What Sand Should I Use To Level Underneath My Pool
When undertaking the project of installing a swimming pool many homeowners dont realize how large the project truly is.
There are a ton of factors that will impact the project, however one of the most frequent questions we get about installing a swimming pool is which sand should be used underneath it.
Before your pool can actually be installed a level surface must be created that will allow for support of the pool shell. This surface is created with sand.
Whether a pool professional or yourself will be installing your swimming pool, youll need to be aware of the different types of sand that are available, and which is the right choice for creating a level base for your pool.
Weve decided to explore the different options that are available to you and which sand you should use for your pool.
The Importance Of Sand In Pool Installations
Although many homeowners take the time to determine the actual size, depth, installation and pricing requirements for a swimming pool, many fail to consider the fact that the pools shell will need to have a stable base beneath it. The last thing that you want is for the floor of your swimming pool to be uneven. This creates safety issues and inconsistencies in depth.
Being required to repair these problems in the future can result in the need to excavate, which can quickly become very expensive. Its important to understand that an extra 2-4 of depth should be excavated to account for a layer of quality sand. Because of the small particle size, sand will not feature any voids which could cause the material to settle and result in an uneven surface after the shell is set into place.
As such, sand is the most popular option for establishing a solid base for underground swimming pools.
Do You Have To Round Up Sand After Installing A Pool
Sand could have a high content of moisture and therefore weigh more. Always round up the next higher amount if they will not deliver 1/2 yards. There will generally be sand left over after the installation. NOTE VERY IMPORTANT: Always insist on masonry sand! Sand must not contain any rocks, stones, pebbles, twigs, trash, grass, etc.
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How To Remove Sand From Your Pool
Theres a little good news in all of this. If your sand filter breaks and starts dumping sand into the pool, it will be fairly concentrated below the pool returns. If you had millions of grains of sand dispersed through the water, it would be a much bigger headache!
While it does take some elbow grease, fixing the problem of sand in your pool is actually pretty simple.
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What If I Dont Have A Sand Filter
Lets say you find a substance in the pool that looks like sand, but cant possibly be sand because you dont have a sand filter or live anywhere near a beach. We have a bit of bad news for you. It may actually be yellow pool algae, also called mustard algae.
To test this, use a pool brush to push it around a little. If it disperses into a cloud, its probably algae, so youll need to follow the steps to get rid of mustard algae instead.
Calculating How Much Sand You Need
Many builders and gardeners are faced with calculating or estimating the amount of sand they need to fill a given space with sand. Our sand calculator is of great utility in such cases, but you should keep in mind that the results will only be as good as the measurements entered. The calculation process is as follows:
There is finer and more coarse sand, so the density, measured for dry sand in kg per cubic meter or pounds per cubic feet, of your particular shipment may vary. For this reason, and due to potential loses / waste, you should consider buying 5-6% more sand than estimated so you don’t run just short of what you need in the end.
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Ton Vs Tonne Tons Vs Tonnes
When calculating the sand’s weight, make sure you do not confuse the tonne with the ton . The first one is used by all countries in the world and is defined to be equal to 1000 kg by the international body of standardization. The ton is currently only used in the United States and is equal to 2000 pounds . The difference between the two is not huge but can quickly add up to a significant number as the amount increases.
References
Krinsley D.H., Smalley I.J. “Sand”, American Scientist 60:286-291
ASTM C-778 – 17 “Standard Specification for Standard Sand”
Cite this calculator & page
If you’d like to cite this online calculator resource and information as provided on the page, you can use the following citation: Georgiev G.Z., “Sand Calculator”, Available at: URL .
Construction calculators
Why Is My Sand Filter Blowing Sand In The Pool
Sand coming from the pool filter is the sign of a broken component in the filter. If you see it blowing out into the pool, something is broken. The most common problem is a cracked lateral, which is one of the perforated pipes at the bottom of the filter that catches water that has circulated through the sand.
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We Have A Chart For That
It is commonly recommended by above ground pool manufacturers to have a 2″ sand base inside the pool, under the liner.
This will help protect your liner, and provide a soft floor that provides comfort while walking in your pool. Always use masonry sand, which is a washed sand, free of rocks and debris. This is widely available for delivery from earthworks, and landscaping centers.
For reference, we have provided a chart of sand requirements for common pool sizes below but for extra installation tips for above ground pools using a sand base see this link!
The actual amount used in the pool may vary depending on the excavation and liner type used. See the base order of operations image below the sand chart.
View our guide on the 17 steps to installing your Round Above Ground Pool here.
Didn’t find the answer you were looking for? You can always contact us at [email protected] or choose the category below to see our most frequently asked questions for that topic:
How Much Sand Do You Need To Build A Pool
Its hard to beat the refreshing feeling of jumping into a pool in the middle of summer. But, the expenses with building a pool can add up very quickly. Building a pool of your own is one way of bringing that feeling home and getting to enjoy a dip whenever you want, while saving some money in the process.
If you decide to do part of the work in constructing a pool yourself, there are several materials you cannot substitute. Before taking the plunge, its important to keep in mind that sand is necessary when building an above ground pool. Thankfully, you can factor in how much sand youll need and how much it will ultimately cost you, by using a sand calculator.
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Calculate How Much Sand You Will Need Using The Sand Calculator
You start by finding or building a straight 2×4 that is 1 foot longer than your pool diameter. In our case, we had a 15 ft pool so I attached two 2×4’s together to make one long 16 foot 2×4, as shown below. You will use this long 2×4 for leveling the sand as well along with any inexpensive carpenter’s level.. Click on photo to enlarge
Then, place one end of the 2×4 on the high side of your pool site and raise up the other end until it is level. Measure the distance in inches that you must raise the end up. In the photo below, I had to raise the end 4 inches. This distance is what you enter in the calculator below. Note that if you have more than a 2″ drop, you should level out your site by removing soil from the high side – otherwise you may have problems with the pool sinking into the softer end more. Then measure again.
MenuSwimming Pool Site Sand Calculator
Note that this calculator adds 3 feet to your diameter and calculates the sand to level your area. It then calculates an additional 2 inches of sand to place over the leveled area. If you have more than 2″ to level out, you should level out your area by removing soil from the high side first. Then remeasure.
How To Calculate The Exact Size Of Sand Filter For A Swimming Pool
PROJECT OPERATIONS ENGINEER at Desert Group
This is a very important topic when one comes to see the differences in the pool filters. Its not about the size of the filter its the flow rate which matters.
Each brand of pool equipment have their own flow rates although the sizes could/would be similar compared to the diameter of the filter.
The most common mistake pool specialist make during construction or refurbishment of swimming pools.
Below are the calculation which will allow you to understand how one can select the perfect filter for a swimming pool:
Firstly the pool volume is very important :
· Example 1:
ü Length Of The Pool: 8 Meters
ü Width Of The Pool: 4 Meters
ü Deep End: 2 Meters
ü Shallow End: 1 Meter
Taking the average depth of the swimming pool
· Example 2:
ü Deep End: 2 Meters
ü Shallow End: 1 Meter
ü Average Depth = Deep End + Shallow End/2
ü Average Depth = 2+1/2=1.5 Meters
Now we can find the total volume of the swimming pool in Cubic Meters
· Example 3:
ü Length Of The Pool: 8 Meters
ü Width Of The Pool: 4 Meters
ü Average Depth: 1.5 Meters
ü Total Volume = Length * Width * Average Depth
ü Total Volume = 8 * 4 * 1.5 = 48 Cubic Meters
The next important point during filter selection is the turnover rate, the turnover rate is when all of the water in the pool has passed through the filters & cleaned. All turnover rate differ from country to country. We will be selecting the best one which is 4hours.
ü Pool Filtration Turnover Rate = 4 Hours
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How Much Sand Do I Need Under Intex Pool
Hello, I just bought my first pool . I rented a front end loader last weekend to level out the ground, which was previously a vegetable garden . HOW MUCH SAND DO I NEED to put under the pool now. People are saying 2 to 5 tons. That is a huge difference!!! I’ve also heard a “truck load” or 2. How much is that? I’m NOT buying sand by the bag, but will purchase it by weight…ex. 2 tons, if that’s how much I need. PLEASE HELP ME ANSWER THIS QUESTION!!! Thank you!!!
Last edited by Watermom 06-13-2013 at 10:29 PM.Reason: change title
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How Much Sand Should I Put Under My Pool
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Hereof, how much sand do I need for under my pool?
Type and VolumeAn average 18-foot round aboveground swimming pool requires about 3 tons or 2.5 cubic yards of sand to provide a 2-inch base. The cost for a cubic yard of masonry sand varies, but $48 is about average.
Subsequently, question is, how much sand do I need for a 30 foot pool? Masonry Sand Volume Chart for Above Ground Pool Installations
| Pool Size |
|---|
| 3 |
Also, do I have to put sand under my pool?
Mostly it is to provide a smooth level base under the liner of an above ground pool. While it works, it is not the best option. The sand would act as a barrier that would take in any water or moisture as opposed to all of that liquid going into the soil underneath the pool, potentially not killing your grass.
How much sand do I need for a 14 foot pool?
| Amount for Sand Base with SAND COVE | Amount for Sand Base with FOAM COVE |
|---|---|
| 14′ X 20′ Oval |
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How Much Sand To Add To Pool Filters
Sand filters are not filled completely full of sand, but only about 2/3 full, to allow Freeboard space in the tank, above the sand bed.
Your manufacturer will list the amount of sand required on their website, usually on the brochure or spec sheet, or you can find it with a quick google search with your filter make/model.
Or, you can refer to the pool filter sand chart here. You need to know the tank diameter, which is often reflected in the filter model number, or can be found on the manufacturer spec sheet. Or you can measure the tank with a ruler.
Putting The Floor Base
When putting the floor base for your above ground pool, you will have to use several pieces of 2 X 4 wood in order to make an outline on the ground. This will also serve as the mold that you will have to fill with sand. The form should be big enough to contain the pool above it.
You will have to make a square mold or floor base for round pools and you will also have to make a rectangular floor base if you have an oval shaped above ground pool. If the ground is not level, you will have to raise a piece of the frame or one corner of the mold. Use a carpenters level to do this properly.
As soon as all of the sides are leveled, you can then put the sand into the mold. The surface of the sand needs to be tampered and compressed in order to create a solid base for the pool. Use the table provided by the manufacturer so you will know how much sand you will need for a specific pool model.
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How Much Sand Do I Need For My Pool
The general rule is that there should be a two to three-inch base of sand under an above ground pool. If you know the dimensions of your pool area, then you can easily figure out how much sand youll need for the base using a sand calculator.
On GIGA Calculators sand calculator, note whether your pool area is rectangular or circular and write in the dimensions. Then, itll compute the volume and weight of the sand you need. You can even figure out how much the sand will cost you using the calculator if you know its price per tonjust add that right in, too.
With these numbers in mind, youll be able to better plan and budget for your pool project.
Formulas For Sand Calculations:
When you are going to find how much sand are required for your project by using this sand estimator, it performs calculations corresponding to the area and volume of the sand required. Here are the formulas that help you to work out!
Area = Length * Width
Volume = Area * Depth
If you already have an idea about the density of the material that youre using in your project , the sand calculator helps you to find how many tons of sand you will need by using the given formula:
Weight = Volume * Density
Formulas For Finding the cost of sand:
- If you know the price per unit mass: for example cost per pound and
- If you have the cost per unit volume: for example cost per cubic feet, then the respective formulas might works best for you
Cost = price per unit mass * weight
Cost = price per unit volume * volume
Our sand cost calculator will work out the total cost of the required sand by using these formulas for cost.
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Why Do You Put Sand Under An Aboveground Pool
Sand Depth. Sand is the recommended base material upon which an aboveground pool should sit. Sand is used under an aboveground pool to protect the pools vinyl liner from rocks and objects that could tear the liner. Also, sand under an aboveground pool acts as cushioning for its floor, making it more comfortable for feet.
How To Calculate How Much Sand Is Needed For The Floor Of
Calculate how much sand is needed for your above-ground pool installation. If you plan to install an above-ground swimming pool, you will need to get the necessary amount of sand for the floor. The sand foundation is placed under the pool liner to help protect the liner from rocks and other sharp objects that can put holes it.
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