The folks at Intex are fairly clear that you should NOT put sand under your pool. The sand can easily wash away, causing voids under your pool and risking your pool leaning and even collapsing.
How do you prepare the ground for an Intex pool?
The Right Way: Mark the perimeter of your pool, and add 1 foot of extra space to all sides. Use a line level to measure at 12-36 points around the pool. Then use flat shovels or a sod cutter machine to remove turf and lower the high spots. Add a one inch layer of sand.
What is the best thing to put under an above ground pool?
Concrete pads are excellent to use as a base for your above ground pool, but you'll want to add another cushion between the two. Concrete is an abrasive material and will wear on the liner if it's in direct contact. Concrete is the best choice for a solid base because it is perfectly flat.
Do you put sand under above ground pool?
Sand is the recommended base material upon which an aboveground pool should sit. Sand is used under an aboveground pool to protect the pool's vinyl liner from rocks and objects that could tear the liner. Also, sand under an aboveground pool acts as cushioning for its floor, making it more comfortable for feet.
Is sand needed for under pool?
How Much Sand Do I Need for My Pool? The general rule is that there should be a two to three-inch base of sand under an above ground pool. If you know the dimensions of your pool area, then you can easily figure out how much sand you'll need for the base using a sand calculator.
26 related questions foundWhat can I use instead of sand under my pool?
Here are some alternatives that we've discussed:
- Old carpet could be nice, although it will get moldy over time, giving it about a year.
- Cardboard boxes will work for a few weeks, until they fall apart.
- A few old blankets could also work, but they won't last a year.
What is the best thing to put under a swimming pool?
Concrete is probably the best option since it is usually 100% level and smooth. Also, grass can't grow through concrete and animals and bugs can't damage or burrow through it either. Grass or dirt is also another great option, as long as it has been properly leveled and you've killed off the grass first.
What do I put under my Intex pool to level?
What To Put Under Intex Pools – 4 Ideas For Longevity and The One Mistake To Avoid
- GOOD: Use the Intex ground cloth.
- BETTER: Use a third-party ground covering.
- BEST: Use interlocking foam tiles for the most protection.
- ALTERNATIVE: Use a roll of old carpet – it's FREE!
How many bags of sand do I need for a 18 foot pool?
Volume = (width x length x depth) x 0.037
For a rectangular pool that's 18 feet long by 9 feet wide, you'd need at least 1 cubic yard of sand for your base.
How do you level the ground for an Intex pool without digging?
There is an easy way to do this. Screw two 2-by-4 boards together alongside each other so they are one or two feet longer than the diameter of your pool. Next, lay the attached boards on the ground where the pool will be and put a level on top. Slowly lift and lower one side of the 2-by-4s until it shows level.
Does Intex pool have to be perfectly level?
Intex pools or any above ground pools should only be used on level ground as much as possible. However, Intex and other pool manufacturers give their customers some leeway when it comes to setting up their above ground pools on unlevel surfaces.
How unlevel can an Intex pool be?
Any more than two inches is unacceptable. Intex pools that are three inches off or more will not last and no one should be swimming in one. Not only does it look very bad, once the uneven wall starts to create the outward pressure one side it will eventually push the pool out of shape more and more.
How many inches of sand do you need for a pool?
It is commonly recommended by above ground pool manufacturers to have a 2" sand base inside the pool, under the liner. This will help protect your liner, and provide a soft floor that provides comfort while walking in your pool. Always use masonry sand, which is a washed sand, free of rocks and debris.
How do you prepare the ground for a pool?
Preparing a Spot for Your New Above Ground Pool
- MARK THE AREA.
- REMOVE THE TURF.
- HAVE SAND DELIVERED.
- CHECK LOCAL FENCING LAWS.
- STAKES & STRINGS.
- GETTING LEVEL GROUND.
- PAVER PLACEMENT.
- BRING IN THE SAND.
How do you level a yard for a pool?
- STEP 1: Determine your location and remove any large rocks or debris. ...
- STEP 2: Place 2x4s on the site and place a level on top. ...
- STEP 3: Add or take away soil until the ground is level. ...
- STEP 4: Repeat the process until the entire area is flat. ...
- STEP 5: Rake any remaining rocks or debris and tamp the ground.
Is pool cove necessary?
Yes, every above ground pool needs pool cove. Pool cove is simply a berm or wedge that transitions the pool floor to the pool wall.
Can I use carpet padding under pool?
Traditional felt carpet padding is usually frowned upon as a pool padding material, according to the Pool Homeschool blog, but modern closed-cell foam carpet pads can work well.
Can you put an Intex pool on concrete?
Many wonder though if above ground pools are exclusively used over grass, sand, or soil only and if installing it over concrete is impossible (for fear of it getting punctured). The good news is, yes, you can install your above ground pool on concrete if a sand or soil base is not possible.
Can I put cardboard under a pool?
If cutting costs without cutting corners is on your agenda, do yourself and the planet a favor by padding your pool with newspapers and cardboard. Both materials are readily available -- and free for the asking -- from recycling centers, store refuse containers or your own recycling bins.
What happens if ground is not level for pool?
The water will press with more force on one section of the pool than the others. This uneven weight distribution can buckle, twist or even collapse the pool wall, resulting in property damage and injury to anyone in or around the pool when it fails.
Can I put a pool on uneven ground?
Installing a pool on uneven ground creates a safety hazard. You'll end up with a shallow and a deep end, which can be dangerous to smaller children if they cannot touch the bottom.
Can I put an above ground pool on grass?
Installing an above-ground pool on a natural grass lawn is not a good idea, particularly if you plan on taking down the pool for part of the year. There are several reasons why natural grass and above-ground pools do not mix well, but one of the most important is that the pool is going to kill the grass.
How long do Intex pools last?
Intex is a popular manufacturer of temporary above-ground pools. How long they last depends on a number of factors, but the simple answer is that the inflatable pools will last 2-4 years and the metal frame types will last between 4-8 years.
