Stone Dust Versus Sand

We've just purchased a 24' diameter above ground pool and the instructions say to use compacted stone dust for the base.

Can sand be used instead?

Marty

Hi Marty.

Stone dust, crusher run and crushed granite are all ideal materials to use for leveling purposes. If your ground is not level and not very workable, these items would work fine. If you ground is way off level and needs to be raised, they would work just fine.

Once you have a perfectly level base it's OK to use sand, under the liner only. Never set the entire pool on sand. That is if we are talking about a steel wall above ground pool. If you have a soft sided pool it's fine to set the whole pool on a thin bed of sand.

With a vinyl lined above ground pool the frame should be sitting on a firm foundation of solid ground. It should be laser leveled and well packed. In many cases it's even a good idea to set the posts on concrete blocks.

Inside the pool wall is where the sand goes, and it should be spread out only after the wall has been installed.

See our above ground pool installation pages for more useful ideas.

Above Ground Swimming Pool Installation

Above Ground Swimming Pool Installation Tips

Atlantic Above Ground Pool

Diamond Star Above Ground Pool Installation

Stone Dust

I have an Intex above ground pool. I got it last year and I can not get the ground level. Intex says not to put sand under it. I have been told to use stone dust. But how much do I need for a 15 x 4 round pool? And would this work?

Thank You, Lorri Hill

Hi Lorri.

Stone dust is fine. Make sure it is perfectly level and then you could either cover it with a small layer of sand or a heavy tarp. It would probably take several tons of dust, depending on how much leveling you were going to do with it.

Intex Above Ground Pool 18' x 9'

by Steve
(Australia)

I'm in the middle of finishing the base for our pool. I've used crushed rock, 50 mill, or should I put more rock in it, and I've yet to put the remaining 100 mill of fill, which may be washed sand, or the compact sand with organic material in it, brickies sand as its known in Australia.

The organic one is supposed to go hard as a rock but I'm concerned if water gets to it it may go soft, or wash away. Also Intex states not to use sand.

My base is boxed and has been dug out, the pool shop has stated to put rock dust for the remaining 100 mill and whack it down for drainage purposes. I am totally confused. Can you please advise which way I should go.

Regards, Steve

Hi Steve.

I would use as much of the crushed rock as possible and go over that with a thin layer of sand or a heavy tarp.

Intex Above Ground Pool

by: Steve

Well, I've finished it, done my disc in the process lol. It may be not so funny, anyway I filled the remaining 100 mill with compact sand and placed a couple of tarps over it. It seems ok. The kids love it and I must say its great to be able to jump in the water when ever you need to. They are a good pool, I was surprised at how solid it is structurally, I'll try and load up some pictures.

cheers Steve

Hi Steve. Glad to hear it all worked out.

Leveling Low Spots with Stone Dust

(Forest City, NC)

We are installing an 18' x 33' pool. We had to dig out and fill in one end with red dirt to level the pool. This was done with heavy equipment and packed well. The side walls and braces are installed with only 1/2 to 1" areas not level in places. Although a transit was used by the men we hired to dig and level, we are having to raise areas to level the end track. We have 12" x 12" pavers to put under each post. We have red dirt and also purchased stone dust to level these ends. We are concerned about this washing. What steps should we take to make sure the ground will be secure? Should we use the red dirt or stone dust? We would greatly appreciate any advice.

Thank you!

Hi If well packed either should be fine. Be sure you have plenty of ledge outside the pool for any raised area.