How Level is Level

[nefretrameses]

You might consider using imported material to level before bringing in your sand. In most places you can get recycled crushed concrete that is pretty easy to spread and level. A little compactation and it will be smooth and hard. If you cant get that, Lowes or Home Depot sells paver base that will work as well.

[GregT]

1. It's a week later and a couple of days ago I came across an enormous boulder that I had to dig out, leaving a 2 FOOT deep crater near one edge of my pool site. "Digging down" is really not practical, even if I did, I would surely just keep finding more of them. So I am thinking I should fill this with sand and tamp the **** out of it. Any other advice? Would paver base or crushed limestone be worth the trouble?

2. Suppose I finish this off eventually (maybe in 2016 at the rate I'm going) and after filling it and letting it sit for a while, it becomes 1" - 2" out of level. Is it practical to take out all the water and liner and re-level? Of course this would be a solid weekend worth of work, but I'm wondering if these pools are designed to be taken apart and put back together again.

Thanks all and always!

[PoolDoc]

Sand has a nasty habit of moving - I wouldn't recommend it. What I'd use -- if you can get it -- is what the limestone quarries here (limestone areas of N. Georgia and middle Tennessee) call "crusher run". It's mix of particles from fines up to sharp 1/2" stones, and compacts well.

Out of level (depressed) in the MIDDLE of the pool by 1 - 2" is not an issue. The issue is side to side.

[nefretrameses]

Doc's right about the type of material you need or recycled crushed concrete is cheap if you can get it. One ton will cover 100 sq.ft. 2 inches deep. Moisten the ground a couple inches deep and tamp it first, then add about 3 inches of material, moisten and tamp. Repeat till level. If you could get a vibrating plate compacter (usually can rent them) that would be better. Work in layers and your base will be as hard as concrete. You could compact all around the perimeter as above (moisten then compact). It sounds like it's worth a little extra effort to prep under the sides. Not sure about taking it apart - I'd try to get it right the first time. Vancouver, BC? Should be highly compactable soils.