Patio Blocks Under Uprights

by Patrick
(Copiague, NY)

Is it a good idea to use blocks to set the plates on, and if so how should the blocks be positioned under the plates?

Thanks

Hi Patrick. This page Above Ground Swimming Pool Installation shows the bottom rails laid out and connected to the footplates using a tape measure to keep the pool round as you connect them. The pool in the photos is not getting blocks because of the rock hard Arizona ground. Unless you are sure your ground is equally rock hard I do recommend using them.

When the rail is connected and round I would install the blocks centered under each post connector and level them just like in the photos. Setting the blocks after the rail is down and connected is the best way to make sure the blocks are going under each post.

Getting the track out of the way for digging is as easy as having a second person hold it up in the air while you dig and set the block. Resting the track on a shovel also keeps it up and out of the way. You could also mark a few block locations, move the track out of the way, dig and set the blocks and move the track back.

When each block is set be sure to level it exact with a transit of other leveling device. Once the blocks are level you should then perfect the ground under the rails between the blocks. The rails need to lay on flat, firm, level ground between each block. There should be no air spaces, gaps or rises under the rails.

Installing Esther Williams Pool

I am getting ready to put up an old Esther Williams pool, do I need blocks under the uprights or can I just tamp the sand well?

Hi. I would recommend using blocks under the footplates. This would give your pool the best possible support. You will also be better off keeping the sand away from the edge of the pool until after the wall is installed. Sand in and around the bottom rails will cause headaches you probably don't want.

Below are a couple of pages that might help with your above ground pool installation.

Above Ground Swimming Pool Installation

Above Ground Pool Installation Mistakes

Leveling Pavers for an Above Ground Pool

by JW
(Rock Hill, SC)

What is the easiest way to dig out for the pavers? Can sand be used to assist under the pavers in leveling? Where I live the ground is like concrete; if that makes a difference.
many thanks

Hi JW. Sand is an excellent leveler under the patio blocks for the supports of an above ground pool. Be sure to pack back in around the blocks with dirt so the sand does not have a chance of washing out.

Having ground that is like concrete does not make the job very easy. It sometimes just makes more sense to dig a larger hole and then fine tune it with sand. It is much easier to work with. I always lay the track out first so I know exactly where each block needs to go. Then the track can either be moved out of the way while you dig or pick away, or someone can hold it in the air while you work.

Do not, however, use the sand to level the area between the blocks, where the rails will sit. If this area needs to be over dug it is best to fill back in with crushed granite or crusher run material.

If the ground is hard like you say you can even get away with a half block under each upright. A half a block is much better then no block at all and in many cases is all you need.

This page might help with the leveling of an above ground pool.

Leveling an Above Ground Pool

And this page might help with the rest of your installation.

Above Ground Swimming Pool Installation

Blocks Under Pool Uprights

I was wondering the pro's and cons of using patio blocks under the uprights vs a concrete ring doughnut for the uprights of my above ground pool. Which one is the best way to go and why? Thank you!

Hi. There is nothing wrong with a concrete ring, but it would be a lot more work and expense. The ring would have to be perfectly level to work, but if it was, and you used preformed pool cove inside the pool, it would work great.

There is nothing wrong with using patio blocks. Be sure to laser level each block and then make the ground between them flat and level.

In Arizona the ground is so hard we seldom use blocks. The real key is to level each footplate and make sure the ground under the rails is flat. The photo below should look the same, with, or without blocks. The only difference would be with the blocks you would just barely see them under the footplates. Everything else would look the same.

Support Under Bottom Rails And Posts

by Stephen Oliveri
(Pittston, Maine)

After about 10 years, my 24' Doughboy had "settled" to the point where it was obviously way out of level. Upon disassembling the pool I discovered that many of the bottom rails and end plates were rusted out.

I remember the installer (12 years ago) stating that we would not need any additional support under the vertical posts or rails. But it was obvious that some had rusted out and sunk into the ground. I am replacing the bottom rails and end plates and this time plan to place support under them.

The pool assembly manual recommends patio blocks, but I was wondering if pressure treated 2" x 6" lumber would work as well. Also, should the support be under the entire circumference, or just the posts? Thanks for your response.

Hi Stephen. About eight inches of 2x6 under each upright should be just fine. The rail does need to be supported by firm soil, so if raising these rails makes that a problem there is nothing wrong with putting wood or blocks under them. Make sure the cove on the inside gets built back up and you should be all set.

You may want some liner installation tips when that time arrives.

Above Ground Pool Liner Installation

To Block or Not

by Bryan Guida
(Branchville,NJ)

I am not a pool pro but I do plenty of hard scaling and I think I should not use block?
I am in the northeast and we get good frost and I’m afraid it will move them over time. I have never laid a wall or paver that didn’t! They are designed to.
So what I did was:
I dug out an 8” deep 12” wide 21’ circle and filled it with qp and tamped the shit out of it. The ground has been driven over with my truck and tamped with a plate compactor for two hours.
My question is do you think that is the best way. I see you don’t use block either?

Hi Bryan Your plan should work fine.