Backfill material?

[negativez0]

I'm wondering if anyone has any recommendations on how to tackle this backfill scenario.

The pool is installed on a very slight slope so when I push back the dirt on one end it will be about 1 foot below grade. The installer said that before I push the dirt back I should install pressure/ground treated boards and put them between the uprights on the pool so that the dirt isn't pressing directly on the pool wall. I've poorly represented this with the red lines on the attached photo.

He said this is typically recommended as it can have an impact on something with the liner or ground heave over the winter (I don't remember the specifics). I have no problem putting boards there, but it will leave a gap between the pool wall and the ground. I foresee this getting full of leaves, trapped tiny critters/bugs, etc. Any thoughts on how I should handle that gap?

 

[ajw22]

I would put some gravel in that should drain and keep dirt out.

Gravel Around Pools - Further Reading

www.troublefreepool.com

 

[phonedave]

I would put the boards a foot away from the pool wall. I would put gravel (3/4 clean, or pea gravel) about 4-6" deep in the bottom of the space. No need to fill it to the top.

With a foot gap, it is not going to become a home for critters or bug, and any leaves can easily be blown out. It also allows you (limited) access to your pool legs and base without digging out a load of gravel.

 

[VinnyinNJ]

Use gravel/rocks not dirt. Gravel will allow water to drain away from the pool wall while dirt will hold the water.