A private pool in the garden is something beautiful. However, in order to have a long bathing fun, the substructure of the swimming pool is crucial. There are various options for a pool substructure. Read for yourself.

In a nutshell

  • the right location ensures stability
  • level ground is important and protects the pool's outer skin
  • even out gradients in the event of unevenness
  • Protect the subsurface with a floor protection mat

Straight ground important

Before it comes to setting up the pool, some preparatory work must be done. It doesn't matter whether it's an inflatable pool or a frame pool with a fixed frame. The right location is always important so that the pool does not simply tip over later. In addition, the subsoil plays a decisive role in stability. This one must

  • horizontal and level
  • free of knots, weeds and stones

being. Even the smallest stones or roots can damage the outer skin of the pool. Therefore, before setting up the pool, it is essential to check the subsoil very carefully.

Notice: Every centimeter of a slope already has an impact on the water level. In the worst case, the pool can simply tip over later when it is filled too much. A gradient of 1% is sufficient for this.

Mark the installation area

In order to check the subsurface for unevenness, the future installation area of the pool must first be marked. For round pools, the procedure is as follows:

  • put a tube in the middle of the surface
  • tie string to it
  • Cord length must match pool radius
  • run around the pipe with a stretched cord
  • mark every few steps
  • for example use of larger stones

For square pools, simply measure and mark the length and width of the area.

Check underground

The substrate can then be checked for unevenness. If a lawn area has been chosen to set up the pool, the lawn should be mowed short. In addition, a straightedge with a spirit level or a spirit level are needed. With these tools it is easy to determine unevenness in the floor:

  • Place a spirit level or ruler on the floor
  • measure in one direction first
  • then measurement at right angles
  • for round pools, two measurements through the center

As soon as there are differences in height of more than 3 cm, it is necessary to straighten the sub-floor, whereby pools with a steel frame can usually cope with minor unevenness in the floor. However, the difference in height should not be more than three centimeters over a length of five meters. A small difference in altitude is acceptable for a short time. But then the pool must not be completely filled, otherwise it would tip over. If the pool remains permanently in one place, a level surface is required.

even out the gradient

There are various ways to compensate for the existing gradient or individual holes such as

fill sand

With this method, the pool liner is protected on the one hand and unevenness in the floor is leveled out on the other. This does not require a great deal of specialist knowledge:

  • Fill up with 1 to 2 cm of sand
  • Moisten the sand well
  • then compact with a garden roller
  • alternatively, a full water barrel is also possible
  • then level off with a straightedge or straight board

Joint or quartz sand with a small grain size is well suited for processing here. This is another way of leveling out unevenness

Removal of the turf

This method guarantees that the pool is extremely stable. Before the pool is set up, the turf or top layer of soil is removed with a spade to create a straight substructure. The procedure is as follows:

  • Cut off the base with a spade
  • choose these slightly larger
  • then detach and remove smaller sods
  • Align straight edge and check floor flatness
  • If necessary, remove earth in all directions until the batten is straight
  • Compact the soil well with a garden roller, a full water barrel or a vibrating plate
  • Apply weed fleece
  • Choose weed fleece with a thickness of 150 g/m²
  • place a special pool tarpaulin or floor protection mat on top
  • then set up the pool according to the manufacturer's instructions

The weed fleece prevents increased growth of weeds of all kinds. At the same time, there is the possibility of protecting the subsoil together with the floor protection mat. The floor material of the pool, which is made of plastic, is also protected against pressure points, which would otherwise lead to permanent damage.

Tip: When the pool is filled with water, a drop in the water level can be seen. Next to it, the pool is deformed. He has a light stomach.

Temporary pool installation

For a short time, a few days, the pool can safely be set up on the lawn. This should be even and horizontal and to protect the subsoil, a special pool tarpaulin or floor protection mat is also placed underneath. However, the pool should not find a place here for a long time, because the lawn plants underneath would not get enough air and light and ultimately start to rot. This can also lead to an odor nuisance. If the pool is to remain permanently in one place in the garden, it is advisable to build an appropriate substructure made of concrete, concrete slabs, paving stones or wood.

Which base you choose for your pool naturally also has a direct impact on the costs incurred.

Concrete substructure

A concrete base is the most stable form to set up a pool. For the production of the concrete slab, it is best to use ready-mixes to mix yourself, from the hardware store. The degree of hardness must be taken into account. The decisive factor is the weight of the pool. You can do the work yourself:

  • Excavation of the base area at a depth of 40 cm
  • Insert 15 cm high layer of gravel
  • compact well with a vibrating plate
  • Panel the surface all around with wooden slats
  • mix concrete
  • distribute evenly over the surface
  • surface must be level
  • Allow standing water to evaporate
  • then level the concrete with a straight edge
  • Allow concrete to cure for two weeks
  • then set up pool

Paving stone substructure

Paving stones also form a stable substructure for a pool. However, the surface of the stones should be flat. Alternatively, floor panels can also be used. But they must be laid correctly:

  • excavate the appropriate area
  • pour a layer of crushed stone and gravel
  • compact well with the vibrating plate
  • then apply and compact a layer of grit
  • set paving stones
  • Shake the surface well
  • Fill joints with sand
  • Lay out the floor protection mat on top of it without any creases

The paving stones or concrete slabs should be larger, so the joints are relatively small, which in turn is good for high loads.

Notice: Poured concrete slabs are more durable than pavers.

Wooden substructure

Of course, wood in the form of decking or wooden ceilings can also serve as a substructure for a pool. Here, the load-bearing capacity must be taken into account during construction. Furthermore, the wood must be protected from water with a glaze. A floor protection mat or pool foil must also be laid out in front of the pool.

frequently asked Questions

Will the lawn continue to grow underneath after the pool is removed?

It depends on how long the pool has been in use. Since during this time the plants do not get any light or air, the surface will certainly turn brown. Some grass plants may recover, but that takes a long time. It is better to reseed the lawn.

Can a pool also be placed on the terrace?

It's entirely possible. However, it should be noted that terraces usually have a slight slope so that the water runs away from the house. These must be balanced. Furthermore, the load-bearing capacity of the terrace must be checked. A specialist can help with this.

Can Styrodur (XPS) also be used as a substrate?

Yes. Styrodur is made from polystyrene. During processing, it is pressed and filled with air. This creates an even and fine surface. The material is pressure-resistant and water-resistant. It's a good pool pad, but relatively expensive. A floor protection mat should also be laid out directly under the pool.

Category:

Garden design