At long last, we are nearing the point where our new-to-us pool can go up! I've spent lots of time searching and reading, but I have a few questions I can't find a suitable answer to...I'm hoping this is the place to get informed answers.
Here's the background info - Our widowed neighbor gave us her 26' round Esther Williams pool. We've taken everything down, it's in nearly perfect shape (28ish years old), and I've found the necessary pieces to replace those that were marginally unsuitable. Our backyard is sloped, more than desirable by lots, but we had things excavated and prepared to create a solid, level pad. Our original plan was to have "limestone dust" leveled on top of the ground, then compact it to make it like concrete, use a liner pad, and be set. Long story short, we've ended up with "DEP sand/clean screenings" instead, that does not need compacted (this is the sand used in sand mounds). We've got our pavers set and level (4"x 8"x 16") and are at the point of needed just a bit more "sand" to level up the track and base area.
Here's where I start to worry...can I use the DEP sand only, not mason sand, then a Gorilla Pad/Armour Shield/etc. on top of the DEP sand, then the liner? I'm not too worried about cushion effect, but I don't want it so thin that you feel bumps and anything tears the liner. My contractor (not a pool guy) who prepared the site and brought in the DEP sand assures me I'll be fine if I use the liner pad on top of the DEP sand. The sand has crusted over after rain and doesn't show footprints when you walk on it, unless you try to dig in, so I think if we level things out, spray it down with water, and let it crust over, we could place the liner pad and be okay. I can't seem to find any info about this type of sand as a suitable base. Just wanting reassurance from pool people that we're on the right track and not needing to get something different!
Lastly, is there a preference as to what brand of liner pad I should purchase (or the foam cove)? I'm planning to order both online and the choices are endless. Our liner is hopefully arriving in about a week, so I want to be prepared.
Thank you for your help!
Here's the background info - Our widowed neighbor gave us her 26' round Esther Williams pool. We've taken everything down, it's in nearly perfect shape (28ish years old), and I've found the necessary pieces to replace those that were marginally unsuitable. Our backyard is sloped, more than desirable by lots, but we had things excavated and prepared to create a solid, level pad. Our original plan was to have "limestone dust" leveled on top of the ground, then compact it to make it like concrete, use a liner pad, and be set. Long story short, we've ended up with "DEP sand/clean screenings" instead, that does not need compacted (this is the sand used in sand mounds). We've got our pavers set and level (4"x 8"x 16") and are at the point of needed just a bit more "sand" to level up the track and base area.
Here's where I start to worry...can I use the DEP sand only, not mason sand, then a Gorilla Pad/Armour Shield/etc. on top of the DEP sand, then the liner? I'm not too worried about cushion effect, but I don't want it so thin that you feel bumps and anything tears the liner. My contractor (not a pool guy) who prepared the site and brought in the DEP sand assures me I'll be fine if I use the liner pad on top of the DEP sand. The sand has crusted over after rain and doesn't show footprints when you walk on it, unless you try to dig in, so I think if we level things out, spray it down with water, and let it crust over, we could place the liner pad and be okay. I can't seem to find any info about this type of sand as a suitable base. Just wanting reassurance from pool people that we're on the right track and not needing to get something different!
Lastly, is there a preference as to what brand of liner pad I should purchase (or the foam cove)? I'm planning to order both online and the choices are endless. Our liner is hopefully arriving in about a week, so I want to be prepared.
Thank you for your help!
