May 2022 - Pool Hunt

Do You Run Pool Pump While Swimming?

Steve Pool Tips 25/05/202225/05/2022 0 Comment

do you run your pool pump while swimming

You may be the owner of a swimming pool for the first time or you may be wandering if you’re actually doing the right thing with your pool. Whatever the circumstances this article will answer the question “Do you run pool pump while swimming?” once and for all.

Is It Safe to Swim While the Pool Pump Is Running?

Pool safety is of course of extreme importance. A lot of new pool owners will wonder whether it is safe to swim when the pool pump is running (or not).
Swimming while the pool pump is running is completely safe. In fact, the best thing to do is have the filter running while swimming. Otherwise, the skimmers will not be able to remove any bugs or debris from the pool surface. So you will be swimming with them.
The following article will explain why you might want to run your pool pump while swimming. This is so you can decide for yourself what works best for you and your situation.

The Benefits Of Running The Pool Pump While Swimming

The Hassle Factor

It is common for people to run their pool pumps for at least eight hours a day. This is so that the filter system can work properly.
The possibility of having to shut off the pool pump each time someone wanted to get into the pool should not be underestimated during the summer. Particularly if you have children who are constantly in and out of the pool.

Debris From Swimmers

The following items might be brought into the pool by swimmers:

Mud, dirt or dust on their feet

Sunscreen

Deodorant from their bodies

Strands of hair

You may see these float on the surface and settle on other swimmers. This might happen if you do not run the pool pump so that the filtration and circulation systems are not operating. It is likely that much of this will be removed by the skimmers when the pump is run.

To Remove Floating Debris

Skimmers won’t work if you don’t run the pool pump while swimming or if you haven’t run it for a few hours before. If the skimmers are not working, floatable debris will not be removed from the surface of the pool. This means that bugs, leaves, or other debris will still be floating around while you are swimming. Therefore, I recommend that you run the pool pump, ideally 10 minutes prior to entering the pool to allow the skimmers to operate.

Filtering Dust

In addition to floating debris being removed by the skimmers when the pool pump is running, when people swim and splash about, any other debris on the bottom, such as dust, would probably also be disturbed.
It will eventually be collected and filtered when the pump is running.

Swimming Pool Water Features

If your pool has any features such as a waterfall, deck jets, built-in spa or bubblers, your pump needs to be running in order for them to work.
In a pool fitted with a resistance swimming system, the same would be true. It wouldn’t make any sense to have any of these if you had to turn them off to go swimming.

Main Drains Danger

A slight risk of being held by the main drain if swimming underwater over it is the only potential danger of swimming with the pool pump still running. The anti-vortex drain covers which are commonly referred to as anti-entrapment covers which all modern pools should be fitted with should prevent this from happening.
The health and safety codes in many states and the federal law also require this. If you don’t have one, they can be purchased for a reasonable price. Most swimmers can dive to the bottom, unscrew the old one, and then screw in the new one.

Public Swimming Pools

The filtration systems in public swimming pools run constantly while the public uses them.
Think about what the water will be like if the pool filter wasn’t running for 12 hours without interruption. With school classes coming and going, class sports involving swimming, water aerobics, and others swimming? It might end up looking like some sort of soup by the time the day is over.

Does It Matter If The Pool Pump Isn’t Running If I Want To Swim?

The pool pump can be turned off as long as it is in good working order and has been running recently. As I mentioned above, you may find yourself swimming with the occasional bug or some debris on the surface, which may not be a problem for you. Usually we swim at about 6 pm, which is when my pump is set to go off.

I sometimes manually switch on the pump to keep the skimmers running when we get a lot of leaves in the pool during certain times of the year. While in the pool, I tend to spend half the time hunting for leaves and other objects so I can get them out if there is no pump running.
Swimming in a pool that has a broken pump is probably not a good idea for more than a few days after its last run. The pool filtration system won’t have been used, so the water won’t be cleaned properly. Several years ago when ours broke, I did that while waiting for a new one to arrive. Just before swimming, I merely checked the pool chemistry.

Is It Better To Run The Pool Pump On Low Or High When Swimming?

That is a good question if your pump is variable speed.
If I were you, I would base my decision on how much debris you are currently getting in your pool. The best thing is to use low if there are very few debris or dirt, but if it’s autumn or there’s a lot of leaves, you should use high.

How To Cool Off Your Swimming Pool

Steve Uncategorized 24/05/202224/05/2022 0 Comment

What is the biggest benefit of owning a pool for you?

We suspect that, like us, you placed “cooling down in the refreshing pool water on a hot summer’s day” at or near the top of the list. But, blistering summer heat can sometimes make your pool less refreshing and more like a warm bath. Thankfully, we will show you how to cool off your swimming pool using a number of easy techniques.

We’ll show you the best ways to lower the temperature of your pool and how to keep it that way once you’ve achieved it.

The Best Ways to Cool Your Pool

When it comes to knowing how to cool off your swimming pool or even warming up your pool, there’s one thing you need to remember. Things won’t happen immediately.

Pools have an average water volume of 10,000 gallons. To heat or cool such a volume of liquid requires a substantial amount of energy. Now that you’ve tempered your expectations, here are some ways to keep your pool at an appropriate temperature.

Water Features

You can keep your pool temperature down in this way but it is one of the more expensive methods. Yet, it is also one of the most effective options. Water features that keep your pool water moving, such as fountains, waterfalls, or other features, promote evaporation. Liquids that evaporate lose heat in the process of becoming gases.

It is the same reason that you can keep cool with a damp towel around your neck.

Water features do not have to be continuously run. It is best to use this cooling method at night. Although it can be used during the day, it will be less effective if the temperature is warmer.

The biggest disadvantage of water features is that they are expensive and time-consuming to install. If you don’t have a pool yet, talking to your pool installation team may be a good idea.

Draining It and Refill It

Using cold water to replace some or all of your pool’s water is a great idea. You can reduce the temperature of your pool by draining it partially and refilling it. However, there are some risks involved with this method.

When your water source is warmer than your pool’s water, you’re just replacing your pool’s water with warmer water. Check to see if your water is surface water or from a well to find out if it’s cool water.

A rebalance of your water’s chemicals will also be necessary. As a whole, this technique is not as straightforward as it might seem, but it can have a major effect in some parts of the country.

Create Shade For Your Pool

You’ll understand why the water in your pool is so warm in some parts of the country if you stand in the hot sun for a minute during the summer. But that’s only the effect of the sun on your skin. A swimming pool has a much larger surface area. Consider how much energy it absorbs from the sun.

It is the sun who is your biggest enemy when it comes to keeping your pool cool. Shade is one of the best and most effective ways to cool down a pool. You can reduce the amount of sunlight your pool absorbs with every bit of shade you provide.

Shading your pool can be improved in a number of ways. Using artificial sources of shade is the most obvious.

Pergolas, shade sails, parasols, and enclosures can all provide shade. To find the right mix of coverage and cost, you’ll need to determine your budget. Natural shading is another option. Planting vegetation is a long-term option, but it is also a great way to improve the appearance of your outdoor area.

With the help of a landscaper, you can ensure your pool looks attractive and receives all the shade it needs. As part of this strategy, features that impede airflow will also be eliminated. The wind won’t reach your pool if there are many trees and other obstructions around it.

You can cool your pool naturally through evaporation by using airflow. Make sure you incorporate natural breezes into your landscaping plan if you’re looking for colder pool water.

Use a Heat Pump Or Pool Chiller

You can always install a pool chiller if you’re not inclined to get too creative. It’s just a question of utilizing a tool that already exists.

In a modern pool chiller, water is cooled using fans as it travels through the system. It’s that simple. It is claimed that pool chillers can drop the temperature of a pool by ten degrees overnight. This is true in many cases. In truth, your pool’s size has a great deal to do with this. The devices can be installed within a few hours, so you can get to work as soon as possible. Depending on the size of your pool, you will have to spend a few thousand dollars on a pool chiller.

Heat pumps are also an option. Yes, you heard me correctly. The reverse function of a pool heat pump is to cool the water by extracting heat from it. Heat pumps, however, will not be used much in places that are very hot and humid. Using a chiller to cool the pool water is much less expensive than using a heat pump. A chiller is cost-effective in comparison to a full heat pump that cools your pool.

Use Solar Panels At Night

As with a heat pump, solar panels can also be used to cool water.

A solar panel heats your pool in the following way:

During the day, you use a pump to circulate water through the solar panels for your pool. Solar panels absorb solar energy, transferring it to the water. At night, the process is reversed. A rooftop is considerably cooler at night than a pool area. As a result, if you run water through the panels, they are exposed to the cold night air.

The water in your pool will become colder before you know it.

It should be noted, however, that this method will not cool the water to a temperature lower than the ambient temperature. In some areas of the country, even the nights do not dip below 80 degrees. The only problem is that this strategy only works in certain areas.

The Ice Option

OK, so this isn’t the best long-term strategy, but it works when you’re in a bind. You can use ice to cool down your pool FAST if you absolutely, positively must.

Ice has several disadvantages, as you might imagine. For starters, it’s expensive. You will need several thousand pounds of ice to cool down a pool of any size. You can expect to spend hundreds of dollars depending on where you buy it, if you can get that much ice at all.

Also, it won’t last very long. The temperature will drop fast, but it will also heat up quickly too. You’ll see all your hard work melt away in a few days. Although you will have a cooler pool, that can’t be denied.

The ice solution may be the best choice if you were planning to host a pool party and need to know how to cool off your swimming pool as you don’t want to disappoint your guests by having a lukewarm pool.

how to cool off your swimming pool with ice

Keep Cool In Your Pool

We have shown you how to cool off your swimming pool. We have explained several of the best methods of cooling down your pool in our article. Choose from small or large investments, as well as short or long-term solutions. The best way to keep your pool cool is probably to combine some of these methods.

Is there any other way to keep your water nice and cool? Leave a comment below with your favorite.

Should You Shower After Swimming In A Pool?

Steve Pool Tips 24/05/202224/05/2022 0 Comment

If you have a pool, make it mandatory for visitors, family, and guests to shower after swimming. It might seem like a pointless exercise, even a waste of everyone’s time. But, honestly, it should be something you do each time you swim. Furthermore, showering before dipping a toe in the pool is the most practical approach you can use at home. This is especially if you don’t want to spend all of your spare time cleaning and treating the pool water. Pool showers are popular among homeowners because they make it easier to clean up before and after swims.

Showering prior to and after swimming in a pool is recommended for several reasons:

Protect People

The very first purpose to shower before and after swimming in a pool is to avoid getting sick from the water. According to the CDC, just about 32% of swimmers say they shower before entering a pool. Another 44% believe it is absolutely unnecessary. The CDC goes even farther, emphasizing the need of showering with soap to avoid the spread of germs and bacteria that can make people sick. The current fear of spreading germs that might cause Coronavirus is perhaps more serious. As a result, make soap and hot water a part of your daily routine before and after swimming in chlorinated pools. Many community or public pools have a policy that is monitored by employees or lifeguards. Children are also not excluded from this behavior, so ensure you help them shower before and after swimming.

Chlorine & Chemicals

To get rid of the remaining chlorine and chemicals in most ordinary swimming pools, it makes perfect sense to wash off or shower. Because chlorine is used to eliminate bacteria, it’s logical to assume that extended exposure could cause skin irritation or sensitivity. You do need to get rid of any nagging bacteria that may be lingering and sticking to your body. After a swim, soap and warm water are the most efficient ways to get these unpleasant bacteria off and away from you.

What about taking a shower first? Showering before swimming helps to eliminate body oils, perspiration, and germs that can generate a pH imbalance in the pool. This forces chlorine to work harder to accomplish its job. This can cause the water to become unbalanced, requiring more chemicals to compensate for the impurities present. An easy solution is to require everyone who swims to shower both before and after their swim, both for their own health and the pools’.

Irritation & Rashes on the Skin

Why, in the case of skin rash and irritation, would you not shower after swimming in a public pool? Showering is a natural technique to lower the risk of carrying and developing an infection or illness conveyed by water. After a swim, wash your skin and hair thoroughly with soap and water. This removes bacteria, and safeguards others through washing before entering the pool. It’s the right thing to do, particularly in light of the recent Coronavirus outbreak.

Showering is particularly crucial if you are not swimming but are doing activities near the water, directly following exposure to the pool water. You really aren’t immune to the bacteria and discomfort that exposure might bring, whether you are fishing, splashing, wading, or water skiing. Contaminants from every pool or source of water will cling to your skin and follow you into your home. Showering these bacteria away will keep you safe.

Contagious Diseases

A swimming pool poses the same health dangers as a river, lake, pond, or other body of water. Those who do not shower before going into the water are carrying their own unwanted passengers, including diseases and feces. Experts who test public bodies of water, such as at the beach, say that the water quality deteriorates with time, suggesting that the more people who enter the water, the worse the water quality becomes. This water can make you sick if you drink it. Why do you want to keep your skin exposed to it for any longer than absolutely necessary? You are putting more than just yourself at risk for viruses and sickness by failing to shower after swimming in public places. You also put the health of others you come into contact with in jeopardy because you’re all at danger of catching recreational water infections and diseases.

In fact, swimming in public locations puts many of the most vulnerable groups at danger of catching infectious diseases. Complete immersion in the water, such as lying in the shallow end, kids play by the coast, and surfers, may raise the risk of developing waterborne infections. Are you planning on relaxing at the beach? A day at the pond, perhaps? Before and after exposure, wear a wet suit and take a hot shower. Also, whenever possible, limit ingesting or swallowing water. Teach youngsters to do the same when they’re young to instill lifelong healthy habits.

Health And Happiness

The social distancing standards, quarantines, and face masks that have lately arisen in relation to COVID-19 are educating people about disease prevention on a regular basis. Keep in mind that approximately 40% of sunbathers and swimmers believe it is unnecessary to shower and disinfect before entering a pool. Do you want to catch whatever it is they’ve brought to the water? Shower after each swim or dip to remove germs, bacteria, and the risk of illness. Shower with soap and water before entering to show care for the enjoyment, wellness, and hygiene of others. Don’t overlook your hair; bacteria enjoys traveling through your hair.

shower before and after swimming in a pool

Conclusion

The season for poolside relaxation has arrived! When using your swimming pool during summer, make sure you keep protected from germs and bacteria by showering before and after jumping into your swimming pool.

How Long After Adding Salt To Pool Can You Swim?

Steve Pool Tips 24/05/202224/05/2022 0 Comment

Irrespective whether swimming pools are saltwater or chlorinated, they must be maintained on a regular basis. When compared to chlorinated pools, saltwater pools require more maintenance. Pure pool salt is recommended for removing bacteria and algae from pools. Pool salt contains elements that help to purify pool water and keep it sparkling blue. Because pool salt takes awhile to dissolve in water, you should wait before using your pool. Read the entire article to find out how long after adding salt to pool can you swim.

Adding Salt To A Swimming Pool

In order to clean the water in your pool, you must first add poolsalt. If a salt chlorinator system is installed for the pool, the manual should be followed on how to add salt but we’ll explain the usual procedure for adding salt below.

The Procedure For Adding Salt

To begin, use saltwater strips to determine the pool’s current salt level. Any pool should have a salt content of roughly 3500 ppm.

Calculate how much salt is needed to meet the acceptable salt level. There are various resources available to help you figure out how much salt you’ll need.

Always add salt to the shallow end of the swimming pool to achieve the best results.

Turn on the salt chlorinator when the salt has dissolved in the water and check that the salt level is approximately 3500 ppm.

Pool salt makers recommend using non-iodized salt that is 99.8% pure.

How Long Should You Wait After Adding Salt To Your Swimming Pool?

It is always recommended to wait for the water to reset itself after adding pool salt and other chemicals. This is to ensure that the chemical levels in the pool water are also safe. Always read the manufacturer’s manual and instructions for more information on the chemicals that are applied to your pool.

It is typically advisable to wait at least 20 to 45 minutes after applying pool salt to your swimming pool before swimming in it. The size of your pool and the amount of salt you’ve added will affect exactly how long you will need to wait.

Can Dogs Swim In A Salt Water Pool?

Yes, I’m happy to tell you that dogs can swim in saltwater pools. Saltwater swimming pools have a lower amount of salt in comparison to the sea, at around 3200 parts per million. The effect on your dogs skin will be minimal at these relatively low levels. It is important that you stop your dog from drinking excessive amounts of pool salt water as this can cause diarrhea.

Conclusion

Pool salt is required for the proper maintenance of your backyard pool. Most manufacturers advise that you wait a while before utilizing the pool. The waiting period after adding salt to the pool before swimming is not long and is not absolutely necessary if you’re really desperate to dive into your pool on a very hot summer’s day.

How Long After Shocking A Pool Can You Swim?

Steve Pool Tips 20/05/202220/05/2022 0 Comment

The swimming season has returned! That means pools all over the country are getting ready to help you and many others cool off. Swimming pools don’t just magically become ready for use when the weather warms up. They must be shocked and prepared beforehand.

Shocking is a crucial part of having a clean pool. It does, however, involve the use of some pretty hefty chemicals, including chlorine. It’s only natural to wonder when you can dive in after all of that.

Here is why you definitely shouldn’t rush the process:

What Exactly Do You Do When You Shock A Pool?

If you’ve spent time around pools, you may have heard the term here and there. But you aren’t necessarily born knowing how these things work. By shocking, you are adding chemicals to the water to improve its composition. This is so that chlorine or non-chlorine alternatives can work most effectively.

During the shocking process, the aim is to raise the level of “free chlorine” in the pool to a point in which bacteria and algae are destroyed. Chlorine that has not yet neutralized harmful contaminants in the pool is called free chlorine.

PURCHASE SHOCK TREATMENT

When is it safe to swim in a pool after it’s been shocked?

If your pool has been shocked, it is generally recommended that you wait up to 24 hours before jumping in. This also depends on the size of your pool. Larger pools should usually be left longer than smaller pools.

You should also check the pH and chlorine levels of the water if you’re overseeing pool maintenance in order to make sure they’re in the right range before you or anyone else gets into the water. In a healthy pool, pH levels should be between 7.2 and 7.8, and chlorine levels should range from 1.0 to 4.0 parts per million.

Are There Any Risks Associated With Getting Into A Pool Too Soon After It’s Been Shocked?

Several issues could arise. An acid will be produced when chlorine reacts with water. Chlorine’s effects depend on whether it is inhaled or whether it is in contact with the eyes or the skin.

At the very least, you will have dry skin. This can also aggravate skin conditions such as eczema and psoriasis if you already suffer from those conditions. Even blisters, burning, and redness are possible in extreme cases.

Additionally, the water can cause damage to your lungs and eyes. A variety of symptoms such as watery eyes, pain, blurred vision and redness may be experienced. A common side effect of inhalation is shortness of breath, , wheezing, chest tightness, and fluid in the lungs.

Additionally, drinking pool water accidentally could result in feeling sick or even throwing up.

Fortunately, the effects are usually reversible. As soon as you notice symptoms after jumping into the pool after it has been shocked, it is important to get out of the pool and get to fresh air. Make sure all exposed clothing is removed and that all affected areas are washed thoroughly with soap and water. Taking out your contact lenses and thoroughly rinsing your eyes with saline solution is recommended if you wear contacts.

Once you’ve cleaned off your skin, it’s recommended you use a moisturizer or, if it’s really bad, topical steroid cream to relieve your symptoms. It’s time to call 911 if you are having trouble breathing.

Although it’s frustrating to have to wait to hop into your swimming pool, but your health is definitely not worth the risk.

Conclusion

The main aim of this article is to answer the question how long after shocking a pool can you swim? We also explain what shocking a swimming pool is and when it should be safe to swim in a pool after it has been shocked. We hope that you have found this helpful. Please leave a comment and let us know. Take a look at another useful article that we’ve written for you about How To Level An Above Ground Pool.

Is It Okay To Swim In A Green Pool?

Steve Pool Tips 19/05/202219/05/2022 0 Comment

Swimming pools are an excellent addition to any property. They’re great for anything from a workout to physical rehabilitation to recreational use. Looking into the pool and seeing green water can prevent that refreshing swim from becoming a reality.

What Is The Cause Of Pool Water Turning Green?

Pool water turns green for a variety of reasons. Among the most common are:

Algae

Algae is the most common cause of pool water turning from clear blue that you’re used to to any shade of green. A lighter shade of green indicates a new formation, whereas a darker shade indicates a more serious problem. A fall in cleaning chemicals like chlorine or bromine, for example, can make the agents too weak to prevent algae formation.

Trace Metals

Trace metals (mostly copper) can be found in the water due to cheap algaecides, metal pool components, and acidic source water. As a result, the metals in a pool shock might oxidize, turning the water green. Water that has turned green due to oxidation can stain a pool and is known to turn hair green.

Pollen

Depending on where you live, airborne pollen can be too fine to be filtered out of the pool, causing it to pile up. If you live in an area where pollen counts are so excessive that your cars are covered in yellow dust in the morning, your swimming pool water may turn green as a result.

Is A Green Pool Safe To Swim In?

The short answer is that it depends on different factors.

Lakes have a complex ecosystem, including aquatic life that feeds on toxins and bacteria.As a result, s wimming in green water in nature is usually safe. But the algae is beneficial to more than simply humans. Bacteria and parasites are drawn to this superfood. Microbes can enter the body via the mouth, nose, eyes, ears, or a small wound. Swimming in green pool water becomes less safe the darker the green becomes in this circumstance. This is why frequent chemical testing is critical; it is also the easiest way to avoid green water.

If the green is caused by pollen, there may be little that can be done to reduce the discoloration short of creating a structure around the pool. Fortunately, assuming no allergies to pollen, swimming in a pool with pollen as the reason for green water is harmless.

What Are The Various Types Of Green Water?

Pools can have three different types of green water: light green, dark green, and black green.

Light Green: You are most likely dealing with a minor pool algae problem. Low pool sanitizer levels and poor pool balance maintenance might result in light green water.

Dark Green: The darker the green, the more algae your pool contains. Furthermore, algae with darker green tones are more hazardous. You’ll have to put in more effort to get rid of the algae in deep green pool water due to its abundance in the water.

Black Green: This is undoubtedly the worst type of water. There is a lot of algae in your pool if it is blackish green in color. This type of algae is extremely resistant to cleaning and tough to remove. It can also leave dreadful stains on your pool’s walls and floor.

How To Treat A Green Pool

If you’ve gone past the point of prevention, you’ll need to do more than just splash some chlorine into the pool. It’s time for a thorough cleaning.

Step 1: Vacuum To Waste
First, you must clean the pool of algae and other dirt and debris. Ensure the vacuum filter is set to Waste to prevent the “garbage” from returning to the pool.

Step 2: Brush Your Pool Thoroughly
There are algae brushes specifically designed for this purpose. To ensure that all of the algae is removed, it is advisable to use a harder brush rather than one with soft bristles.

Brush after vacuuming, yes. Although vacuuming the algae first may seem sensible, the purpose is to kill it. The algae must stay in the pool to accomplish this.

Step 3: Test The Pool Water’s Chemistry

It is critical to determine the current point of reference before adjusting the ingredients. Use a pool ph testing kit for that.

If it is easier for you, you can do this as the first step.

The ideal pH level for pool water is 7.5, however you should aim for 7.2 when treating a dirty pool. You can lower the pH of the water by adding sodium bisulfate to it.

Step 4: Shock Your Pool
The algae is killed during this process. Pool Shock is a cleanser that contains concentrated chlorine, preferably at a concentration of more than 70%. Even though your usual shock does not include chlorine, it must be used for this stage of the process.

Step 5: Filter And Pump The Water
Turn on your pump and keep it on for a day after shocking your pool’s water. The chlorine will then be dispersed throughout the water. After 24 hours, you should notice a significant difference in your pool. However, due to floating dead algae, the water in your pool may still appear hazy. Keep your pool pump going and use a decent pool brush to clean the floor and walls of the pool. If there is any sticky algae on the surfaces, a brush followed by a vacuum will suffice. During the shocking process, make sure to clean your filter and vacuum a few times.

Step 6: Check For Chlorine Loss
If your pool still has algae or gets considerable sun after shocking, the chlorine levels may drop again. The chlorine levels should be checked on a regular basis. You’re good to go when the chlorine level remains constant for several days or declines by one point.

Conclusion

I hope that this article has answered the question of whether a green pool is safe to swim in and what needs to be done to turn a green pool blue again.

How To Level An Above Ground Pool

Steve Uncategorized 19/05/202219/05/2022 0 Comment

After purchasing an above ground pool, you’re eager to jump in and enjoy the cool, refreshing water. Understanding why leveling the ground for your pool is so important, as well as the steps you must take to make the project as easy as possible, is important. In this article we’ll show you how to level an above ground pool as efficiently as possible.

The Importance Of Even Ground For Above-Ground Pools

There Will Be An Uneven Water Level

Uneven ground poses a safety hazard when installing a swimming pool. This is why it’s crucial to know how to level an above ground pool. A shallow and a deep end can pose a danger to smaller children if they cannot touch the bottom.

If your skimmer or other cleaning equipment gets stuck in the “shallow end” you’ve created in your pool, the uneven water level can also pose problems for your pool’s skimmer or other equipment.

There Will Be A Weak And Compromised Structure

Having an uneven pool also poses a significant risk to the liner and wall of your pool because of the extra pressure. It is possible for the walls to buckle, twist, and even break when the weight is not distributed evenly on all sides.

In a worst-case scenario, your pool would be destroyed if the wall gave out. It may cause a flood of water in your backyard. This can put swimmers and other people in close proximity at risk of injury.

The Pool Will Look Strange

An uneven pool is immediately noticeable. When your pool’s water is not level as it should be, it’s like a glass balancing off center.

If you see your pool, you’ll immediately notice that the bottom is lower on one side than the other. Everyone will feel the same way if they see your pool.

How To Level The Ground – A Step By Step Guide

As long as you follow these steps, creating a level swimming pool site is a straightforward process with the right tools.

Discover what you should do by reading on.

Step 1: Choose The Right Location

Knowing how to level an above ground pool is so important because a pool can’t be moved once it’s set up unless it’s completely disassembled. This is why choosing the right location before you start is essential.

The easiest way to do the following steps is to find the flattest part of your yard. You’ll appreciate less shoveling if the ground is flatter.

Even though trees provide some shade, they also drop leaves and other debris into your pool, making it more difficult to keep it clean.

In addition, stay away from underground cables, septic lines, and power lines. Choose a spot that’s well within the boundaries of your property, with a buffer around the pool that’s at least a foot wide.

Step 2: Clear The Area

It is crucial to clear the site before installing a pool. If you have grass, rocks, and other debris underneath, the liner may be damaged, and maybe even destroyed.

Grass must be removed first. If you prefer using a rototiller, you could hire one or use a sod cutter to cut, roll, and relocate the grass. All stones, roots, and other items that may damage the liner need to be removed.

You can use a thick tarp to starve the grass of sunlight and water if you’re thinking ahead about your pool installation and have a few weeks to kill. That way, it’ll be easier to remove the grass.

Step 3: Make Your Device For Leveling

The level of the pool can’t be determined by merely eyeballing its location. You can cause significant problems if you’re off by even a few inches once it’s filled with water.

It is necessary to use a leveling device. It is easiest to get a long, straight piece of board. Then you place it across the intended location for your pool and check its level with a level.

As a result, you will be able to identify any high and low points on your site.

It’s also possible to use stakes and string if you don’t have a long enough board to stretch out from the center. You can then use your level to confirm that the site is flat by sighting along the tightened string.

Step 4: Fill The Holes And Fix The Bumps

By now, any leveling issues should be apparent. It can be very tiresome to smooth these out. Especially because you need to shovel them out one by one.

The best way to get the ground level is to dig into it; it’s actually better to remove the bumps in the dirt rather than add more, as it helps create a more stable foundation.

As a general rule of thumb, sink your pool at least two inches into the soil, since you’ll be topping it off with sand after getting the base flat.

Step 5: Use Sand To Smooth It Out

A truckload of sand is needed after leveling the ground. In addition to protecting your pool’s liner from grass and weeds, the sand also provides a buffer against sharp objects that you may have missed in the dirt.

A landscaping supply company or your local garden center can deliver sand to your home. You should request enough sand to cover your entire pool site with at least a 2-inch layer, but it is totally fine if it ends up being 6-inches thick.

As soon as the sand is delivered, spread it evenly with a rake, then give it a good water and let it dry. The sand should flatten and dry out overnight.

Step 6: Compact The Sand Down Firmly

Having let the sand come to rest, you should compact it into a solid pool base. You can easily buy a lawn roller online, which is the best tool for the job. You should pack down the entire pool base flat.

Then it’s time for you to use your level. You should make sure that nothing has changed and that everything is still flat. Otherwise, use your shovel to level it out, then your lawn roller to pack it down firmly. It’s worth taking extra time to get this right.

Step 7: Put The Base Protector Down

Last but not least, you need to lay out the base layer. You can buy a specialized pool pad that goes under your above-ground pool. This will protect your pool’s vinyl as another layer of protection.

In addition to reducing the risk of puncture in the liner, the base layer also helps to insulate and prevent the heat loss from the water as a result of the cold ground.

I’d recommend putting a tarp on the ground at the very least.

Even finding the hole to patch up your liner after your pool has been filled can be a nightmare if you puncture your liner. Putting in place adequate protection is a far smarter move at this point. Once the protector is installed, you are ready for the last step.

Step 8: Now You Can Start Setting Up Your Pool

The instructions will vary slightly depending on the model, but they all have a similar theme. When you follow the steps carefully, your above ground swimming pool will be set up in no time and your kids will enjoy the water right away.

Conclusion

Make sure the ground is properly prepared and leveled before you install your swimming pool. I hope that you now know how to level an above ground pool in the easiest and cheapest way.

You risk creating a safety hazard in your yard if you get it wrong at this crucial stage, and your pool will never look quite right.

If you do it right, your pool will last for many seasons to come.