Leveling the Ground for Intex Ultra Frame Pool

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jeffkissinger

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Apr 9, 2012
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Hello everyone,

I just started a huge project in my backyard, installing an Intex 16 x 32 pool half way in ground, with retainer wall around perimeter, and level deck all the way around. I had a guy who removed a tree and the stump dig an 18 x 35 raw hole for me, about 2 feet deep. My question is what would be the best tool/method to remove about 8 more inches and level out the bottom earth? Can a sod cutter make short work of this that they rent at Home Depot?

Because of the wisdom in this community I also plan on using some type of foam for the bottom and cement squares for each of the aluminum legs.

Thanks yo all, the project kicks into full swing again this coming weekend, so stay tuned for more images to be added to the gallery below.... All expert suggestions welcome for this first timer! :cheers:

-Jeff
Pictures
http://gallery.me.com/jeffkiss#100024
 
Do I understand your post correctly that you are putting your Intex completely below grade? Or are you digging out a hillside and only part of the pool will be below grade?
The reason I ask is that it sounds like your burying your pool 3' in the ground (implying back filling) and I don't know of an Intex model that can be buried. Maybe I'm not understanding your site.
 
cramar said:
Do I understand your post correctly that you are putting your Intex completely below grade? Or are you digging out a hillside and only part of the pool will be below grade?
The reason I ask is that it sounds like your burying your pool 3' in the ground (implying back filling) and I don't know of an Intex model that can be buried. Maybe I'm not understanding your site.
Click to expand...

Hi yes, but we are building a retainer wall out of pressure treated wood. It will be a kind of box where the pool resides inside, similar to a beach wall. Nothing will be against the pool wall.
 
Re: Update Leveling the Ground for Intex Ultra Frame Pool

http://gallery.me.com/jeffkiss#100032

Howdy Pool People,

The project has picked up nicely despite some hassles with the original tree/stump removal and the digging of the hole. I ended up renting another backhoe from Sunbelt that set me back another $500, but it was worth it in terms of time. Please take a look at the linked pictures below to see the progress. The deck will be in two levels, one aligned with the back of the house and the other, as a step up, to the pool level. The lip of the pool will be covered with the deck on the top and sides. The only pool difficulty so far was the Intex sand filter leaked, but after a while I took off the spring on the clamp and was able to get it tightened enough to stop all that nonsense. Lastly, I am looking into a few ladders to incorporate into the deck, links below, but the supplied pool cover will definitely not work with the added deck, so I am looking for an alternative. I was thinking of a rolling one hanging off the far side of the 16 ft deck or perhaps screwing boat ties to the deck for a tarp or manual covers. Ideas anyone?

-Jeff
http://gallery.me.com/jeffkiss#100032

Ladder ideas...

http://www.poolproducts.com/SPP/product ... f_id=B8025
http://www.poolproducts.com/SPP/product ... f_id=B3241
http://www.poolproducts.com/SPP/product ... f_id=B8050
http://www.poolproducts.com/SPP/product ... f_id=B3240
http://www.poolproducts.com/SPP/product ... f_id=B8004
http://www.poolproducts.com/SPP/product ... f_id=B7034
 
Only problem i see is that the blocks the legs are on should be level with the ground/bottom of the pool. Otherwise you are over stretching the liner and eventually it will break.

Other than that, looks like a good project!
 

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Update,

The Intex pool is now complete http://gallery.me.com/jeffkiss#100034&b ... &view=grid

It was roughly a two week job with the deck, the pool went up in a few hours. The toughest thing was to get it leveled, and we had clay to get through. We originally had the pump below the deck, but moved it via pvc pipe and it works great. Incidentally, the saltwater system is easy and perfect, the water is crystal clear. The only issue I had with the sand filter was it leaking around the rim due to the clamp spring not letting it close enough. Once I removed this it was easy to tighten up. Intex may need to rethink this. Other than that no issues.

I bought an above ground auto cleaner at Overstock http://www.overstock.com/Sports-Toys/Tr ... rcmndsrc=2 and it works great!! highly recommend this. I also highly recommend you avoid local pool stores like Pinch A Penny, who are pool snobs. We were rebuffed and brushed off in the store when looking for intex hose adapters to connect to standard 2" pvc pipe. Buy online, do your research or ask me. This design with the Intex half in ground and a deck is doable and cost effective, especially if you want the look of a wood deck vs a cement deck with an inground.

The only other issue is to get a large umbrella to shield form the harsh Florida sun and to possibly get some plastic, gradual stairs for people that may have difficulty with the ladder.

If anyone is interested in the specifics of this project or the deck feel free to contact me, and thanks for all the suggestions and words of encouragement here in this community.

Time to swim,

Jeff
 
That looks great :goodjob: . That is what I want to do partially with our 16 x 32. I want a deck along one side all the way down, as it is right off our patio from our lanai. I will have to show my husband your pictures of your deck excellent job. Because of the slope of are yard on the house side we had to do a retaining wall like you did to keep back all the sand and it's about a 2-3' drop, but on the other side it is level with the ground.
 
:goodjob:
We bought the 12 x 24 beginning of summer intending to throw it up and get a nicer pool next year. Then a friend with a front loader said he could help us grade back yard (didn't realize how unlevel it was) and dig in a hole if need be. Now we're thinking about putting it half way in and having a deck also. But as noted above pool not really designed for that but my husband mentioned building a frame around it so I'd like to see your pictures. But as a fellow mac user now your gallery address has moved to icloud so need new link. Also did you fill the space between pool liner and lawn with anything? What kind of foam did you use for padding bottom?

Thanks for giving me hope it can be done! Hope you still think it was a good idea!

[email protected]
 
Also is your pool the Ultra Frame type where it's the metal brackets holding up this liner and that's it or do you have a pool with framed sides. I'm confused, metal sides would rust, well so would metal brackets right? And this pool bulges out at bottom.....
 

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