Re-setting above ground pool on wet clay?

[Mningrounddream]

Not sure if anyone has advice - we are in the process of re-setting our above ground pool. Short story- the installers put the pavers and bottom rails on sand and consequently the pavers shifted and buckled our pool walls.

We are on clay soil. It has been rainy and we have so much ground water that we can't seem to get enough dry weather to complete the set up. We had a dry day a few weeks ago and we got the pavers level and set into the ground.

My question is: would you go ahead with the install knowing you are working in standing water? We will put in drain tile after the set up is complete. Do we need to worry about the rails sinking into the clay or will the pavers distribute that weight?

The water is really only on one side of the hill where it is about 2 feet underground.

[PoolDoc]

Honestly, I have no idea. I wouldn't be willing to do that on the soils around here, but soils differ regionally, and maybe it's OK on your soil. I'd strongly recommend asking locally.

. . . membership upgraded.

[hrsdennis]

Hi, my rule of thumb is if I can walk across the area without sinking I can put a pool on it. If you are using sand for the cushion under the liner it should soak up a lot of the standing water. If you are concerned with the pool frame sinking you have some options. Instead of just putting blocks under the uprights, line the entire perimeter with block. It's a little more work but will keep your pool from shifting or sinking. Another option is to dig out the outer perimeter. Dig down 6" with a with of about 18". Fill this area with crushed granite or a crusher run. Pack it in good, set your post blocks and build the pool.

We have not had rain in months, where are you that it does not stop raining?

Later, Dennis

[Watermom]

Dennis, I'd be happy to send you some rain. We have had almost 5 inches in the last two weeks!

[PoolDoc]

Me too! Fortunately we're supposed to start drying out today. WM, wanna bet there will be a bunch of "rain turned my pool green" posts by Monday or Tuesday?

[Watermom]

WM, wanna bet there will be a bunch of "rain turned my pool green" posts by Monday or Tuesday?

Ha! I bet you're right. Maybe I should go on 'vacation' for a few days until you get them all cleared up!

We are also supposed to be dry today but unless it changes, last night's news called for rain every day next week. Like I've always said, around here we don't need a meteorologist in the summer. Our forecast is the same thing every day ---- hazy, hot and humid with a chance for afternoon thunderstorms. And those afternoon thunderstorms happen on a LOT of days. We actually had a lot of local flooding yesterday. That's what happens when you live someplace mountainous. Fortunately, I live on top of the mountain so if we have a flood, everybody is in trouble.

[PoolDoc]

Our forecast is the same thing every day ---- hazy, hot and humid with a chance for afternoon thunderstorms.

Are you *sure* you're not living in Chattanooga?

Actually, the temperatures have been rather moderate so far this June . . . and the weather has been EITHER clear or hazy. That's not average, but it's not too uncommon for June, either. July or August? Nothing moderate about either of those months, normally.

[hrsdennis]

Every day is the same here also, hot and dry. Might see some rain in July if we are lucky.

Dennis