How To Level An Above Ground Pool With Water In It: A Comprehensive Guide

Have you been wondering how to level your above ground pool that is already up and has water in it?

If so, then you are in the right place!

When you have an above-ground pool with water in it, there are a few additional concerns to keep in mind, otherwise, that precious investment could get permanently damaged. From our perspective, it would be best to avoid such a tragedy and make sure you are properly leveling your above ground pool with water in it.

Our Guide On How To Properly Level Your Above Ground Pool With Water In It

Learning how to level above ground pool already up isn’t all that complex.

However, before we soldier forward, let’s analyze the situation. That way, we can develop an effective approach. When you skip this step, it tends to haunt you later on. Here is why above ground pool leveling is important.

Often, Above Ground Pools Fall Out of Level:

Typically, when they are first installed, they are leveled perfectly. Nevertheless, like clockwork, they tend to tilt slowly. At first, it may seem as if it were imperceptible. By a certain point, it will be undeniable, though

This Results In Your Above Ground Pool Walls Being Put Under Immense Stress:

Once the pool is tilted, its walls are strained by the water. Since water is so dense, even a small incline produces significant force. The walls are not meant to handle such uneven pressure. Thus, their lifespans begin to shorten. At some point, they may even fail entirely.

Why Does Unbalanced Water Matter?

The more off-balance your swimming pool, the more concentrated the water becomes in one area. Ultimately, this focuses the weight on a single section of the pool’s wall. If enough force were applied, it would collapse.

How Can You Fix It?

Most of the time, if you catch it early, it isn’t an overwhelming task. Still, as the problem worsens, it becomes more of an undertaking. Once things progress enough, you may be forced to drain the pool. However, by acting rapidly, you’ll circumvent such a fate.

If the Pool Level Is Only Off Slightly, Fixing It is Relatively Straightforward

We recommend checking the level of your pool frequently. That way, if it starts to go out of balance, you’ll notice it fast. Otherwise, the problem would worsen undetectably. When you start to see a small shift, then it’s time for you to spring into action.

What Tools Will You Need?

Of course, to move forward, you’ll have to ascertain the appropriate equipment. Without that, you’ll be at an impasse. Unfortunately, this will require a little more than your bare hands. Still, it is a relatively low complexity project.

• Blocks:
  Usually, people tend to use cinder blocks. However, anything that can support the weight of the pool evenly should suffice. As long as you can raise the pool, these need to support the weight.
  
• Level:
  Most likely, you’ve seen a few of these in your lifetime. They have a small bubble of air inside something similar to a ruler. With these, you can determine if something is flat. If not, you’ll have a visual guide to just how far off-balance things are.
  
• Jack or Lift:
  Finally, unless you have help, you’ll need a jack. These let you lift the pool. Then, you can slide the brick underneath. That way, you don’t have to put yourself in two places at the same time.
  
  

How Do You Repair It Step-by-Step?

So, there are two methods you can use to approach this. However, with both of them, the following three steps are identical. The only major difference would be how many people are involved. If possible, enlist the help of a few friends. By working together, everyone can lighten the load.

First, Measure the Tilt:

To begin, whip out your level. As you measure the tilt, mark down the disparity. We suggest marking down the tilt in terms of degree. Following that, you can use a ruler to measure the distance.

Next, Lift the Pool:

Using those measurements as a guide, lift the pool off the ground. To compensate, make sure the distance lifted is equivalent to your previous data.

Finally, Slide Blocks Under It:

Now, the pool should be level. Before you place the blocks under it, verify that everything is flat. Use your level to double-check your work. Only then should you slide them underneath. Afterward, with caution, remove the jack. As long as everything was done correctly, your problem should be gone. Check out an instruction video by Jeff Krula below-

When the Pool Level Is Severely Off-Kilter, Repairs Are More Involved

Suppose the pool was more than a few degrees from perfectly flat. If that is the case, then things are more complicated. Since the pool is so tilted, the water is concentrating in one area. Thus, it will be far heavier for you to lift. Plus, on top of that, the wall is far more likely to break. While you move it, extreme caution is advised. Otherwise, you might be looking for a replacement sooner than expected.

To Begin, Gather Your Equipment

This time you’ll want to enlist the help of a few friends. On the other hand, you could drain the pool. To avoid that, you’ll have to have a few extra hands on deck. Handling the extra load is more than enough to overwhelm a single person.

Once You Are Ready, Use the Following Steps to Balance It

As of the moment, your pool is under major strain. Thus, for each of the following steps, move slowly. A single wrong move would leave you with the equivalent of a broken levee. It would be best to avoid such things.

1. Determine the Exact Variance:

From the beginning, you’ll want to know how much to compensate. Otherwise, it is like you are playing a game in the dark. When the lights are out, accuracy is out of the question. Without the right data, any approach you make will be approximate at best. From our perspective, such an intrepid endeavor may seem noble. Still, it tends to produce lackluster results. In the end, those are what matter the most.

2. Compensate for the Discrepancy (With Help from Some Friends!):

Following that, you can start to lift the pool. Since there is so much weight on the wall, this is a vital step. Using multiple points of contact, lift the lowered section of the wall. That way, it is level with the rest of your pool. Unless the pool is fixed entirely, then your work is far from over. Until your balance’s air bubbles rest in the center, you must soldier on. Luckily, in most instances, things are that difficult. Plus, once you have done this, it will be far simpler the next time. That way, you can help your friend when they find themselves in your shoes.

3. Create a Solid Support Base:

Once everything is perfectly flat, you must create something to support the pool. Generally speaking, cinder blocks should suffice. Still, they must meet the exact height requirements. Otherwise, you’ll transfer the problem to another section of the pool. At that point, all your hard work will have hardly been worthwhile.

Our Conclusion on Leveling An Above Ground Pool

We hope our guide on how to level an above ground pool with water in it has been helpful to you. Remember to use help, be safe, and call an expert when needed. Happy swimming!