New Intex AGP owner! Need advice and expertise!

[Newleaf]

So I bought a 15'x42" Intex pool, put it together, and came to the realization that our yard is more sloped than previously thought! Hired a landscaper who recommended not digging down because natural water drainage would be interrupted. We're in Portland, OR, where summers have gotten hotter, but we still get occasional rain and the water table is a bit higher where we live. He used fill dirt and packed it down. Now we're afraid of the dirt flattening and causing problems. Also, the area is further from the tree than it appears in the picture. I'd appreciate any suggestions!

 

[pooldv]

Welcome to TFP!

Drainage and settling are both valid concerns and need to be addressed. As it is right now, I would build a low retaining wall and rent a compactor and compact that soil, a lot, before putting a pool on it.

 

[Casey]

You can not build up with soil. Even if you do build a wall and compact it, compaction needs done in 3 " lifts.

 

[Zrock]

What was said above... Might be a better option to find a more level area of your yard.

 

[Newleaf]

Thanks everyone! You have been a big help with my decision to abandon the mound of dirt and relocate the pool to a more level location that is a patio area. It is made from molded pavers with what I think is decomposed granite with some crushed granite. Below the pavers and gravel is a mix of fine dirt or sand and rocks. Is very compact. The pool would sit two feet from the house and the hose and electrical outlet are nearby. I'm wondering if we would need a layer of sand or other material to even things out and then use a Gorilla pad?

Pics to come!

 

[jmcdtucson]

Thanks everyone! You have been a big help with my decision to abandon the mound of dirt and relocate the pool to a more level location that is a patio area. It is made from molded pavers with what I think is decomposed granite with some crushed granite. Below the pavers and gravel is a mix of fine dirt or sand and rocks. Is very compact. The pool would sit two feet from the house and the hose and electrical outlet are nearby. I'm wondering if we would need a layer of sand or other material to even things out and then use a Gorilla pad?

Pics to come!

Sounds better, but is that area level enough? Many patios are built to drop 1" every 5 feet or so in order to drain water away from the house. That would not be level enough. You need your pool within 1" of level from side to side.

 

[Newleaf]

Pics:

 

[Casey]

That looks a heck of a lot better!

 

[dorgan]

Do not use sand. Clear all debris and get one of those pool tarps

 

[Newleaf]

A Gorilla Pad or similar? Otherwise, a square blue tarp came with the pool.

 

[JannaLeAnn]

Is it safe to have it so close to your home? What if there was a failure and all the water ran out toward your house?

 

[dorgan]

A Gorilla Pad or similar? Otherwise, a square blue tarp came with the pool.

Yes I believe the blue targ that came with it. I believe in the manual it actually says no sand.

 

[Newleaf]

No, I won't use sand. Just the tarp. Thanks!