Will Above Ground Pool Settle?
Will a garden pool settle? Short answer — yes, it can.
But here’s the good news: if you prepare the ground properly, it really shouldn’t.
The ground beneath your pool is like the foundation of a house. Get it right, and you’ll have years of splash-filled summers. Get it wrong, and you could be dealing with wobbly walls, uneven waterlines, and the odd “why is the pool leaning?” conversation.
So, let’s dig into why it happens, what signs to watch for, and the simple fixes that keep your pool safe and sturdy.
Why an Above Ground Pool Settles
The weight of the water and the ground underneath
Even a modest-sized pool can hold tens of thousands of litres of water — that’s the weight of several small cars pressing down on the soil.
If that soil isn’t prepared properly, it will shift, compress, or even wash away over time. Clay soil in particular is a bit of a drama queen. It swells when wet, shrinks when dry, and plays havoc with anything built on top.
The effect of improper ground preparation
The sad truth? Many pool problems start before the first drop of water goes in.
If the ground wasn’t levelled properly, or the soil wasn’t compacted, it’s only a matter of time before the pool starts to settle unevenly.
Think of it like putting a heavy wardrobe on a soft carpet — eventually, it’s going to leave an uneven dent. In pool terms, that dent can turn into leaning walls, stressed frames, or worse, a liner tear.
Signs Your Pool Has Settled
A noticeable slope or leaning pool wall
If you can spot the tilt with your naked eye, it’s already a concern.
You might see one side of the waterline creeping higher than the other, or even notice water spilling over on just one side.
It’s a bit like sitting at a table in a café that rocks every time you put your coffee down — once you’ve noticed it, you can’t unsee it.
Water levels are no longer even
Sometimes the signs are more subtle. Maybe there’s a small gap between the bottom rail of the pool and the ground in one section. Or perhaps the liner looks slightly stretched on one side.
Odd creaks and groans from the frame are also worth paying attention to — it’s the pool’s way of saying, “I’m under pressure here.”
How to Prevent Your Pool from Settling
The Critical Importance of Site Preparation
Step-by-step guide to levelling the ground
Start by clearing the area — grass, roots, stones, anything that could create an uneven base.
Use a long spirit level or laser level to check the ground. Here’s the important bit: never just pile soil into low spots. Dig down the high spots instead. Filled soil will settle faster than you think.
Once level, compact the soil thoroughly with a tamper or compactor. This step alone can save you from a season’s worth of headaches.
Using a solid base material (sand or crushed stone)
A good base spreads the weight evenly and reduces the risk of erosion.
Fine builders’ sand works for most situations, but in wetter areas, crushed stone can be a better choice as it drains faster.
Compact the base layer too — think firm, not fluffy. You want it as solid as a pavement.
What to Do If Your Pool Has Already Settled
How to fix a slightly unlevel pool without draining
If the lean is mild, you may get away with lifting the affected section and packing more base material underneath.
This can sometimes be done without draining, though it’s easier if you lower the water level a bit. It’s a bit like propping up the short leg of a chair — quick, but only if you catch it early.
When a full drain and re-level is necessary
If your pool looks like it’s trying to recreate the Leaning Tower of Pisa, you’ll need to bite the bullet. Drain it fully, remove the liner, and start fresh on the base.
This is the moment to consider upgrades — like concrete pads under each support leg, or heavy-duty ground mats. They spread the load better and make future settling far less likely.
A little preparation before your first swim can save you big repairs later.
Check the ground regularly, act fast if something looks off, and your above ground pool will keep the good times rolling — no matter how many cannonballs the kids throw at it.
Have you checked out our other posts?
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