Many homeowners choose to invest in an above ground pool instead of an inground pool due to their lower cost and ease of installation. However, one common oversight is failing to properly level the ground before placing the pool. But what are the implications if an above ground pool is not level? If an above ground pool is not level, the weight of the water can lead to serious damage to both the pool walls and the liner. This misalignment could ultimately result in the pool’s collapse, posing risks of property damage or personal injury. Fortunately, we have answers to all your pool-related questions, including how to ensure your pool is level and how to address any leveling issues. Read on for valuable insights.
How Does Unlevel Water Damage A Pool?
For context, a typical 15-foot round pool with a 52-inch wall can hold over 5,000 gallons of water, which translates to approximately 41,700 pounds of weight. When the water level deviates by more than three inches, significant problems can arise, including:
- Damage to the liner
- Structural damage to the pool walls
- Uneven water levels
These issues can lead to the catastrophic collapse of even the most well-constructed pools.
How Uneven Leveling Affects Your Liner
When your pool is situated on uneven ground, the liner may develop unsightly wrinkles. These wrinkles can result from ground that is:
- Rocky
- Uneven
- Sloped
- Soft or loose
Wrinkles can trap debris and objects against the liner, which can weaken it over time, leading to rips. For instance, pool vacuums can easily snag on these wrinkles during use. While ripped liners can be temporarily patched with vinyl liner patches, this solution is often not long-lasting. If other wrinkles persist, you may find yourself needing multiple patches. Furthermore, even patched liners are likely to leak over time, making it more prudent to replace a damaged liner entirely or ensure it is wrinkle-free from the start to prevent further tearing.
How Uneven Water Weight Can Damage Pool Walls
The uneven distribution of water weight can lead to serious structural issues in the pool walls, such as:
- Buckling
- Collapse
- Twisting
While inflatable pools are particularly vulnerable, even the sturdiest above ground pools can experience these issues. A collapse can result in injuries to individuals inside or nearby the pool, as well as damage to surrounding property. Therefore, it is crucial to ensure your pool is level and to monitor for signs of structural instability before a catastrophic failure occurs.
To illustrate the weight of water in common above ground pool sizes, here’s a table detailing typical dimensions and their corresponding water weights:
| Diameter (48″ height) | Gallons of Water | Weight of Water (Pounds) |
| 12 ft | 2,975 | 24,812 |
| 15 ft | 4,646 | 38,748 |
| 18 ft | 7,646 | 63,768 |
*Note: A gallon of water weighs approximately 8.34 pounds.
Consequences of Uneven Water Levels
While it may seem obvious, an unlevel pool results in an uneven water level. This not only detracts from the pool’s aesthetic appeal but can also create several complications. Initially, the water may not seem significantly off-balance; however, over time, the weight of the water will exacerbate the unevenness, making it increasingly noticeable. An unbalanced water level leads to shallow and deep ends, which can create safety hazards for children who may find themselves in water that is unexpectedly deep. Additionally, pool skimmers positioned in the shallow end may not function properly, negatively impacting the overall water quality.
Can I Fix A Pool That Has Collapsed?
Once the walls of your pool have collapsed, they cannot be repaired. You will need to replace the walls entirely. Even walls that have buckled or twisted should be replaced. Some sources might suggest temporary fixes, such as using a wooden block and hammer to realign walls or placing a flat piece of steel for support. However, these solutions are not permanent and are unlikely to hold up over time. Compromised walls are destined to collapse eventually, necessitating replacement.
How Level Does A Pool Need to Be?
Even professional pool installers often struggle to achieve perfect leveling; a circular pool may be within ⅜ of an inch, while oval pools can be within ¼ of an inch. Although achieving absolute perfection is challenging, how level should your pool ideally be? A pool should be within one inch of level. However, at one inch, the water level may start to appear noticeably uneven. For optimal aesthetics, it is best to maintain a level of between ¼ and ½ inch.
It is acceptable for the pool to be off by as much as 2 ½ inches without causing structural damage, although this degree of unevenness will be visually apparent. Any deviation exceeding three inches is dangerous and should be rectified immediately, as the imbalance of thousands of pounds of water can exert excessive pressure, leading to severe damage.
Can I Level the Pool Without Draining the Water?
Yes, it is possible to level a pool without completely draining the water; however, this process is quite challenging. For best results, it is advisable to drain the pool at least halfway before attempting to level it. If you choose to proceed without draining all the water, you will require:
- Garden hose
- Hammer
- Shovel
- Soil
- Wheelbarrow
The first step is to use your garden hose to drain about half of the water from the pool. While you can perform the subsequent steps without draining any water, doing so will make the process significantly easier. Next, use your shovel to lift the walls on the uneven side, enabling you to remove and adjust the leveling blocks. Use your hammer to knock out old blocks and insert new ones as needed to achieve a level surface. Once leveled, utilize your wheelbarrow and shovel to transport soil to the pool’s foundation, filling in any gaps around the blocks and packing the soil to maintain stability. Finally, refill the pool using your garden hose, and you’re ready to enjoy your newly leveled pool.
Should I Drain the Water?
As previously mentioned, it is advisable to drain the water at least halfway to facilitate easier adjustments. In many cases, it is unnecessary to drain all the water from your pool unless it is significantly unlevel. Severely unlevel pools will require complete drainage and disassembly to relevel effectively.
Draining at least half of the pool’s water and repositioning the leveling blocks will help safeguard your pool from wall and water level issues. However, if you notice problems with your liner, complete drainage may be necessary. Wrinkles or divots in the liner can lead to rips or tears. You may attempt to smooth these out in a half-drained pool using your hands and feet, or you can use a clean plunger to eliminate wrinkles. Typically, you will need to drain the pool to at least 1 to 4 inches of water and then take your time to smooth out the liner, ensuring it is taut across the pool. If you observe rocks or significant divots in the liner, consider dismantling the pool and properly leveling the ground before reinstallation.
How Do I Properly Level A Pool?
To avoid future leveling concerns once your pool is filled, it’s essential to ensure the ground is properly leveled before installation. This process may require considerable time and effort, but the long-term benefits are well worth it.
Select Your Location Wisely
Choose an area that is already relatively level to minimize your workload. If you plan to install a pool on significantly uneven ground, hiring a professional may be the best option. If you prefer a DIY approach, consider using larger equipment like a tractor to excavate the area where your new pool will be situated.
Clear the Area of Rocks
Measure the space your pool will occupy and remove any grass using a sod cutter or rototiller. If you do not have access to these tools, renting them from a home improvement store or using a shovel will suffice. After clearing the grass, rake the area to remove any sharp objects, rocks, or debris. Aim for a smooth surface to prevent any punctures to your pool liner.
Utilize A Leveling Device
To ensure the ground is truly level, you can use either a long, straight board or a line level. For the board method, place it on the ground and position a level on top to check for evenness. For the string level method, tie a string to a wooden stake and hammer it into the ground at one edge of the pool area. Extend the string across to the opposite side, securing another stake in the ground and loosely tying the string to it, ensuring no slack. Place the line level on the string at the midpoint and adjust the height of the string on the stake until it is level.
Level the Ground
Now that you’ve identified areas needing adjustment, dig and add soil as necessary to ensure the land is as level as possible. It is advisable to excavate the soil from the higher areas to match the lower ones. Be sure to compact any added soil thoroughly to prevent settling over time. Adjust your boards and strings as needed to confirm that the entire pool area is flat.
Consider Using Mason Sand
While you can build a pool directly on well-prepared soil, many opt to add a layer of 2 inches or more of mason sand. This fine sand helps ensure that no rocks or debris remain that could damage your liner. After spreading the sand, level it out with a rake or shovel, lightly moisten it to initiate compaction, and let it set overnight. The following day, compact the sand thoroughly using a lawn roller or plate compactor. Once it is well-packed, check the level again and make any necessary adjustments before proceeding.
Don’t Forget a Base Protector
Even with sand in place, it’s crucial to use a base protector to:
- Prevent any sharp objects from puncturing the liner
- Reduce heat loss from the water
Since the ground can be cold, a base protector will provide insulation by preventing direct contact between the pool and the ground. You can purchase specialized pool pads for this purpose, or alternatively, use a tarp or felt material. However, pool pads generally offer superior protection and insulation.
Avoid Common Leveling Mistakes
If you’re planning to level and install a pool on your own, it’s essential to meticulously follow each step. Skipping crucial steps can lead to long-term damage, even if it isn’t immediately apparent. Here are some common mistakes to avoid:
Failing to Remove Sod
A frequent error is neglecting to remove grass before setting up the pool. Simply covering grass with sand can lead to uneven ground as the grass dies and compacts.
Moving Dirt from High to Low Areas
Another mistake is transferring dirt from elevated areas to lower ones. It’s more effective to excavate the higher spots so that they are level with the lower areas. While adding dirt can work if compacted correctly, it’s generally best to dig out as much soil as necessary.
Using Sand as a Leveling Material
Sand should serve as a protective layer rather than a leveling medium. It should be placed on a ground that has already been leveled to avoid future settling issues. Uneven sand distribution can leave areas of your pool vulnerable to damage.
Neglecting to Compact the Sand
Once the sand is laid down, it is imperative to compact it. If you don’t, the weight of the pool and the activity inside it can cause the sand to sink, leading to wrinkles in your liner and an uneven water level.
Incorrectly Placing the Track
The pool track should be positioned outside of the sand layer to prevent erosion. Tracks placed on top of the sand may shift as the sand settles, leading to structural inconsistencies in the walls. Thus, the sand should always be placed inside the pool track.
Leveling Your Above Ground Pool is Crucial
The weight of water is often underestimated, and improper leveling can lead to significant problems even in the most durable pools. When setting up your above ground pool, take the time needed during the leveling phase. Rushing through this step can lead to more extensive issues down the line.
If you find your pool is uneven by three inches or more, it’s critical to initiate leveling procedures immediately to avert further damage. Should damage to your walls or liner already have occurred, you will likely need to replace those components to ensure the longevity of your pool.