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 Having a level surface free of top soil is a must to a perfectly installed pool. A bobcat is the best choice for taking up top soil and leveling where the pool should go. Look around on the Internet for someone who is willing to come over and level the site for you. Another place to ask is your local above ground pool retailer. Never hurts to ask but sometimes the retailers want you to buy first before giving out what they perceive as valuable information. For a round pool installation you shouldn’t pay more than $250 for site leveling less than one foot off grade. If you have a pretty flat area all you have to do is get up the top soil and make sure your area is level to within one inch everywhere. A rotary laser is the best tool for this. You can rent one from a local tool rental contractor.
The area you excavate will depend on the size pool you have. If your pool is 24’ round the area you excavate should be 26’. Always dig an extra two feet larger to accommodate construction of the pool. If you have to use shovels to get this part done you’re in for quite a challenge but one which can be done. You’ll also want to rake the area with a metal rake and get all debris like rocks and roots loosened from the dirt. You’ll want to go back through the area and get all the rocks out as well as cut all roots. You do not want any tree stumps as they will rot over time under the pool.
Sand or Stone base
Most pools require a base material to be laid before beginning installation of the pool structure. Either a mason, (basic pool building sand) material can be used, or a stone base material.
Mason sand, also known as pool sand, will create a very smooth bottom layer and is often more popular. The mason sand feels softer on feet as swimmer’s play in the pool, and because of the more pliable content, if a pebble begins to poke through the liner, you’ll likely be able to tap them back down into the sand without hurting the liner.
Stone base is made up of stones crushed into dust and will create a harder, cement-like bottom under the pool liner. This may create problems later in the pool’s life when sharp pebbles may begin to poke into the liner.
Other base materials
Include manufactured foam pool padding underneath the liner, which makes an extra layer between the base material (sand or Stone dust) and the liner. Many owners choose to use this because it will protect the liner from anything poking underneath. Foam padding can come either as a pre-ordered piece that is cut exactly to your pool’s size, or it may come in a roll about four feet wide that can be cut into strips and taped together.
Foam covings
are a choice in regards to an above ground pool liner installation. We recommend if your pool has them to inspect for any damaged pieces and replace them. If your pool doesn’t have any and you want them. Then you will have to take the entire base of your pool down to accommodate the installation of the covings. The picture represents at what level the floor will needs to be.
There are two choices when it comes to covering the bottom of your floor base. First is regular foam which comes on a roll and can be cut and taped into place before the liner is set. Second choice is a geotextile material that is manufactured to fit your floor exactly. Just lay it out into pace and tape it to the bottom of the wall. Not all cut to fit pads fit perfectly so adjusting for fit will be necessary. The geotextile is more expensive but it was developed and used for trash dump containers. So it is very tough when it comes to protecting against rocks and other debris that may make it to your floors bottom.
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