Above-ground pools are drastically gaining popularity in and around Arizona. Compared to an in-ground pool, this raised alternative is a cost-effective way to splash around in cold water on sunny days. Many homeowners are switching to above-ground pools now, but why’s that?
There are many reasons for this, with the most common one being how budget-friendly it is. You don’t have to waste time and money excavating dirt from the sand bed. Instead, all you need to do is set up pool walls and throw in backfill material to close all holes created. Here’s a guide on how to backfill above ground pool.
How To Backfill Above Ground Pool: Follow This Process!
Compared to in-ground pools, above-ground alternatives require quite a lot of backfilling. You want to avoid having the pool wall collapse out of the blue, so it’s essential to backfill an above-ground swimming pool with good excavated dirt.
Read the difference between the two types of pool here.
Creating a solid natural barrier can prevent corrosion, pool collapse, and rust. Here’s how a typical above-ground installation is done:
Receive Building Permit
Ensure you receive the necessary permits before your hired contractor starts backfilling an above-ground pool. The worst thing that could happen is your project getting restricted around completion due to local laws.
[Read: Pool Excavation Contractors Near Me: Are They Worth Hiring?]
Leave Dirt Around The Pool Hole
Creating an above-ground pool might tempt you to pile dirt in one corner, but we suggest you leave the ground undisturbed. Consider digging a hole at least four times larger than your above-ground pool wall.
After setting up a slightly larger pool liner, all you have to do is shove back as much ground as possible around the pool wall. This is one of the easiest ways to backfill an above-ground pool.
Fill Up The Pool
The next part of creating an above-ground pool is filling the hole with fresh water. It’s recommended not to backfill the hole before filling it up, as it might force inward pressure and cause the pool to cave in due to its own weight.
Make sure to wait a few days before backfilling an above-ground swimming pool, as you want the water to create enough outward pressure over time. The primary reason why your pool might fall apart is if you backfill it before filling it up with enough water.
Use Good Quality Backfill
Using contractor-grade backfill dirt is essential if you can’t find good-quality natural earth to use as backfill material. Some homeowners also opt for plaster sand or slurry mix, but we don’t recommend that.
It’s wiser to stick to a desirable composition of natural earth and rocks, creating a refreshing oasis around you. Don’t use roofing tar or poor-quality slurry mix for backfilling. On the other hand, contractors can go back in with the same soil removed from the ground level as backfill material.
[Related: 4 Things To Ask Your Swimming Pool Excavation Contractor]
What Not To Do When Backfilling An Above-Ground Pool
Here are a few things your hired contractor should avoid doing when installing an above-ground pool:
Adding Metal To Walls
One of the most common mistakes people make when creating an above-ground pool is lining the exterior walls with corrosive elements. Homeowners in Arizona spend hundreds of cash every year simply on pool repairs. You can avoid having to pay hefty amounts by working smart.
Installing A Retaining Wall After A Pool Placement
On the other hand, install a retaining wall around the rough pool bottom before you install the pool itself and not after. The project area should also have enough space to place a drainage pipe. Once fully installed, go in with the pool itself.
Work With The Pros
Backfilling an above-ground pool is easy if you have contractors who know what they’re doing.
Curious about the possible costs of your pool excavation project? Read our guide here.
Aspire Construction Group’s excavation professionals in Arizona are experts at installing pools with precision and accuracy. Instead of doing it yourself, remember to hire a pro for such installations.
Reach out to us today for a project estimate!