- The simple variant for short downtimes
- With little effort to a permanent stand
- The instructions step by step
- frequently asked Questions
A pool promises cooling and joy in hot summers. So that the joy actually lasts for a long time without driving the effort immeasurably, we will tell you a very simple substructure.
In a nutshell
- the lawn should be removed if the vehicle is parked for a longer period of time
- a layer of gravel creates a clean, level surface
- wrapped up and kept moist, sods can be used again later
The simple variant for short downtimes
If your pool is only to be set up for a short time, i.e. for one or a few days, simple protection against damage to the valuable pool shell is sufficient. One of the following variants shields the fabric against stones, sharp pieces of wood or roots protruding from the ground:
- stable garden fabric tarpaulin
- solid weed fleece
- special pool pad made of foam
- Ground protection tarpaulin made of fibre-reinforced plastic
- Building protection mats of rubber or plastic
Tip: Nevertheless, collect critical stones and other foreign objects before setting up. Even the best protection cannot prevent damage 100% and will itself take damage over time.
With little effort to a permanent stand
As soon as you want to set up your pool for a longer period of time, you should create a simple substructure in addition to the minimal measures already described. She is able to create a permanent base and safely prevent damage and even the mere slipping of the pool with all the undesirable consequences.
The tool
- spade
- Garden tarpaulin, 2 pieces
- garden rake
- bucket
- Slat / ruler
- level
The material
- fine grit
- Alternatively: sand
The instructions step by step
Here we go. In a few simple steps, you can create the substructure for your pool in no time at all:
cutting off the sod
After just a few days without light and oxygen, your lawn will begin to rot. On the one hand, the plants can no longer be used after your pool has been standing. On the other hand, bathing fun can be immensely disrupted by a foul smell.
- Mark out the dimensions of the pool at the planned location
- Allow around 20 to 30 centimeters on all sides
- Cut out the lawn in the marked area with a spade in individual sods
- Loosen and remove lawn sods
- layer cut lawn on garden tarpaulin, e.g. under a shady shrub
Tip: Especially if your pool is to stand for a longer period of time, the cut lawn will dry out over time. Water the sods and wrap them in the tarpaulin used to maintain growth for at least a few days and weeks. Then the individual sods can later be used again to renaturate the site.
soil replacement
A frost-free substructure is certainly not necessary for your pool, since you will cut it off and stow it away for winter anyway. However, you should prepare the ground in such a way that neither stones nor other foreign objects can penetrate the pool floor. In addition, this opportunity is wonderful for creating an exactly horizontal planum, so that the water level is later optimally horizontal within your pool.
- Dig the soil about 20 to 30 centimeters deep and store the excavation on a tarpaulin next to the sod
- Level the subsoil and collect large stones, root pieces, etc
- Fill the hole level with the ground with fine grit or sand
- Tamp down the filling or press down with a board or something similar
- Pull off the top edge of the filling horizontally and evenly using a leveling board and spirit level
Attention: Refrain from compacting the backfill with vibratory plates, rammers or similar. In addition to the split, the soil underneath is also heavily compressed and loses important properties for later renaturation!
protection and cleanliness
Finally, it is important to prepare the substructure in such a way that you can not only set up your swimming pool, but also use it properly afterwards.
- Cover the filled area with a stable fabric tarpaulin
- Overlap joints neatly
- Avoid wrinkles and creases that could later affect the pool skin
- Finally, check the evenness and incline again
You have now created the basis for setting up your pool safely and securely.
frequently asked Questions
Does the gravel bed also have to be there if the ground is stone-free?Yes. In addition to preventing damage, the gravel also protects against rising soil moisture. If it comes into direct contact with the ground, this collects below the pool and promotes mold and rotting of the organic soil components.
For which pools is this structure suitable?All pool types that are built above ground without real foundations can be provided with this substructure. As soon as fixed pool shells are used or the pool is embedded in the ground, you should definitely observe the further information provided by the manufacturer.
I still have coarse gravel. Can I use that too?In principle, you can also use coarse gravel as a substructure. However, you should cover it with a final layer of sand or fine gravel so that large, sharp-edged stones do not come into direct contact with the actual pool skin.