Above Ground Pool Sinking on One Side How to Level It

Author

Reads 802

A dramatic aerial view of a sinking ship in black and white tones.
Credit: pexels.com, A dramatic aerial view of a sinking ship in black and white tones.

A sinking above ground pool can be a real headache. The most common cause of this issue is uneven settling of the pool's base, which can be due to poor installation or shifting soil.

To level your pool, you'll need to identify the low side and assess the damage. As we discussed earlier, a 1-2 inch difference in height is usually not a cause for concern, but anything more significant requires attention.

You can use a level tool to determine the extent of the issue and identify the area that needs to be adjusted. This will help you determine the best course of action to take.

The type of adjustment needed will depend on the cause of the sinking, which could be due to a collapsed wall or a shift in the pool's base.

Causes of an Unlevel Pool

An unlevel pool can be a real safety hazard, and it's not just a matter of aesthetics. Water weighs 8.34 lbs/gallon.

Credit: youtube.com, How to jack up a full pool

The main cause of an unlevel pool is uneven ground or soil settlement. A 24-foot round and 5-foot deep pool contains 17,000 gallons and weighs 141,780 lbs, that's over 28 tons.

Kids playing in the pool can also cause waves that put extra pressure on the walls, making an already unlevel pool even more unstable. That 3 inches that a pool is off level is putting 7,000 pounds of unequal pressure on the high water side of the pool.

Poor installation or setup can also lead to an unlevel pool. Above-ground pool supports are not designed to carry unequal loads around the legs and frame.

Safety and Maintenance

If you notice your above ground pool sinking on one side, it's essential to check the water level.

The water level should be at least 2-3 inches below the skimmer opening to prevent overflow and damage.

Make sure the pool's foundation is level and compacted soil is beneath it, as uneven or shifting soil can cause the pool to sink.

Regularly inspect the pool's walls and floor for any signs of damage or wear, such as cracks or rust.

A pool that's sinking on one side may indicate a leak or water loss, so check the pool's plumbing and equipment for any issues.

Leveling an Above Ground Pool

Credit: youtube.com, How to Fix an Unlevel Above Ground Pool

Leveling an above ground pool is crucial to ensure everyone's safety. Water weighs 8.34 lbs/gallon, and a 24-foot round and 5-foot deep pool contains 17,000 gallons and weighs 141,780 lbs, that's over 28 tons.

If the pool is even slightly off level, it can put 7,000 pounds of unequal pressure on the high water side of the pool. I can imagine the horror of having kids and over 17,000 gallons of water flood the yard.

Draining the pool is the best solution to level it after it's been filled with water. Unfortunately, this often takes two or three tries to get it right.

Here's a step-by-step guide to level an above ground pool:

  1. Drain your pool completely.
  2. Take the pool apart and move it aside, then allow the ground where it was to dry.
  3. Make sure the area your pool's track/frame will be on is level, even if you have to hire someone to do this.

The ground will need to be dug down to ensure it's even, but do NOT add dirt or sand to build up any low spots to match the high spots. This will only lead to the weight of the pool and water compressing the ground, making all your work worthless.

Frequently Asked Questions

What would cause an above-ground pool to collapse?

Above-ground pool collapses are often caused by uneven ground installation, weakened or loose screws, and overfilling, which can lead to structural damage and safety hazards. Proper installation and maintenance are crucial to preventing pool collapses.

Amy Martin

Senior Writer

Amy Martin is a seasoned writer with over a decade of experience in various industries. She has a passion for creativity and enjoys exploring different perspectives on life. Amy's work often inspires readers to think outside the box and embrace new ideas.

Love What You Read? Stay Updated!

Join our community for insights, tips, and more.