Gravel is used in many places around pools.
Gravel is used for backfill for pools. Gravel is permeable and helps in drainage in the areas it is used. Gravel packs very well and is preferable to sand or dirt. Gravel is easier to use then sand that needs to be washed in or dirt that needs to sit for weeks or months to reach a desired compaction rate.
There are different types and sizes or gravel:
- 89 stone is a small size used as the base to set a pool on and to backfill the step and seating areas. 89 stone can fill tight areas that may leave a void area of material.
- 57 stone is about a half inch in size and is used to backfill the side walls of a pool. 57 stone works well locking together for good compaction when it is dropped into the overdifg area around the pool.
Other types of rock used around pools are:
- 3/4" clean (what everyone calls "gravel" in some spots (mainly for drainage in areas you cannot see)
- 3/8" grey pea gravel in some areas - like under the swing set.
- 3/8" yellow pea gravel around some trees
- 2" egg rock around the pool. It is large enough to stay in place, but it nests well. The rounded edges make it easy to pull any stray weeds that get into it.
- Pea gravel gets everywhere - it is too small to put around the pool. It gets knocked out of wherever you put it too easily. It works great under a swing set, because a good layer of pea gravel provides a cushioned surface for around swings and play structures.
- Eastern Sunrise is pretty, it is it like volcanic rock. It is unstable to walk on, and dogs hates it (it hurts paws). It is also a pain to weed in (because it is so sharp)
When buying stone, bulk is SO much cheaper than bags. If you have a need for any sort of quantity of stone, look into bulk delivery. Or, even better, if you can get it yourself, its even cheaper. Just be careful, stone is heavy.[1]
How Much Gravel Will You need
Try some of these calculators:
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