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Above ground pool deck ideas: 10 setups to get inspired by

(Image credit: Brisbane Prestige Plunge Pools)

Turning above ground pool deck ideas into a reality will benefit your plot in more ways than one. 

They're super practical, for starters. Every pool needs a nearby space for a couple of loungers at least, and a deck will provide a sturdy base that's perfect for the job. And if you install a larger deck, you can turn your pool area into a social hub complete with BBQ, fire pit, and a dining set – the ideal setup for a summer pool party.

The other major plus point of building a deck around your above ground pool is the aesthetic appeal. The best above ground pool ideas blend harmoniously into their surroundings, and a sleek deck will help these features do exactly that.

10 above ground pool deck ideas to elevate your outdoor swimming space

If you've perused our decking ideas, you'll know that there are so many looks and styles that can be achieved with this landscaping feature. We've rounded up some of our favorite ways to combine them with an above ground pool, to help inspire your own backyard update.

1. Soften the scene with a flowering shrub

Structural plants add color and form

(Image credit: Chiyacat/iStock/Getty Images Plus/Getty Images)

Adding greenery to your pool landscaping plans is always a good idea. It'll instantly soften the scene, add color and texture, and in some cases, it can boost the privacy levels, too.

If you're integrating your above ground pool with a deck, adding a larger shrub to one side, as seen here, will help to visually blend the two structures together. Our list of best summer flowering shrubs will help you choose a show-stopper. Plant one of the best winter flowering shrubs nearby, too, for added interest all year-round.

Alternatively, you could opt for tall, ornamental grasses around your pool – they will cocoon the space in greenery and don't require much maintenance.

2.

Keep it modern with a cladded wall around your pool deck

This pool by Brisbane Prestige Plunge Pools is totally stylish

(Image credit: Brisbane Prestige Plunge Pools)

There are all kinds of decking color ideas to choose from, but we're big fans of this rich timber tone for a natural yet contemporary vibe.

It ties in beautifully with the tropical-style planting and blue-hued pool. And we especially like how the fence behind has been cladded in a matching material – it's a simple yet effective approach for a sense of cohesion and style.

A couple of modern chairs and smart black step railings complete the scene with a minimalistic flair.

3. Go for ultimate indoor-outdoor living with a garden building nearby

@masrecorder created a gorgeous garden setup for relaxing throughout the year

(Image credit: @masrecorder)

A pool, whatever its size, is a great place to retreat after a long day for a soothing soak in the fresh air. So why not go one step further and add a deck cover and garden building – that way you'll have a destination point dedicated to relaxing that can be used throughout the seasons.

Take this stylish setup, for instance. With concerts that sometimes take him to other countries, university music professor Mas Sugihara got the itch to do something creative in his Houston backyard when lockdown curtailed traveling. When his girlfriend, Elizabeth Conley, persuaded him to modify a steel shipping container house, a galvanized pool was fitting. The 4x2 tank he bought several years ago wasn't roomy enough, so they stepped up for an 8-footer. 

They hired a contractor to build decking that connects the container house, a pergola, and a pool, all detached from the main house. The tank is accessible via deck steps, or the container unit's framed sliding glass doors. If Mas and Elizabeth aren't in the pool, they can sit on the deck with their feet in the water. Mas recently added a submersible pool light, which he says elevates the mood at night.

'I like how the pool brings people together and is a nice casual feature when we host during Houston's heat,' says Mas, adding, 'Although I must admit, when I'm alone, it's also just a nice way to cool off after a bike ride or working in the garden.'

4. Choose cool gray tones for your above ground pool deck

This pool from Brisbane Prestige Plunge Pools complements the surroundings beautifully

(Image credit: Brisbane Prestige Plunge Pools)

This smart deck in its light gray hue is the perfect choice for this scene. It effortlessly merges with the home's exterior due to its modern aesthetic, and accompanies the concrete pool beautifully, too.

A look like this calls for minimal decking decorating ideas. Just a few statement potted plants and some comfy seating – also in gray – is all it needs. Meanwhile, grasses and gravel around the pool add a welcome shot of greenery and texture.

5. Add stylish deck railings

Chic fences define this Brisbane Prestige Plunge Pools pool

(Image credit: Brisbane Prestige Plunge Pools)

If you're adding a deck around your above ground pool, chances are you will want to install a decking railing to keep everyone safe. But they don't have to be an eyesore – there are all kinds of chic designs available that will only add to the look of your space.

Here, a glass-paneled design separates the steps, allowing people using the pool to enjoy the open views. The tall, slatted fence around the back of the deck, meanwhile, adds a modern edge as well as privacy and shade.

6. Decorate the sides of your decking

Kate Gould's 'Out of the Shadows' Chelsea 2022 garden is full of stylish features

(Image credit: Kate Gould/ Photography: Helen Fickling)

This gorgeous design by Kate Gould is the perfect example of how an above ground swim spa can be seamlessly integrated with a deck so that it doesn't dominate the space.

Surrounded by tropical plants, the garden has a jungle-like vibe. And we love how the side of the decking has been decorated with metallic discs and a modern water feature that incorporates Corten steel and other coppery tones.

With a pergola overhead for sheltering from the midday sun, sculptural seating, and a fire pit, this is a space that's practical as well as stylish.

7. Paint a bright backdrop

A painted mural makes a statement behind this stock tank pool from Salt Shack

(Image credit: Salt Shack)

The garden wall or fence behind your setup can be transformed into a seaside mural, a tropical paradise, or, like in this scheme, a vibrant desert scene. If you're not feeling so confident with the paintbrush, you could try out a stencil instead, or simply paint the backdrop in bold, block colors.

It's one of our favorite budget-friendly deck ideas for above ground pools and only requires a few pots of exterior paint and a touch of creativity. Finish the space with a few on-theme potted plants (such as the cacti used here) and a couple of sun loungers.

8. Opt for a mini deck for your above ground pool

This pool by Brisbane Prestige Plunge Pools includes a petite yet chic deck

(Image credit: Brisbane Prestige Plunge Pools)

You don't have to install a huge stretch of decking for your above ground pool if you don't have the space or the budget.  

A small deck can define the zone, help blend the pool into your garden, and provide a stylish and easy way to get in and out. 

Adding a glass fence and gate will keep pets and little ones out when unsupervised without blocking light or the views of your yard when enjoying the water.

9. Cozy up the deck with a fire pit

A welcoming space for entertaining day or night, by @2frozenbananas

(Image credit: @2frozenbananas)

When Jason and Heather Kanzia bought a house in Bartlett, Illinois, it came with an older 18-foot swimming pool. They used it for two years before having it removed due to rust and damaged side walls. Still, they liked the idea of owning a pool to use in the summer. One thing was for certain though: they didn't want to take the time and effort to care for another large one, even if it was shiny and new. The leaves and branches that dropped from nearby trees made cleaning a nightmare. With only four months to enjoy it, an above ground stock tank pool made perfect sense.

One of Jason's friends hauled the big tank to the Kanzias' home in his snowmobile trailer. An old 18-foot solar cover was resized to fit the 8-foot pool. A friend gave them a saltwater system and the Kanzias bought a pump and a propane water heater. The pool was then wrapped with bamboo fencing from Home Depot. 

Posts and wood from an existing deck that was demolished with the old pool were used to build a smaller, level deck for the stock tank. With a colorful outdoor rug and plenty of seating, it provides a place for relaxation before and after taking a dip. And the deck fire pit keeps everyone cozy when temperatures drop.

The size is ideal for the Kanzias children, ages 3 and 5. 'I’ve gotten more enjoyment from this pool than the few years we had with the larger pool,' says Jason.

10. Keep it simple with cushions

This pool in @renogal 's plot features a stylish half-circle sun deck

(Image credit: @renogal)

Cheryl Holcombe, a home preservationist, enlisted her brother to assist in hauling a stock tank to her Knoxville, Tennessee, home. He also helped level the ground, drill holes for hoses, and pour a small concrete pad for the equipment.

Cheryl bought an Intex saltwater system from Amazon to purify the water, which she finds a low-maintenance way to go after three years. The pump and filter run for an hour each day, and occasionally, she needs to add more salt, like after heavy rains.

She hired a friend to build a yellow pine half-circle sun deck. Kitted out with cushions, it provides space to lounge beside the water without the need for deck furniture.

Cheryl enjoys looking out her windows and watching the sun reflect on the water. 'I also love having a great excuse for friends to gather and spend time together,' she says.

What is the best material to use for an above ground pool deck?

When choosing any pool deck, it's crucial to pick a material with safety in mind. 'High slip-resistance is an important consideration,' says the experts at Millboard . After all, the boards are bound to get wet underfoot, so be sure to choose decking with an element of grip. There are lots of composite styles that factor this in.

Durability is also key. Millboard suggests opting for a wood-free composite decking, as any timber fibers within boards will swell up when wet, causing the boards to deform.

'Opting for a timber-free board will also mean there is no risk of splinters in bare feet,' they add.

So, if you have the budget, wood-free composite may be the better choice for your plot. If you do stick to timber though, keep it in top condition by cleaning it and applying a protective stain regularly, and look to add some slippery deck solutions.

The garden was always a big part of Holly's life growing up, as was the surrounding New Forest where she lived. Her appreciation for the great outdoors has only grown since then. She's been an allotment keeper, a professional gardener, and a botanical illustrator – plants are her passion.

15 Awesome Above Ground Pool Deck Designs

In some cases, or in some areas, building an inground pool is just not possible. However, even the smallest pools can cause issues if conditions aren’t right. Poor soil quality, a high water table, terrain issues, building and zoning restrictions – any of these can prevent building a swimming pool in the ground. In other cases, a homeowner may not want to spend $20,000 or more on a backyard oasis, and above ground pools are generally a more affordable option. But what about when it comes to an above ground pool deck?

Above ground pools may be slightly less attractive than an inground pool, but they don’t have to be! With some creative planning, grading, and decking, above ground pools with decks can be truly stunning and inviting, and cost half as much to build as one of our inground pool kits.

Here’s a look at some above ground pool designs that are out of the ordinary, and definitely uniquely awesome.

1. Round Above Ground Pool with Composite Deck

For an inground pool to work at this location, you would need 9 trucks of fill dirt to level the sloping backyard, an engineer’s study, and a grading plan. Unfortunately, all of these costs added up to nearly $10K before you really even get started. The homeowner decided to use a 21 ft. round above ground pool, and used some of the savings to install a beautiful composite wood deck around half of the pool.

One unique feature of this above ground pool is the walk-in steps, which add elegance and a real inground pool feel. Another bonus of installing an above ground pool on this job site? The homeowner was able to save substantially on pool fencing and landscaping costs.

2. Pool Wrapped in Wood and Stone

This pool is a great example of how you can wrap an above ground pool with stone and wood to create a pool that blends into the surroundings. Something like this setup can also add value to the property with an aesthetically pleasing pool. Here’s another great example of how to fit above ground pool into a sloping backyard. These homeowners used the 4 ft. height of the pool wall to their advantage, and this 15×30 ft. Grecian pool has a look of an inground pool. Also, the raised wall on one side adds an element of safety by providing an effective barrier to half of the pool perimeter.

3. Above Ground Pool with Terraced Deck

Are you beginning to see a pattern here? Sinking an above ground pool into a wooden deck or partially submerging it in the ground changes the entire look and feel of an above ground pool. Adding contrasting stampcrete and grass around the perimeter adds other visual elements and really makes this pool pop.

This location had a septic field running across the backyard, making an inground pool installation impossible. This 15×30 pool used the “lagoon” step as the pool entry, which also functions as a seating area. And with the installed jets, this setup provides spa-like hydrotherapy for sore DIY pool builders.

4. Corner Pool with Terraced Steps

This is one of my favorite above ground pool designs. The wood deck functions as both stairs and seating. Really, it’s a very clever and attractive way to wrap the pool. Siding wraps the retaining wall around two sides of the pool, but it could also have stone, brick or nearly any other decorative treatment.

At only 8×18 ft. in size, this pool is also a great space saver, and could be tucked most anywhere. Something like this is especially useful for narrow urban backyards, or for when you want to preserve space in the backyard for other activities.

5. Above Ground Pool with Platform

For those without space concerns, this above ground pool and deck has a lot of benefits. The raised pool deck, complete with paneled walls, acts as a barrier for young children and animals. Moreover, as an added bonus, the filtration equipment fits neatly underneath! This pool had no installation issues for an inground pool. The owners just wanted a more affordable option.

A pergola on the opposite end of this 20×40 ft. pool gives shade during the afternoon. As I understand, this pool was built in only a week! Nicely done!

6.

Half Submerged Pool with Composite Deck

Here we have another 15×30 ft. oval above ground pool with a composite wood deck. This one is built on-ground, with the pool deck covering about half of the pool wall. This type of pool deck gives this above ground pool a unique, integrated look. And again, the elevation provides a marginal element of safety for small children and pets. It also helps to keep the pool clean by blocking autumn leaves that blow around the pool.

Evergreen cypress trees block the perimeter fence and also add some privacy to the pool. You could add extra potted plants in rectangle planter boxes if you wanted to hide the raised pool wall. But I think it looks kind of nice, don’t you?

7. Above Ground Pool with Safety Cover

Another advantage of an above ground pool with a surround deck is that you can use a safety pool cover during winter, vacations, or anytime that you want to secure the pool. This type of wooden pool deck has built-in safety year-round. This design also features a self-latching gate on the upper deck, which is attached to the house.

The lattice on the underside is an economical way to hide the pool structure. You can see the small door used to access the pump and filter equipment, plus plenty of room for storing your pool stuff.

8. Above Ground Pool with Automatic Cover

An above ground pool with an automatic cover? Yes! It can be done with a wooden deck built around the pool. A cover reel sits in the box at the end of the pool, and pull ropes run through the aluminum tracks that run down the side of the pool. Automatic covers offer unparalleled safety for any pool type, keep the pool clean, and save big bucks on pool heating costs.

The raised pool deck surrounding the pool keeps excessive leaves from blowing into the pool. Recessed lights illuminate the raised transition during evening hours. This 18×36 ft. above ground pool is built fully above ground, but the pool deck gives the illusion of an inground pool.

9. Semi Buried Pool with Composite Wrap and Walkway

Now here’s a unique above ground pool design. The pool deck is at ground level, and the pool walls and top rails are wrapped in wood with extra wide planks. This pool sits on the ground, which is one of the great advantages of above ground pools – no excavation.

Not having to dig into the ground not only saves money, but can save nearby trees, and avoids the problem of what to do with all the excess fill dirt.

10. Above Ground Pool with Ipa Wood Deck

When you have a view like this, the pool has to be special. Hunter Pools of Australia perched this pool just perfectly, and then wrapped it with fine hardwoods like Ipa wood, which has outstanding resistance to rot and weather.

Another safety feature is the railing. This is required for suspended decks to keep your guests and pets safe. A complete deck like this also allows pool owners to install a safety pool cover for off-season use.

11. Above Ground Pool with Partial Platform

From Brothers 3 Pools, this custom pool deck looks safe and sturdy. It’s built to meet codes while providing space for relaxing and entertaining. Pool Decks like this also hide the pool equipment underneath.

Contrasting colors and neutral tones blend with other outdoor elements and push a pleasing palette. Composite materials used here will last longer and reduce demand for natural products. Called a “Quarter-Deck,” this style is popular for its cost to benefit ratio.

12. Above Ground Pool with Multi-Level Deck

Another Brothers 3 Pools deck, this two-level deck has style aplenty and looks super sturdy. In some cases, a pool deck can cover up rough terrain or areas adjacent to the pool that are difficult to maintain.

For these last few examples, the above ground pool deck is installed flush under the pool’s top rail. In other instances, the pool deck can overhang the top rail. Remember, however, to leave room for the future removal of the top rail, and also consider winter cover installation when choosing which style of deck you want.

13. Above Ground Pool with Wooden Deck and Safety Fence

Although this pattern makes me a wee bit dizzy, this above ground pool deck design is quite nicely done. Pre-assembled wall panels go up quickly and provide some pool privacy and safety.

This design allows the pool to be built on-grade, while having a walk-out or walk-up pool. Be sure to design safety into the pool deck and install a sturdy fence gates with self-closing hinges and self-locking latches.

14. Oversized Step Section and Walkway

Here’s a pool that was dug out halfway, or about 24″ deep. It was then likely backfilled with drain pipe and gravel. Next, they framed a composite deck for a path around the pool and an entrance platform.

On top of the half-height pool deck is an oversized step entrance system that I just love! Even though it’s not large enough for 4-Piece Wicker Seating Set, it does give a nice spot to sit and dangle feet in the pool.

15. Above Ground Pool with Resin Pool Deck

I’ve saved the best for last, because it’s the one type of pool deck that we can provide for you! This one is a pre-fabricated DIY pool deck package that comes complete and ready to assemble.

Vinyl Works 5’x10′ Pool Deck Kit adjusts for above ground pools with 48″-56″ walls, and adapts to any ladder or step system. It’s the perfect pool deck – one that will never warp, rot, or rust. Most importantly, and did we mention that it’s easy to keep clean? Above all, the lockable entry gate is a handy safety feature that will keep unattended kids and pets out of the pool.

How Much Pool Deck Do You Want?

A common size for a pool deck is a three-section fan deck that covers enough room for several people to use. On a round pool, it would follow the contour of your pool’s top rails for as many rails as you want to cover.

Another question to ask yourself is: how will you use a pool deck around your pool? Plan out what you want to do on the deck. Will you be using it just to get in and out of the pool? Or will you want to add lounges or a table and chair set? What about large planters, speakers, or maybe an outdoor fire pit?

Our above ground pool deck kits are prefab resin kits with everything you need to add steps to walk up to the deck and into the pool. We have deck kits in 5 ft x 5 ft square and a 5 ft x 10 ft. Another choice is the 5′ x 13.5′, 2 section pool deck kit.

When Installing Your Pool Deck, Be Careful…

If you get a wooden pool deck, you have different options of entering the pool. Deck to pool ladders use deck flanges to secure the ladder to the deck. A much better option are resin walk-in steps. These offer a gentler way to enter into the pool, especially for children and the elderly. Our resin pool deck kits include steps on both sides of the water, for easy, safe access. A ladder is a must for pool safety.

Whichever type of pool deck you choose, check with your local building department to see if there are code requirements involved where you live. Building a wooden deck usually needs a permit and inspection. You can usually find the information by searching your county’s or city’s .gov website for terms like “above ground swimming pool decks”.

There’s one more thing to talk about, and that’s safety. Many folks would like to build a full surround pool deck and connect it to the back of the house porch. This can be dangerous if there’s only 1 door between the house and the pool. To fix this issue, install an inside perimeter fence at the smallest point, with a self-closing and self-latching pool gate.

So What’s Next?

If you’ve thought about building your own inground pool, we’d love to talk to you about it. Or, if you have pool construction challenges or want to cut the price of a new swimming pool in half, we hope these above ground pool decks and design ideas gives you something to think about.

Above ground pools are available in all shapes and sizes. They’re also available for above ground, below ground, or even partially above ground installation. Anyone can sell you a package pool kit, but when you work with In The Swim, you get total support on your specific pool project. All of our Pool Experts are at your disposal to help you design your dream pool, whether inground or above ground!

Do-it-yourself platform for a pool in a country house: how to make a podium

In the article we tell you how to make a platform for a pool in a country house with your own hands from concrete and wood. But first, let's talk about the general requirements for it.

We are building a platform for a pool:

Site requirements

Materials for construction

Preparatory work

Pouring concrete

Creating a wooden platform

located drain. The requirements that we list must be observed, including for frame pools.

To recap. When choosing a site, it is important that it be level, cleared of all kinds of garbage and plants. It is desirable that the soil is compacted, household and residential buildings, wires, trees, roads are far away. It is better to build it in a sunny or half-shaded place that does not block the passage for people.

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Along the perimeter, the platform should be larger than the tank itself. So that the water that will splash out of it does not form puddles. We will tell you what you can make a platform or a podium for a pool in the country with your own hands.

The tank can be installed on the ground covered with foil or sand drainage (SGS). But such a basis will not be reliable. It would be better to strengthen it. Here's how you can do it.

In the photo - options for different sites.

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So, the place and materials have been chosen. Now you need to prepare the site.

Marking the territory

There are several ways to mark the territory. In any of the proposed options, add 0.15 meters or more to the size of the structure if you plan to equip a wide platform.

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Clearing the area

If you are preparing an above-ground site, remove the sod with a bayonet shovel inside the markings. Stick the shovel into the ground completely - by 30-40 cm. At the same time, experts do not recommend making a recess more than half a meter. Deeper pits are recommended to be filled with concrete and masonry around the perimeter.

The removed sod can be used to create lawns on the site. Remove the remaining roots, herbs, stones from the cleared area. Then treat it with preparations that slow down the growth of plants.

For a fixed excavated pool, dig a hole to a depth of 2.5 meters if you plan to jump into the water from the side and 1. 5-2 meters for structures with steps. Use a level to make the bottom of the pit slope 4 cm by 1 meter towards the drain.

Large frame tanks are always made in a small recess. So they will be more stable, and less water accumulates around them. Also, this installation option is suitable for loose soils.

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Leveling and compacting

At the bottom of the excavation or on top of the soil, make a 20-25 cm sand cushion. This will be an excellent shock absorber if there is a busy road nearby. Level and compact it with the help of building beacons, level, rules. Compaction can also be done with a vibrating plate or plain water. Water the future platform several times with water from a hose with a sprayer, and then level it. Sand can be replaced with PGS and cement. The ratio of components in such a mixture is 10:1.

For a small tank, this cushion is often sufficient. Geotextiles or a dense film are laid on it, and a bowl is placed on top. If it is more than 1-2 cubes, the prepared area is strengthened by one of the methods described below.

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We make a foundation pit

We use frost- and water-resistant concrete grade M100 or M300 for work. If you prepare the mixture yourself, take coarse sand, crushed stone, cement, and additives to improve water resistance. The latter are sold ready-made. Conduct all communications first.

Check if the waterproofing is well done. Fill with water, mark its level and leave for two weeks. Taking into account natural evaporation, no more than 2 cm should go away. If everything is fine, you can start finishing. This is also additional waterproofing. Instead of roofing material, you can use geotextile fabric, dense film, polypropylene.

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Making a podium

It is recommended to use M100 or M300 concrete for work. Hydrophobic additives, cement, crushed stone and coarse sand are added to the mixture, made independently.

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Creating a recess

Large frame structures are placed halfway or slightly lower in such pits. They become more stable, more aesthetic and you do not need a ladder to climb inside. The approximate depth of the pit is one and a half meters. When calculating the width of the pit, consider the need for the construction of retaining walls.

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In the video - another way to strengthen the frame structure.

If you decide to bury a small tank, you can do without a screed. In this case, the same pillow is made from ASG, and support posts for the frame are dug in along the perimeter to a depth of 50-60 cm. Crushed stone is poured into the holes with them, and the racks themselves are covered with liquid waterproofing or bitumen. A shalevka is nailed to them horizontally.

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Small inflatable and frame pools are most often installed in the country house. It is convenient to mount them on supports made of larch or polymer decking. The height of the flooring depends on your tasks. The high platform is convenient because you can remove the pump and other equipment under it. But in this case, you will also need a ladder. A low platform is built faster, as steps are not needed. We will tell you how to make a podium for a pool in the country in its simplest version.

Procedure

7
a photo

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How to make a platform for a frame pool - WikiStroy

What is a soil platform

Most of the pools are installed on the ground. Solutions with the arrangement of a terraced or concrete platform are good in their own way, however, these options are more complex and costly. Most often they resort to the preparation of the soil base, because all the work is easy to do on your own with minimal investment.

So, what qualities should a platform for a frame pool have:

  • It must have sufficient bearing capacity so that the soil does not sink under the mass of water.
  • The site must be leveled in a horizontal plane so that the water level in the pool is uniform over the entire area, and the bowl itself does not start to slide down the slope.
  • The presence of gravel, glass, branches and other sharp objects on the surface is unacceptable.
  • The site and the area adjacent to the pool must be hygroscopic so that splashing water does not form dirt.
  • It is important to make the thermal conductivity of the bedding as low as possible so that the water does not cool down from contact with the ground.

    • However, the most important requirement is that the site retains its properties over time: it does not subside, does not blur, does not wipe the bottom of the pool. Many frame pools are not drained and not dismantled after the swimming season, which allows modern water treatment stations . In this regard, it is better to eliminate any possibility of repair or alteration of the site, because a modern frame pool can and should be stationary.

    Site preparation

    First of all, you need to mark up and prepare the soil on the site. Frame pools can have a round, oval and rectangular bowl shape. The easiest way to take out dimensions in kind is to assemble the frame and mark its dimensions with pegs driven into the ground. But sometimes you have to resort to marking, because the site can be prepared before the pool itself is manufactured and delivered to the facility.

    When choosing a place for a pool deck, consider the proximity of cellars, foundations, drain pits and technical wells. It is undesirable to place the pool under the crowns of trees and near fruit-bearing plants. Also, you should not install a pool over old concrete structures or in places where capital buildings were previously located.

    Round pools are easy to mark with a compass - a rod driven into the ground in the center and a rope on a sliding loop. Oval pools are marked in a similar way, but in this case there are two circles connected by tangents. To mark rectangular pools, it is enough to drive in four pegs, then check the equality of sides and diagonals.

    Please note that the platform should protrude beyond the dimensions of the bowl. Firstly, the frame of the pool is slightly shifted outward relative to the rubber walls, and secondly, it is very convenient when fallen water instantly seeps around the pool, and soft sand underfoot. In this regard, it is recommended to prepare a platform of such dimensions that it protrudes from the frame by 80–100 cm on each side; at the installation site of the stairs, it is recommended to make a tide up to 2 m wide.

    All that needs to be done from excavation is to remove the fertile layer of soil with plants and roots. When a sufficiently dense sedimentary rock is exposed, it is necessary to clean up the walls and check the conformity of the dimensions. After that, the bottom of the site is planned. In the standard version of the site, it is leveled in a horizontal plane.

    There is, however, a tricky trick: after leveling the bottom near the walls, begin to evenly deepen the middle of the pit. This will increase the maximum depth of the pool, but it will be difficult to drain the water. On the other hand, bottom silt will always accumulate in a small area in the center, which will make it easier to clean the pool.

    In the general case, the bowl is deepened in this way by 1/3 of the height of the walls, but the bottom can also have a large curvature, it all depends on the size of the pool. Without harm to the structure, it is possible to go deep up to 1/2 of the height of the walls, but in this case the lower part of the walls will be extended to the center and the load vector on the legs will deviate from the vertical. Therefore, strong penetration is possible only on condition that the frame is solid and strong enough.

    Unforeseen difficulties

    It is necessary to foresee in advance those non-obvious moments that can spoil the result even with a seemingly absolutely correct organization of the site. An example of this is rodents that tear up the soil under the pool, which causes subsidence, leading to the formation of bumps on the bottom and sinking of the legs.

    The only adequate option to combat this phenomenon is to lay a galvanized metal mesh with a small mesh (up to 10 mm) along the walls and bottom of the excavation pit. The second method, which gives only a temporary effect, is the annual scaring away diggers using a deep vibrator for concrete shrinkage.

    To combat rodents, you can use electronic or homemade repellers.

    Another problem that can be encountered during the operation of the frame pool is the germination of overgrowth from trees and shrubs. Some trees have shoots so tough and fast growing that it is only a matter of time before they pierce the bottom of the bowl. However, the plant will not develop a root system in soil whose pH is very different from normal. An electrolyte for lead batteries, which is poured in a pit at the rate of 0.5 l / m, will help to change the acidity of the soil for a long time. 2 .

    Another not obvious danger is when the pool bowl is located on the border of the area with subsiding soil. When wetting, it is pressed through more, which leads to the skew of the bowl. Possible places of subsidence can be determined by the uneven absorption of water after the pit has been dug and leveled in a horizontal plane. Spill the bottom well and mark places where moisture leaves almost immediately, while there are puddles in other areas. You can also verify a significant difference in soil density by pinning to a depth of 1 m after abundant wetting - on subsiding soil, the pin enters the ground much easier.

    Installation of a frame pool on a site with a slope

    A fairly common difficulty faced by summer residents is the installation of a pool on sloping terrain. In this case, the only option for ground preparation is terracing with an inset in the upstream part of the site. Thus, on the one hand, the pool will stand on the ground, and on the other, it will smoothly go deep into the ground with an indent from the walls of the terrace of at least 0. 5 m. If the soil walls exceed the height of the sides of the pool, they must be strengthened with masonry or undersized shrubs.

    Supports for legs

    The frame rests along the contour on the racks, thus supporting the walls of the bowl. And although the main load from the pool falls on the bottom, the pressure in the places where the legs of the frame are installed is higher due to the small area of ​​\u200b\u200bsupport. Often there are problems with pushing the legs into the ground, due to which the wall of the pool is blown out and at the same time squeezes out the leg. Uneven load distribution also leads to rupture of welds and damage to frame elements.

    There is only one way to prevent the legs from sinking into the ground - by organizing support platforms under them that can withstand a concentrated load. Initially, you will need to mark the location of the legs, for which you can assemble the frame on the spot or simply use a tape measure.

    The simplest version of the supporting patches is 3-4 bricks stacked on top of each other and buried in the ground. In this case, the surface of the upper bricks must lie in the same plane, which coincides with the plane of the finished site.

    Another way is to pour concrete cylinders without reinforcement before the start of earthworks and install a frame on them. The formwork is a round pit up to 0.5 m deep; a piece of a 5-liter plastic water canister will come off as the upper side. The upper edges must be aligned in the general horizon according to the water or laser level.

    It is recommended to avoid materials such as wooden beams, paving or stone tiles, tiles as foot pads. Some materials simply crack under load, others are prone to rotting and corrosion. You should choose the most durable of the possible options, because we are considering a platform for a frame pool with the expectation of a stationary installation.

    Pillow device for a frame pool

    The embankment under the pool has a uniform thickness and completely repeats the topography of the bottom of the pit. The exception is the top layer, which is designed to level out irregularities and create a perfectly smooth and soft surface.

    If, after removing the sod, the depth of the pit turned out to be more than 20 cm, illiquid bulk building materials and black earth with clay impurities, construction battle or coal slag can be poured onto the bottom. Any materials that are incompressible and hygroscopic, as well as free of organics, will do.

    A crushed stone bedding 15–17 cm thick is necessary to absorb a large amount of moisture and quickly evaporate it. However, if we are talking about a deep pit, water will constantly drain into the central part. If the site has a slope, it is enough to simply lay a drainage pipe from the center towards the fall of the ground level. On flat areas, a puncture of the upper waterproof layer with a 50 mm pipe will help. If the GWL is low, and the upper layer of sedimentary rocks is represented by sandy loam or other hygroscopic soil, this problem is not relevant. How to determine the groundwater level, RMNT spoke in detail .

    The gravel pad is poured in one layer, compacted by hand. After that, geotextiles with a density of 300 g / m are rolled out from above. 2 and produce sand filling. It is better to take washed quarry sand, the content of clay or other dense inclusions is unacceptable. Instead of sand, you can also use expanded volcanic rocks, expanded clay and stone chips.

    The top layer of the embankment should be done in layers of 2–3 cm, pouring abundantly with water. The soft surface of the pillow should be 3–5 cm higher than the level of the adjacent territory. Using the support platforms as beacons, you need to align the ring, stepping back a meter inward from the boundary of the bowl installation. Next, smooth the central part of the site as evenly as possible.

    On top of the sand, it remains only to lay the insulator. It performs two functions - it eliminates the abrasion of the bottom when the water fluctuates in the bowl, and also provides thermal insulation of the pool from the ground. A standard substrate for frame pools can act as an insulator, but often its properties are not enough. A full replacement for such a substrate will be inexpensive polyethylene foam in 2-3 layers with a total thickness of up to 30 mm.

    A more reliable material will be foamed rubber or polyurethane foam-based mats. Parts of the substrate must be glued together on both sides in a butt joint using construction tape. After installing and filling the pool, the insulator should be cut with an indent of 5 cm from the bowl, and the protruding edges should be sprinkled with a 5-7 cm layer of sand or fine expanded clay, which will cultivate the place where the pool adjoins the site and serve as a soft covering for the feet.

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