground for a Pool By Using Sand

Installing an in-ground swimming pool in your backyard can be an exciting project, but ensuring the ground is properly leveled and prepared beforehand is a crucial first step. Uneven ground under the pool can lead to structural issues and cracking down the road. Taking the time to level the area thoroughly using sand can prevent problems and ensure your pool has a solid base.

Leveling the ground where you plan to install your pool creates a flat, stable surface so the structure has even support on all sides. Trying to install a pool on unleveled ground leaves empty spaces beneath the pool walls and floor, which causes sinking, cracking, and pooling of water over time as the weight presses down.

Importance of Properly Leveling the Ground for a Pool

When installing an in-ground pool, the ground surface must be as close to perfectly flat and level as possible. This provides stability for the weight of the structure and allows even water distribution across the pool floor. Improperly leveled ground under a pool leads to a variety of issues:

• The pool walls can shift position or crack due to uneven support and pressure.
• Cracks may form in the pool floor from areas sinking lower than others.
• Water will be deeper in some sections and more shallow in others.
• The pump and filtration system may not function properly.
• Doors, steps, ladders, and rails may become misaligned or damaged.

Taking the time to level the chosen pool site ensures proper structural integrity and aesthetics for the life of your pool. Rushing this step usually leads to problems and repairs down the road.

Checking for Level Ground

Before beginning any leveling work, use a few simple methods to identify high and low spots:

• Place a long, straight 2x4 board on the ground and check if it lays flat using a standard level tool. Mark any gaps underneath.
• Hammer stakes into the ground around the perimeter and tie a mason's string tightly between them. Measure down from the string to the ground to find high and low points.
• Use line level lasers or a transit level tripod to scan the full area for flatness. Mark any deviations.

Checking level in multiple directions will reveal any slopes or uneven areas to address. Mounded soil, previous structures, tree roots, and erosion can all cause ground settling issues.

Planning and Preparing the Pool Site

Once you have a clear idea of the existing grade and any high or low areas, planning proper site preparation can begin. Here are some key steps:

Clearing Debris and Obstacles

Remove turf, plants, stumps, rocks, roots, sprinkler lines, and any other debris. Scrape down at least 8-12 inches of topsoil from the area. Address any large high spots or mounds that need to be moved or hauled away.

Considering Drainage and Slope

Factor in drainage and runoff when leveling the site. Maintain a slight slope of 1/8 to 1/4 inch per foot away from the planned pool area. This allows rain and excess water to run off away from the pool. Install catch basins or drains if needed to control runoff.

Using Sand for Leveling

Spreading and grading a 4-6 inch layer of coarse masonry sand across the leveled dirt provides an excellent base for the pool foundation. Compacted sand supports the weight evenly and allows precise fine-tuning of the contour.

Leveling the Ground with Sand

Once debris is cleared and the area is prepped, it's time to spread and level the sand base layer. This process involves careful grading to achieve a perfectly flat surface:

Determine High and Low Spots

Re-check the area using a level string line or long straightedge to find any remaining high or low spots. Mark these for attention during the sand leveling process. The goal is to meet the proper grade with no more than 1/4 inch variation across the entire space.

Add Sand to Low Areas

Shovel or rake measured amounts of sand into any low areas until they are built up to the proper elevation. Adding about 2 inches at a time allows the sand to be firmed up before adding more. Just dump piles of loose sand into low spots to start.

Spread and Smooth Sand Out

Use a straight long board to drag across the sand, evening out each layer as you go. A long rake also works for spreading evenly. Move the sand from high to low areas until flat. Add smaller amounts of sand and make gradual leveling passes to fine tune.

Using Proper Tools for Spreading and Grading

Having the right equipment makes leveling sand easier. Recommended tools include:

Rakes for Spreading

A heavy-duty landscape rake with long, straight tines is great for smoothing, spreading, and shaping the sand. Make long passes to contour it.

Shovels for Moving Sand

Use a flat or rounded point shovel to scoop, dig, and lift sand for dumping into low areas that need built up.

Compactors and Rollers to Smooth

A hand tamper or mechanical compactor helps pack down the finished layer of sand into a flattened, smooth surface. A water-filled lawn roller also works.

Achieving the Right Slope and Drainage

Keeping a proper slope for drainage is important when leveling and grading sand. Here are some tips:

Sloping Away from Pool Site

Maintain at least a 1/8 inch per foot slope leading away from the planned pool location. Grade so water drains away from the site on all sides.

Drainage and Grading Principles

The final grade should slope away from any structures and direct water towards swales, drains, or the lowest elevation areas. Use gradual slopes for proper runoff control.

Installing Pool and Finishing Ground Surface

Once the layered sand base is leveled and compacted, the pool construction can proceed on a stable foundation. Here are final steps:

Compacting Final Layer

Make a final pass across the leveled sand with a hand tamper or compactor machine to further flatten and consolidate the surface prior to pool walls going up.

Patio, Concrete, or Deck Around Pool

After pool construction, the surrounding surface can be finished with concrete, pavers, flagstone, or decking to create a clean look that resists erosion.

Landscaping Ideas

The surrounding landscaping visuals can tie together nicely when the ground is properly sloped and leveled. Gardens, rock features, and foliage can complement the pool area.

Maintaining Proper Ground Level Over Time

Settling and erosion may still impact the leveled ground around the pool over the years. Here are some maintenance tips:

Settling and Erosion Control

Inspect for low spots annually and fill any that appear before they impact the pool structure. Re-establish drainage slopes as needed. Use landscaping rocks and vegetation to control erosion.

Checking for Low Spots

Perform periodic checks around the pool perimeter using a level and string line to identify any depressions or areas that need built back up to grade.

Add measured amounts of compactable fill material such as crushed stone screenings to low areas to maintain level. Tamp it down firmly into place to prevent settling.