Intex XTR set up, foam, and pavers

[pfgiv]

You might consider raising your filter equipment up so that it doesn't get flooded by runoff that will certainly come down from the hill behind the pool.

Thanks for the suggestion. I have the equipment on the pavers, do you think they should be another paver high?

 

[TinFoilHat]

Well, I was thinking you might get an extreme amount of water flowing down the hill at times so I was thinking you might need to raise it a foot off the ground. But you know your lot and the area better than I would of course. I can picture a huge deluge of mud, water and debris that overwhelms and ruins your equipment.

 

[pfgiv]

Then I should probably do some sort of retaining along the edges. I think once grass settles behind the boulders I shouldn’t have much run off behind. There’s a lot of roots in the area also, but there has been some run off from torrential rains since it has been done

 

[yeamonn]

I tell you what - I just had a hardscape company in and dig out a major slope to firm ground then add 5-6" crushed gravel and compact it with a plate compactor. After reading this I'm going to have them confirm it's level 5 times over! I was coming here to figure out what I should do next and defintiely thinking the same (2" foam + pavers) but also wondering if a thinner foam + interlocking gym mats to make up the other 3/4 inch" might be a good idea. Following closely and hope you find the level soon!

 

[CT-Steven]

Thank you, I was trying to find my threads and was so confused where they had gone. I have been discussing everything through PM with another well known intex pool guy on these forums, and he mentioned it's best to build on virgin soil after digging down. I remember reading that also, so I'm not sure why the landscaping companies that did the work said to do stone underneath (prob because they are not pool guys). I'm just concerned that after 70,000 pounds worth of water gets put on this, it may sink more, since I'm already severely off level after I was told it was leveled. It may be off level now due to settling, or maybe they actually did not have it level. I know a plate compactor was at my house, but I never physically saw it being used.

I'm not overly worried about the materials used as a base for protection of the pool, I'm worried about any further settling after the weight of the water is added. I used a 2" XPS under the liner with 2" pavers. I didn't want to dig down with the pavers at all since it's gravel under the sand. Only concern is gravel sinking into the dirt, but maybe a very long tamping will compact it so much that it won't move. That's really my question here.

Thanks

That would be me
Most of what is/was said I think pretty much echos our PMs.
In reviewing everything, I think you are doing really well in trying to stay on top of everything and asking questions.
The "DIY" level method would (if you want to check their work) be using a straight piece of wood (might need to cut it on a table saw to get 2 straight edges) and strap a level to it. Then pin one end at the center and slowly sweep the wood around keeping an eye on the level to ensure you stay as level as possible. My bases consist of: Dirt > Sand > Tarp > 1" pink foam boards. The dirt was leveled to within 1/2" and the sand was used to try and make it a little better. I used the pink foam for 5 reasons. First it just feels nicer on your feet, second it removes any ripples/inconsistencies in the sand making it a smooth surface to work on, and third when in the pool kicking out the liner to try and remove any wrinkles the liner moves easier vs when on the ground or tarp, fourth, I believe that when the pool is filled the weight distributes a little better over the foam, and last the sand will not give way under any "hard" impacts by heel, toes, etc if the sand was say a little deeper and or not fully compacted. I also think it helps with run off as my kid makes waves and the sloshing of the water over the edge's lands on the foam vs the exposed dirt allowing the runoff to be slowed down and hopefully have less erosion. Just my opinion as others have setup up on just tarps with equal success.

In general, I think you are in a good place with your base. I would also add that the footings for your legs will be as equally if not more important.

I also agree with TinFoilHat in that in my second build I raised my filtration system, so it sits 3" above the ground on pavers. Not only does it help with runoff but will make it easier to weed wack and not hit your equipment.