Swimming Pool Chemicals
It is hard to beat the refreshment of jumping into a cool pool on a hot summer day. Cool refreshment is only possible when the pool is properly installed, nice and level. Above-ground pools need to be placed on level ground or you will find yourself with an unnatural shallow end to your pool. Besides being unsightly, an improperly installed pool is unstable. Not only do you risk injury to swimmers and bystanders in the event of a pool collapse, but you risk the end of summer fun. Take the time to level the ground the first time.
Hammer a metal stake where the center of the pool will be. Check with your building codes office to make sure you comply with local ordinances. For instance, some municipalities require pools remain a particular distance from property lines or existing buildings, including your home.
- Tie a length of string about 6-inches longer than the radius of the pool to the stake. Tie a spray paint can to the other end of the string. Mark the perimeter of the area to be leveled with spray paint.
- Remove all grass, sod and other vegetation from the marked pool area with shovels or a powered sod cutter. Use a wheelbarrow to move the debris away from the work space.
- Construct a wooden plank level. Acquire a 1-inch by 6-inch plank of wood 6-inches longer than the radius of the pool. Duct tape a 4-foot carpenter’s level to the plank; centered on one of the 1-inch sides. Hammer a 4-inch nail half way into a 1-inch side of the blank, opposite the carpenter’s level. Snip off the nail head.
- Remove the metal stake from the center of the pool area. In its place, hammer a 2-inch square stake, flush with the ground. Hammer the wood plank’s 4-inch nail into the center of the 2-inch square stake so it can pivot around the pool area.
- Find the lowest point of the pool area. This is the level you will bring the rest of the area down to. When leveling for a pool, it is not practical to add soil to raise the yard since the weight of the pool water will ultimately push away a fresh mound of soil, unless a proper retaining wall is constructed. For pools, dig down to the lowest point.
- Pivot the wooden plank around the pool area. Dig down and level as needed until you can pivot the plank 360 degrees with it staying level the entire time.
- Spread a 1-inch to 2-inch deep layer of crushed lime stone over the pool area. Wet with a garden hose and tamp. Use the wood plank to level the limestone base.
- Remove the wood plank and 2-inch wood stake. Fill the hole with soil and limestone respectfully until flush with the level base.
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