Setting up the ground for a Coleman 26x12x52 pool

[nick2788]

Hi, new here. I've been reading the forums here for a few days after finding this place on Google, thought I'd sign up and ask my question.



After looking at several different pools of all shapes and sizes, I decided to go with the Coleman 26 x 12 x 52 oval pool. I already have a spot in the backyard that I've been working on.



Now here's where it starts becoming a problem. I live in Las Vegas, we have some of the hardest dirt in the western US. It's called caliche, and it's basically on par with concrete. I've done my best with a pickaxe to loosen the dirt up, there's an ungodly amount if rocks mixed up in the dirt, it's been a nightmare trying to separate it from the dirt, but I've done a pretty good job with two different rake sizes.



There's quite a few valleys and peaks in the ground, getting it level is going to be a real chore. I've decided to build it up rather than dig the whole area out like some others have suggested, because it's literally impossible to dig this kind of ground up without a jackhammer.



This is my first time with any kind of above ground pool, so any suggestions would greatly be appreciated.



Thanks!

 

[Newdude]

Hey Nick and Welcome !!!

There's quite a few valleys and peaks in the ground, getting it level is going to be a real chore. I've decided to build it up rather than dig the whole area out like some others have suggested, because it's literally impossible to dig this kind of ground up without a jackhammer.

We have seen way too many fail from building up the ground. Above ground pools splash out and it's only a matter of time until it starts eroding, especially if the surrounding ground isn't going to absorb any of the splash out. As frustrating as it is now, it pales in comparison to if you have to take the pool down and retry because you cut corners.

How to level above ground pool - Further Reading

www.troublefreepool.com

What about running a sprinkler on the area overnight to get it good and soaked ? Then it would be easier to scrape/rake. I'm sure it wouldn't take long to dry out and be right back to concrete.

 

[kellyfair]

The only way building up might work is if you build a “sandbox” that your pool and supports will fit into. That will prevent your base from washing out.

If you can, hire someone to level for you. To me it is well worth the money! Leveling is backbreaking even with normal soil.

 

[nick2788]

If you can, hire someone to level for you. To me it is well worth the money! Leveling is backbreaking even with normal soil.

This might be the best answer, it would certainly save me the trouble.

 

[kellyfair]

This might be the best answer, it would certainly save me the trouble.

I made a statement when I installed my newest pool (previously had Intex pools):

As God is my witness, I will never level my own yard again!

 

[nick2788]

What about running a sprinkler on the area overnight to get it good and soaked ? Then it would be easier to scrape/rake. I'm sure it wouldn't take long to dry out and be right back to concrete.

I'm actually doing this right now. Seems to be working. But wow, I never realized just how many rocks are in my soil, and it's not just one size. There's tons of small pebbles, medium sized and even large sized rocks that I just keep raking up over and over. I think it's going to be next to impossible to get all the rocks out of the ground, there's just way too many of them.

Somebody on Reddit suggested using a wheel barrel with a hardware cloth over the top to sift the dirt and remove the rocks. But honestly, it would take a million years to sift all the rocks out of the ground.

 

[Newdude]

Somebody on Reddit suggested using a wheel barrel with a hardware cloth over the top to sift the dirt and remove the rocks.

I used fine mesh (1/4 inch?) chicken wire type stuff over a garbage can, and yeah, it worked great.