Backfill Around The Pool

We just had a pool put in yesterday and about 1/2 the pool is about 2ft and less under ground.

Part of that area will be deck and the other part I have to fill or do something? Any suggestions? Is it OK to fill with dirt and then top with rock? But I heard if I have to drain it then I take the chance of the walls collapsing. Please help!!!

Hi. Dirt is your best choice for backfilling around the pool. With it only being in ground a couple of feet you should not have any problem with the pool collapsing during a liner change.

A pool should always be kept full of water so the only time it would be empty is just for a couple days to change a liner. By then the ground will have packed solid and should not cause any problem. Just don't make the mistake of draining the pool and letting it sit empty for months.

I don't really like rock around a pool that has been backfilled. The rock does tend to create problems during a liner change, it likes to fall in behind the wall. So if you do go with the rock, pull it all back away from the pool before you drain it. This will keep it from causing problems.

Backfilling Pool In The Ground

by Frank
(Tenn.)

I have a 15x30 above ground pool that I am going to put a patio around. I will backfill it for the first 2.5 feet, put in a retaining wall next to the pool , backfill to 2.5 in. from the bottom of the rail, put sand, then lay 16x16x2 inch patio stepping stones on top of 1/2 in. of sand and put just under the rail of the pool.

Will this work? What is the best way to hide the pump?

Hi Frank. It sounds like it will work. If the retaining wall keeps the sand and blocks away from the pool wall you should not have a problem. You should never back fill above the water level of the pool and you should never back fill with something like sand, that will not pack, as cave ins will happen the first time the water gets a little low. The retaining wall should prevent this.

All I can say about pumps is that they should be below water level. Above ground pool pumps are meant to be gravity fed. I have seen them set into a dug out area next to the pool. This pretty much takes care of hiding them the only problem is water drainage if you get a lot of rain. You don't want the pump sitting in water.

The best way to do it would be to use an in ground pool pump. They are meant to draw water uphill and can be set any distance away from the pool you would like. This would make hiding the pool equipment very easy.

I have seen systems put in the garage, in the shed, under decks and behind fences. With the right pump the possibilities are endless.