Above-Ground Pool On Clay Soil

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When thinking of purchasing an above-ground pool, one of the common challenges is the problem of placement. Above-ground pools cannot be placed just about anywhere, which is why knowing how to install an above-ground pool on clay soil is essential knowledge for intending pool owners.

Placing a pool on clay soil carries some degree of risk and, if not done properly, will cause extensive damage to the pool. A land rich in clay poses a real concern because it can affect how the pool sits on the ground, hampering enjoyment. Leveling and draining are practices that make installing an above-ground pool on clay soil easier. This article will help readers better understand how to install an above-ground pool on clay soil.

➡️ Tips For Installing An Above-Ground Pool On Clay Soil

Before installing an above-ground ground pool, it is essential to note that clay soil changes when humid, leading it to expand or contract. The change in humidity is easy to prevent when preventive measures are taken.

Drainage

The perimeter that the pool will be installed on should have adequate drainage. It is also important to level the soil so that water doesn\’t store around the swimming pool and cause damage to the shell.

Gutters

Gutters, especially those from the roof, should get directed away from the pool. Water from gutters may shake up the clay, causing the pool to slope and fall.

Garden

It is advisable not to plant trees and bushes near an above-ground pool because the roots may influence the water condensation in the soil.

➡️ Is It Good To Install An Above-ground Pool on Clay?

Installing an above-ground pool on clay comes with its challenges. Due to the composition of clay, the soil tends to shift easily, especially when wet. Installing a pool on the ground with clay soil will have to be done carefully and professionally.

While it may not be the best option to install a pool on clay soil, in the case where there is no choice, leveling the ground will aid the installation process.

➡️ How To Level The Ground To Install An Above-ground Pool

Before one can start to raise the pool walls, it is necessary to carry out some ground preparation. The following paragraphs contain an in-depth explanation of the importance of leveling the clay ground before installing a pool. Below are the tools that will be needed to level the ground.

Extended Board And level

Extended boards work when they are laid down on the planned pool site. When they are laid down, the areas that need to be flattened out will immediately become apparent.

Sod Cutter And Rototiller

These machines will do all the tedious grass-cutting duties. The grass around the intended pool area will be cut using a sod cutter and rototiller. Cutting the grass will help one know what part of the clay soil needs to be flattened.

Pick And Shovel

Clay soils have a tendency of lumping up together, which results in protrusion. A pick is used for breaking up any lumpy soil, and the shovel is used in moving them away.

Rake And Lawn Mower

It is preferable to use a wide rake. A wide rake will break up the debris of the clay soil and smooth the ground as much as possible. A lawnmower is then used to flatten and compress the sand.

Step by Step Guide To Leveling The Ground

When the right tools are in hand, leveling the site becomes a straightforward process. Installing an above-ground pool on clay soil will no longer be a concern if the right steps are followed. Below is a step-by-step guide on leveling the ground of the pool site.

Find A Good Location

After setting up a pool, it is impossible to move it without disassembling or draining the water. This is why choosing the right area is vital before any installation process.

Even if the location is on clay soil, it is advisable to look for the flatter parts of the ground. The flatter the ground, the less shoveling needed which makes the job easier on the digger\’s back.

Also, the pool should not be placed directly under a tree. A bit of shade may come in handy during the hot season; leaves falling into the pool might cause debris to form in the pool.

Finally, the site should not be on top of any sewage or power lines. The chosen spot should be on the user\’s property.

Clearing The Area

Rocks, gravel, and sharp stones under the pool might tear the pool liner. Damage to the pool liner will cause leaking and eventually lead to the breakdown. The first step is to use grass sodder to cut the grasses. The fastest way to clear the grass is using a rototiller. Roots that are potentially harmful to the pond liner must be removed.

Placing a tarp over the chosen area will cause the grass not to have access to sunlight and water. This will make it easy to dig out when installation begins.

Use Of A Leveling Device

The importance of a leveled slope cannot be overemphasized. If the dimensions are off even by a few inches, it might cause significant problems when the pool is filled with water.

The most cost-effective way is to get a straight board, placing it across the intended area for the pool. The board will identify any uneven areas of the site.

If the board is very long, one can employ a stake and strings. Stretching them from the center and holding them tight. A leveler is then used to sight the tight string to check the flatness of the site.

Repair Holes

By now, the uneven areas will be clearer. Using a shovel, one can dig out the bumps one scoop at a time. It is better to dig into the ground to get it leveled to create a more stable base.

While it might entail much work, it\’s a good rule of thumb to dig down into the soil. Sinking the pool at least two inches deep will create a solid base.

Use Sand To Smooth The Ground

Now that the soil is level, one might have to smooth it out with sand. The sand will create a smooth floor, which will protect the pond\’s liner. Also, pouring sand over clay soil will absorb the water, giving the soil more stability.

The required sand must be enough to create a two-inch thick layer around the entire area of the pool.

Make the Sand Compact

The next step is to compact the sand down to form a solid base for the pool. The best tool for the job is a lawn roller. The entire base has to be run over by the lawn roller till maximum flatness is achieved. After compacting, the leveler has to check if the soil is still leveled.

Put Down A Base Protector

Finally, the base layer has to be laid out. If one prefers, a pool pad can be purchased. Pool pads are large foam that goes under the above-ground pool. These pads add an extra layer of protection for the swimming pool\’s vinyl. The base layer reduces the risk of puncture and better insulates the pool.

Install The Above-ground Pool

After laying out the base, the pool is ready to be installed. There are slight variations depending on which model is chosen. However, they all share a similar theme. If the instructions are followed, the pool should be ready in no time.

Conclusion

It is not wise to neglect the importance of properly leveling the soil. If it is gotten wrong, the pool will slant and slope. However, if the instructions are followed carefully, knowing how to Install an above-ground pool on clay soil will no longer be a concern when purchasing a swimming pool.

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