New 18x33 going in shortly where a deck and gazebo were removed last year. There are about 14 4x4 posts still in the ground cut off a few inches above ground level where the pool will go. These posts go down about 2'6" and then I hit concrete. The concrete around the bases of the posts is sizable in diameter. I have to dig down to level the site, anywhere from 2" to 2'+. I am thinking I should remove these posts and the concrete footer they are attached to but I am concerned that there will be settling over time with what I backfill in these 14 sizable holes. If this is the best way to go, what should I back fill with and how to compact it adequately? My soil is on the sandy side, no clay and here in NW Ohio, winter temps get in the single digits. The other option is to dig down slightly below the final grade and cut the post off but I am thinking there may be concerns of the post heaving in the future. Lasty, we have mole problems and the current pool has collapsed mole trails under the liner that are at least 3" deep. For the new pool in the new location, I was planning on using 1" ground rated foam board between the dirt and the liner and not using sand. Mole prevention is stepped up also.
Thanks for any input.
Thanks for any input.