
Can you put an above ground pool on uneven ground?
No matter which type you want, it's important to plan the installation carefully. All above-ground pools require flat space covered in either grass or sand to operate safely. If you install your pool on uneven ground, you could have trouble with the pool walls, water level, and the liner.
How level should a swimming pool be?
A pool should be within an inch of being level. At 1 inch, however, the level of the water may be noticeably off. Therefore, it should be between ¼ and ½ inch level in order to be pleasing to the eye. The pool level can be up to 2 ½ inches off without being structurally damaging, although it will be obvious that the water level is off.
How much off is too low for a swimming pool?
The pool level can be up to 2 ½ inches off without being structurally damaging, although it will be obvious that the water level is off. Anything that is off by 3-inches or more is dangerous and needs to be fixed right away.
Is it OK if my pool is off level?
If they do manage to tell you, they usually say to level the pool to within an inch. A pool being off by a full inch is OK and won’t cause any structural issues, but you may notice it is “off level” at its waterline.

Is it OK if my Intex pool is not level?
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.
What happens if above ground pool is not level?
If an above ground pool is not level, the water's weight can cause damage to the walls and liner. As a result, your pool will collapse, potentially causing property damage or personal injury. Properly leveling your pool can be tricky, so can fixing your unlevel pool.
Does the ground need to be perfectly level for a pool?
The ground under your pool should be flat and level. The ground must be compact and firm, so the pool should not be set up on mud, sand, or loose soil. Do not place your pool on a deck, balcony, or platform. They could collapse under the weight once you fill up your pool.
How do you fix an above ground pool unlevel?
0:187:01How to Fix an Unlevel Above Ground Pool - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipBut as you can see where it starts to sag. These guys have slid off the rocks. They were put on we'MoreBut as you can see where it starts to sag. These guys have slid off the rocks. They were put on we're gonna try to figure out a way lift them back up. Put them back on some solid. Ground.
Does above ground pool need to be 100 level?
Assemble Pool Frame and Sand Base It is very important that the track is 100% level otherwise the pool will be at risk of collapse. Mark out where the pool supports will go and put down blocks for them to rest on. The blocks should be level with the track so everything lines up once the wall and top rail are installed.
How long will an unlevel pool last?
When it comes to above ground pools, there is no set lifespan. But generally, they do not last as long as inground pools. However, that doesn't mean they're not worth investing in. Above ground pools can last between 10 to 20 years with proper care and maintenance.
What should I put under my above ground pool to level?
A pool pad is a material designed specifically to place under your above ground pool. They are generally used on a concrete slab. The pool pads can be cut to perfectly fit your pool's base. Pre-cut pool pads are made of a super durable material and will not trap moisture.
What is the easiest way to level ground 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.More items...•
How do I level my 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.
Can you put an above ground pool on a slight slope?
If you have a hill or sloping backyard, the only way it's possible to have an above ground pool is to have one specifically designed to be a semi-inground pool. Semi-Inground pools in the most basic description are above ground pools that can withstand the pressure of being buried.
Should the walls of an above ground pool move?
If it's in and out that's normal. Side to side will move but should be somewhat restrained by the top rails.
Should I put pavers under pool legs?
You should NOT put the legs directly on the ground, they will sink in once the weight of the water is pushing down. You SHOULD put a wood block or concrete paver under each leg. The paver should be at least 1ft x 1ft in size and should be level with the ground.
What happens if you dont level a 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 you put an above ground pool on uneven ground?
An uneven ground also means that your water level will be off, and your liner can become damaged if it's not lying flat. This can result in tears or rips within your liner, which is certainly something you should avoid. Overall, many things can go wrong if your pool is installed on an uneven surface.
How do you level an above ground pool already?
Drain some water. You are going to be lifting the lower side of the pool, so you need to get rid of some of the weight. ... Remove blocks. When you installed the pool, you put leveling blocks under the slab. ... Raise the wall. ... Replace blocks. ... Repeat. ... Fill the hole. ... Refill the pool.
What is the fastest way to level ground 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.More items...•
How much tolerance do you need for a pool?
Counting from the top, you can visually compare the depth of the water quite quickly and easily. Most instructions will tell you that the maximum tolerance is 1" of difference. We were able to get ours to about 1/4" overall.
How to level a stake?
The stake was driven into the center mark with a sledge. We fine-tuned the surface with taps on the corners to bring it level. It's probably best to partially insert the center pin (tent stake) and check it for vertical level, since this is the point of rotation.
What happens if your pool is uneven?
An uneven pool will result in an uneven water level. This difference may only be a few inches initially, but over time the pool will settle and the difference may increase. A deeper side may be dangerous to smaller children who are unable to touch the bottom of the pool and could take even an experienced swimmer by surprise. If your pool has a skimmer and the water is not at least covering it halfway, it cannot operate properly. If your pool skimmer ends up on the shallow end of your pool, the water will be less sanitary.
Why does my above ground pool wall collapse?
Problem with Pool Walls. If you install an above-ground pool on an uneven surface, the walls can collapse due to uneven pressure. 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 ...
Why does my above ground pool liner rip?
If you have chosen an uneven area for your above-ground pool, the liner may not lay flat , causing wrinkles and folds. These can become hooked on pool equipment that will tear or rip the liner. Pool vacuums, for example, cannot effectively clean wrinkled liners and may ruin them as they run over the vinyl fabric. And once your liner rips, your pool is no longer watertight and will constantly leak.
What happens if your pool skimmer ends up on the shallow end of your pool?
If your pool skimmer ends up on the shallow end of your pool, the water will be less sanitary. Advertisement.
Can you clean a pool liner that is uneven?
These can become hooked on pool equipment that will tear or rip the liner. Pool vacuums, for example, cannot effectively clean wrinkled liners and may ruin them as they run over the vinyl fabric.
Is it safe to level an above ground pool?
Proper leveling makes above-ground pools safer. Above-ground pools are a more affordable than in-ground pools, which require digging and serious construction. Some above-ground pools have a ring along the top that needs inflating while others are comprised of individual panels and a liner.
Do above ground pools need a ring?
Some above-ground pools have a ring along the top that needs inflating while others are comprised of individual panels and a liner. No matter which type you want, it's important to plan the installation carefully. All above-ground pools require flat space covered in either grass or sand to operate safely. If you install your pool on uneven ground, ...
Why is my above ground pool not vertical?
There are a number of ways an above ground can come out badly installed. The most common one is having wrinkles in the liner. Another is when the pool is misshapen or the uprights are not vertical. There is also equipment that leak and/or the skimmer and return fitting that is not tightly installed.
What happens if your above ground pool is off?
This extra pressure will eventually push the pool out of shape more and more and in extreme cases will cause the water to spill over and collapse the pool. Done. Just to be clear, if your above ground pool is off by three inches or more, it needs to be taken down, leveled and reinstalled.
How to tell if a pool is off level?
Pools that are “off level” by more than an inch start to look tilted. If it’s two inches off, you can start to notice from the outside of the pool. It can be tough to tell sometimes if the yard is “off level”, but at two inches, the mind picks up the difference and you’ll know something is not right.
What are the shortcomings of do it yourself pools?
Another fairly common shortcoming do-it-yourselfers make is the groundwork. Pool bottoms can be “off level”, lumpy, “foot printy” (official term), rocky, and rough. Some bypass the very physically demanding, but necessary, step of removing the sod.
How to make water stay level?
Take a half-full (or half-empty depending on your life outlook) glass of water and tilt it. Notice that the glass becomes “off level”, but the water does not. Now take the glass and shake and swirl the water. Try to disrupt the water in any creative way you want and then tilt the glass again. That’s right. The water stays level regardless. This is because it is liquid and has a weight so the water will always distribute evenly against the pull of the earth or gravity. Did I overexplain? Sorry.
Can you reuse a pool liner?
When this is done, you’ll have to spring for a new liner as they don’t like to be reused. Some of you will reuse the liner because you are cheap and stubborn, but it’s not the right way to do the fix. And that’s what probably got you to have to rebuild your pool in the first place. Just sayin’!
Can you level a pool without taking it down?
If the pool is off just a little more than it should be, you can level the wall without taking down the pool, but it’s not easy. Most seasoned pool installers don’t even know how to do this so keep that in mind.
What happens if your above ground pool is off?
In an extreme case, the pool will collapse from the pressure. If your above ground pool is off by three inches or more, it needs to be taken down, leveled and reinstalled. It is important to keep yourself and others safe while swimming.
What to use to level a pool?
If you have to level the area, use sand to make a well-packed base for the pool. If you have no level areas, it pays to have a professional pool installer level an area for you. A level pool will be safer and lasts longer than one that has been improperly installed.
How far off should an Intex pool be?
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 to tell if a pool is unlevel?
Pools that are unlevel by more than an inch it is going to look slanted. If it is two inches off, you will obviously see the distinction from the outside of the pool. It can be hard to tell sometimes if the yard is not flat, but at two inches, the mind picks up the differentiation and will see that something is not right.
Why do people buy Intex pools?
Let’s face it, many people buy Intex or above ground pools because they are cheaper than in-ground pools. However, it does raise the question of how unlevel an Intex pool can be. Some above ground pools have panels and a liner and some have an inflatable ring. Regardless of which type you have, it is imperative that the installation is done ...
Why does Intex pool collapse?
Installing an Intex pool on an uneven surface will cause the walls to collapse due to uneven pressure. The water presses against one section of the pool with more force than the rest and it will be blown out due to uneven weight distribution. The pool will twist, buckle, or even collapse, causing property damage and injury to anyone in or ...
Why does my pool stop working?
Also, if your pool has a skimmer and the water level dips too low so it is not covering it halfway, it will stop working. Be careful that the skimmer does not end up on the low end of an uneven pool because the water that your family swims in will not be sanitary.
