In another thread, I read of questions regarding paver placement. Seems others think as I do. But my initial thinking was of no benefit and ultimately, I used the frame to determine where to place my pavers. This is my experience.
This is my 2nd Intex AGP. Last summer, I purchased a 12x30, removed top grass, leveled and installed the pool (inflatable ring). Everything was good though I discovered that I hadn't achieved perfect leveling which caused a slight bulge to one side but nothing major. It did great all summer; I still have it packed up, along with it's hardware, for the future.
While enjoying my pool last year I knew that I wanted something deeper, more sturdy and closer to long term/permanent without installing an in-ground. So I chose the Intex Ultra Frame 14x42. Last fall, I began ground preparations. And because our backyard slopes upward to the back, it was going to be a lot of digging. And ultimately, it became a project that I hadn't anticipated. I did this project directly over my first which was helpful since the top layer had been removed but of course it needed to be expanded. And I shifted the project slightly to the right of the previous. It was my understanding that I should place my project on fresh, virgin soil not filled in and so with a shovel, pitchfork & how I began to dig. What I ended up with was a square, 15x15, leveled in our sloped backyard. The front is about 6" deep, the back nearly 2'. Made a lot of dirt for lawn projects but ultimately, I think I'll discover this to be a mistake. We'll see. To make matters worse, within my square I dug an additional 4-6" deep circle in which the pool sits. So, basically, I've an AGP that sits [almost] completely level where the water level is at eyes-level from our back windows. Around it, using my dirt I created some "terracing" which I hoped would direct water away, amongst other things around the yard. Anyhow, with the heave rain that we've had over last night & today, my pool sits in a pool of its own.
More importantly and to my point which I hope helps, I initially wanted to find center-to-center on the legs to place the pavers. And assuming the legs were evenly spaced, bases on a 14' diameter pool, I calculated the spacing to be 3 foot & 2 inches apart. But with the filter hosing I still felt unsure and couldn't locate diagrams with this particular information so I ultimately set up the frame as instructed, no liner, leveled best I could each leg for paver placement, disassembled and started placing pavers. Mistake: I used common bricks which I now realize are not big enough because the legs move during fill. Now, with a full pool, I'm having to adjust and place additional bricks to accommodate the adjustments. The legs can be moved while the pool is full but it has to be done extremely gently. This has been my experience. Further, where I'd determined my ground to be perfectly level, there was still the slightest bit of slope. So minimal that it is of no concern, I just need to adjust the legs slightly.
I am not so mechanically inclined. This was a big project for my experience. But I love the outdoors and had a great time on the project. I may consider moving my pool next year applying the lessons of this project depending on how everything goes. So, regarding pavers, I'd recommend using a larger selection, perhaps 12x12. Somehow, confirm and reconfirm level ground prior to fill, use frame to determine paver placement and consider a spot that isn't recessed as what I've created.
Good luck!
This is my 2nd Intex AGP. Last summer, I purchased a 12x30, removed top grass, leveled and installed the pool (inflatable ring). Everything was good though I discovered that I hadn't achieved perfect leveling which caused a slight bulge to one side but nothing major. It did great all summer; I still have it packed up, along with it's hardware, for the future.
While enjoying my pool last year I knew that I wanted something deeper, more sturdy and closer to long term/permanent without installing an in-ground. So I chose the Intex Ultra Frame 14x42. Last fall, I began ground preparations. And because our backyard slopes upward to the back, it was going to be a lot of digging. And ultimately, it became a project that I hadn't anticipated. I did this project directly over my first which was helpful since the top layer had been removed but of course it needed to be expanded. And I shifted the project slightly to the right of the previous. It was my understanding that I should place my project on fresh, virgin soil not filled in and so with a shovel, pitchfork & how I began to dig. What I ended up with was a square, 15x15, leveled in our sloped backyard. The front is about 6" deep, the back nearly 2'. Made a lot of dirt for lawn projects but ultimately, I think I'll discover this to be a mistake. We'll see. To make matters worse, within my square I dug an additional 4-6" deep circle in which the pool sits. So, basically, I've an AGP that sits [almost] completely level where the water level is at eyes-level from our back windows. Around it, using my dirt I created some "terracing" which I hoped would direct water away, amongst other things around the yard. Anyhow, with the heave rain that we've had over last night & today, my pool sits in a pool of its own.
More importantly and to my point which I hope helps, I initially wanted to find center-to-center on the legs to place the pavers. And assuming the legs were evenly spaced, bases on a 14' diameter pool, I calculated the spacing to be 3 foot & 2 inches apart. But with the filter hosing I still felt unsure and couldn't locate diagrams with this particular information so I ultimately set up the frame as instructed, no liner, leveled best I could each leg for paver placement, disassembled and started placing pavers. Mistake: I used common bricks which I now realize are not big enough because the legs move during fill. Now, with a full pool, I'm having to adjust and place additional bricks to accommodate the adjustments. The legs can be moved while the pool is full but it has to be done extremely gently. This has been my experience. Further, where I'd determined my ground to be perfectly level, there was still the slightest bit of slope. So minimal that it is of no concern, I just need to adjust the legs slightly.
I am not so mechanically inclined. This was a big project for my experience. But I love the outdoors and had a great time on the project. I may consider moving my pool next year applying the lessons of this project depending on how everything goes. So, regarding pavers, I'd recommend using a larger selection, perhaps 12x12. Somehow, confirm and reconfirm level ground prior to fill, use frame to determine paver placement and consider a spot that isn't recessed as what I've created.
Good luck!
