Using sand as a pool substructure or subsurface is recommended by many places. But what are the advantages and potential disadvantages? These and other questions are comprehensively answered in our guide.
Advantages of quartz sand
Using sand in the substructure of a pool has several advantages, which is why the material is used with pleasure and often. The pluses are:
- easy compensation of uneven places
- suitable for larger areas
- low cost
- variable use
- little effort in spreading
Disadvantages of sand
The biggest potential disadvantage of quartz sand for the pool substructure is that the pool can slide on it and the quartz sand can spread. This in turn can cause unevenness again. The only decisive factor in preventing this problem is the correct approach to applying the sand.
Create a pool substructure made of quartz sand
Using a layer of sand as a substrate for the swimming pool is possible in just a few steps. Two different variants are possible. The simplest option is to use sand only for leveling.
Bigger holes
These are first filled. Coarse gravel or crushed stone can be used for this. It is also possible to cover the bumps with earth
adapt.Ablation
As well as holes or hollows, foreign bodies and other unevenness such as stones, roots and mounds must also be removed. Raised areas are to be removed and adjusted.
Compress
The soil should be compacted in order to create a level and firm subsurface. It can also be noticed whether, for example, foreign bodies or stones have been overlooked. Because these are not only harmful to the bottom of the pool, but can also cause pain when standing in it.
control
Before the quartz sand is applied, the surface should be completely checked. A difference in height of one percent to a maximum of three percent is ideal. This means that a height difference of one to three centimeters should not be exceeded over a meter length. Otherwise the pool will later be crooked and could overflow or be damaged.
Spread sand
As soon as the preparations are complete, the quartz sand can be spread. This compensates for any small unevenness that may still be present and acts as a buffer between the subsurface and the bottom of the pool. Before setting up the swimming pool, however, it is important to level and smooth the sand. A vibrating plate or flat vibrator can again be used for this. The smoothing can also be done with a board.
Tip: Weed fleece under the sand
laid out, prevents roots and plants from growing through. This can also prevent damage to the swimming pool.Dig the foundation - instructions
The second way to make a sub-structure out of sand is to first dig a foundation. The effort is initially greater, but this is also the more stable and long-lasting variant. In the medium and long term, this even reduces the need for work.
Various tools and materials are required, such as:
- Flat vibrator or vibrating plate
- gravel
- Mini excavator
- Piles
- Quartz sand
- line
- gravel
- spade
- Spirit level
The following steps are required to create the foundation:
1. Mark out
After the outline of the pool has been measured, the perimeter is staked out. This is where the stakes and the cord are used. This demarcation serves as a guide for the subsequent excavation of the earth.
2. Digging
Depending on the size of the area, a spade may be sufficient or a mini excavator may be the better choice. The pit should be 20 to 30 centimeters deep. The shovel length of a spade can be used as a guide.
3. Compress
Flat vibrators or vibrating plates should be used to create a stable subsurface and level the ground.
4. Check
A spirit level can be used to quickly and easily check whether the area has been prepared accordingly or if necessary, some places have to be touched up and filled in or removed got to.
5. Weed control
If the subsurface is firm and level, weed control can be laid out. This prevents roots or unwanted growth from breaking through and damaging the pool.
6. Fill up
The first quarter of the filling should be made of coarse crushed stone. Another quarter is made up of finer gravel. These layers are each also after filling
condensed.7. Add sand
Quartz sand is used for filling, which should also only make up a quarter of the depth of the pit. After re-compacting, the basin can be set up.
8. Adjust margins
When the pool has been built, the gap between the lower edges of the pool and the foundation should also be filled with sand. This serves as a buffer, which can prove to be extremely practical when moving in the water. Another advantage of this variant is that the swimming pool is given additional stability.
Note: Borrowing a plate vibrator or a flat vibrator is no problem at many hardware stores. Renting a mini excavator is also recommended for larger areas.
When can quartz sand be used as a substrate?
Quartz sand in connection with a foundation is always suitable as a substructure for a pool when it comes to:
- is an above-ground model
- there is no level surface
- a gradient has to be compensated
- the pool is very big
The choice of quartz sand, on the other hand, is independent of the decision to erect it. Even with a sunken swimming pool, the material in the substructure can be a very important component. This even applies if the substructure of the pool has been concreted.
A layer of sand is therefore always suitable, from a small paddling pool for the youngsters to a large pool for the whole family. If it is a model with a plastic or metal frame, just a few centimeters are sufficient as a stabilizing foundation. This facilitates both the construction and the dismantling of the pool and still offers a good stand.
In addition, the foundation prevents the subsoil from shifting. These are decisive advantages, especially with children and when it is used by several people.
Tip: For very small, light pools, a depth of 20 centimeters is sufficient and there is no need for gravel or gravel. A filled layer of quartz sand then acts as a buffer under the floor and can also provide distance and safety at the edge of the pool.
