Dropping an Above Ground Pool in the Ground (the details)

Quite a bit of pool buyers want to know about dropping their pool into the ground. Here is what you need to be thinking about.

[@TreiaSaint]

I have no idea why I watched this. I don't even have a pool nor am I getting one but just the explanation is fascinating lol. I was hooked the whole time for no reason except the charming voice.

[@calebmatthews2026]

omg I know EXACTLY what you mean. It's almost spell-binding. Maybe bc I'm from the south but haven't lived there in years, but his voice is like a lullaby haha

[@ssteele1]

It's that ASMR effect.

[@myopinionmatters5615]

I'm not exactly sure why I watched it either - I already own a pool, and it is above ground. I never knew it could have been placed INTO the ground in the first place. Believe him when he says the dig results in a LOT of dirt though. The dig in our yard uncovered a rock the size of a VW Beetle when the pool was being installed.

[@davidjames666]

I didn't find his voice appealing or unappealing. I am really not sure why this showed up in my KZbin feed, and more important why I watched it. It just made me think back to when I was a kid and my aunt burried a above ground pool in her yard, and the walls bulged. She had a dickens of a time trying to sell her house like that.

[@silverpiepie]

It is the accent.

[@bluenoser1567]

The video might be six years old but it's the most comprehensive and informative that I have seen to date. This is a topic my wife and I have been talking about and this really helps in the decision ... Thanks and Cheers from Eastern Canada

[@shereeh6357]

This video answered EVERY QUESTION I had for considering dropping my above ground pool below ground..and in layman terms that I fully understood..if there was an award ceremony for UTUBE videos he would have an Oscar .. thanks from the bottom of my pool..I mean ❤️

[@bellesmom2012]

I have to tell you, I have zero plan of ever doing this & somehow accidentally ended up here. I watched this video through to the end! LMAO! You do a good video, seriously, I sat here like I was watching an actual movie! I just wanted you to know this because I was impressed. I don't have the biggest attention span anymore yet I was glued! I was actually weighing the pros and cons...I mean we do have some good packing soil, then I remembered I have zero interest in getting a pool! Good job!

[@MrCjogobyu]

Watching in 2021 and I’m amazed at how thorough and well prepared this video is! The host presented himself in such a way that I felt compelled to watch from start to finish and rewatch some of the topics that pertain to my upcoming pool installation. Buddy can you come up to New York and handle my semi in ground install?? Lol! Serious props for this vid!!

[@bryceanderton2552]

Chad, Insightful documentary. All concerns I’ve had since beginning my project). I’m well educated, Physical/Mechanical engineer. You did a fantastic explanation of ALL of my concerns. It was nice to see it explained through experience instead of my educated guesses. Well done sir, well done.

[@leahrichardson7667]

I hope you make/made all your customers watch this once you made it, because I can't imagine having to "teach" through this with every customer that considers this type of setup. Great, informative video!

[@mozkolog]

The best part is about the pile of the dirt - "way more than you think" and "whoa...that's a lot more dirt than I thought", that's so good and true :-). Excellent video, helped a lot!

[@jenniferherzog8718]

Fascinating! You'd make a great teacher. I just installed our first above ground pool. I had a time leveling. We had about a 5-6" difference from the low side to the high side of the circle we marked out. So we decided to dig down about 3" on the high side and use that dirt to back fill the low side. We did this with shovels (and blisters lol) and didn't really have equipment tamp the backfill dirt well. So I tried to account for that and deliberately left it higher so it would even out with settling. I got it pretty close to level! There's about a 2" difference in the water level from one side of the pool to the other. NOW I'm just trying to learn how to keep the water balanced. I've lowered the pH to an acceptable level. Added stabalizer to keep chlorine levels right. So far, I'm showing low on. chlorine and just added more. Gonna have the water tested tomorrow to see if I'm low on stabalizer or just didn't add enough chlorine to start with. I'm going to go look for more videos on water balance on your channel. I'm loving learning about pool maintenance!

[@georgegary6670]

George Gary I have installed 4 above ground pools so far in my lifetime. Now I am going to install a 15x30x52 semi-inground (36") . This instructional video is a must watch for this investment! The explanation of key contruction elements, Slurry mix and self-priming pump is not a sales pitch, it is a lesson in the pressure of dirt and the gravity of water flo. I saved this to review again before my installion in 2 weeks. Well done!!

[@CloudFamily]

Did you go with an inground pump or above for your install of 36" inground? My install is soon and we're supposed to dig down 36" and have an above ground pool pump for our 52" pool and we're not sure if that's going to be fine

[@asmarhabeeb2714]

man you are the smartest, most particular, the best detailer and the smartest person online that explained and answered all my questions. that was exactly what I wanted to do and you just had it all. Thank you thank you so much.

[@pennimayes7235]

Glad I found this video, thinking about dropping my above ground and learned about slurry mix and the fact that my current pump and filter won't work. When I contact someone to do it, I'll know what questions to ask and will be able to tell whether the person is qualified or just spouting bs. Also as the work is being done, I'll be informed enough to know that the job is done right! Thank you for a great presentation and education in this video.

[@MichaelSnyder1990]

Thank you so very much for making this video. I was planning on dropping my above ground pool all the way down in my Colorado yard and you have definitely kept me from making a very long and very expensive mistake.

[@yinnetteolivo]

I dont have a pool but was curious. I love how detailed he is! Awesome vid.

[@anthonycontreras5613]

Excellent videos. You helped me tremendously in setting up my intex 24x12 pool. I spent hours and didn’t attach the straps to the liner. I just attached the supports to the liner. I FAILED. Good thing I didn’t fill it. I saw your video about 5 hours later and realized my mistake. I must have just skimmed through the instructions and the warnings on the pool haha

[@laurafloersch6470]

this is awesome, we just bought an oval pool to place below the ground.. and I'm so glad we watched this first!! wish us luck as we are digging the hole and the rest of the process ourselves.. my husband owns a tractor and has started the digging... there is a lot of dirt already!! hope we can find a place to dump it..

[@alexg8460]

Did you need a permit?

[@smalltownindianagirl53]

I appreciate your honesty here and you have completely changed my mind about putting my above ground pool in the ground.

[@1SonorGirl]

Greetings from New York! Love your videos! I've learned so much from you. Thank you!

[@natedawg118025]

This was super informative. Thanks for all the GREAT information!

[@joncollins4910]

Never felt that I should comment on a KZbin Video before, but I thought this was a great video - even 7 years later. Super informative and full of great information - nice one!

[@barbarabeaumont4619]

23 yrs ago I bought an 18ft round 4’ tall above ground pool at WalMart for $150.00.. live in south Florida.. sandy soil.. dug a hole with shovel and my 3 yr old granddaughter and her shovel🥰 til we hit water (about 40” deep) and big enough around that we could walk around the outside of the pool while putting it together down in the ground (metal walls) by the time we were done digging the hole my husband was done with another project and he helped build the pool.. we filled dirt in around the outside of the pool as we filled the water in the pool.. keeping the pool water higher than the dirt we were filling in.. as we filled the dirt around the outside of the pool we watered the sandy dirt to pack it down.. we put an in ground Hayward pump and filter about 25’ away up by the house.. beautiful!!! The pool has lasted 23 years and still going (over the years 4 different liners.. I don’t take them out just empty pool and add the new liner fill back up.. 3 different pool pumps) built a deck (ourselves) around the pool.. so $150 pool got a $12,000 deck around it, we got a beautiful backyard, my granddaughter and I had more fun than you can imagine and I have memories that fill my heart beyond measure!!! I highly recommend a buried pool for every yard!!

[@B333x]

Seems like some how we all ended up here by some crazy accident and we all enjoyed it. Groovy video guy.

[@erekbush1498]

Yeah thank God for playback speed, I watched it in half the time..

[@michellemcclelland6296]

Really enjoyed this and it was so informative! Thank you!! Yes, I agree you should do more videos! Your voice and demeanor are made for it! :)

[@lovetrumpshate7968]

his voice!!!! and his manner so sincere and real

[@bryangay3685]

This was the most informative and logically developed presentations I've watched on KZbin.

[@amandahailan843]

very informative! thanks so much. you surely gave me a lot to think about. now I just need to see if it would be more cost effective to put in an in ground pool or drop an above ground. great video.

[@kathalenejohnson3201]

Put my down payment yesterday on a 24ft round, dropping it 2 ft. And this video answered so many questions and really all the videos were very informative. Including the salt water system which I ordered as well! Thank you so much for making this available!

[@immalovinyou40]

I hope you read the part where salt water will eventually rust your metal frame...if you use salt your pull must be made of resin only

[@skf3747]

Thank you very very much for this video! You really help me figuring out the way I will do my project. Thanks again!

[@einsteinvondaniken]

I love how many people watched this, and have no plans to get a pool lol I think it's just very refreshing to watch someone who actually knows what the hell he's talking about

[@courtneyjames8223]

Right I'm looking at this like I don't even have a pool..I want one tho . maybe I'm just preparing one day when I do in ground or above pool.. what I'm going to be dealing with.

[@einsteinvondaniken]

@@courtneyjames8223 I just did one less than a month ago. Followed his program, he sells it on his website for 10 bucks. Came out gorgeous. On an 18 ft round pool from one side to the other, I might be off about a quarter inch. It looks immaculate. This guy has it down to a science, is highly recommend his video series. Best 10 bux ever spent

[@melissamayes4152]

I have seen a few of his videos,he knows what he's talking about.

[@courtneyjames8223]

@@einsteinvondaniken can u show me your pool

[@einsteinvondaniken]

@@courtneyjames8223 yeah I was actually wanting to do a quick video to show it. I'll put it together after work

[@kak2tnt]

Thank you so much.You are a natural instructor. I enjoyed this video.

[@stevesmacfix]

This video answered a lot of my questions. Wish you guys were in Los Angeles. Thanks for your putting this video together! Awesome video

[@dharmabob2]

very informative, well explained and clearly laid out. thank you bud. Youve made me think seriously about an inground pool.. greetings from Spain

[@ejj990]

Excellent video. This video is filled with great and valuable information on what to consider when dropping an Above ground pool. This video saved me hours of internet searching. Thanks.

[@timmiller5763]

Thanks for the info. I've been so undecided what I wanted to do with my pool. You've answered so many questions i had.

[@dm826]

Anyone else wish this guy was teaching their hardest classes in school!!? 😂 This is the best "how-to" video I've ever watched on here! No wonder it has so many views. We are installing a doughboy agp next month, hoping to be fully in ground. Excellent video!

[@PoohBear-eh1nv]

😊😊

[@snyderlampone]

awesome video with a great amount of detail. this would allow some DIY people to know their limits and some to be able to do it. Either way this guy is allowing people to benefit from his knowledge. He is a blessing to man kind.

[@tomswank7209]

This is by far the best video and this guy is on is game and very informative. Great job man

[@javierluarca3010]

Thank you for sharing such a beautiful nowledge!

[@nicholepatterson8444]

Amazing video! So informative and complete. Thank you!

[@Slumberjacksix]

Excellent, informative video. Well done!

[@nathanbramlett4515]

I'm not planning to get a pool but I am completely fascinated with this guy

[@answersinreality6316]

Hey, thanks so much for your video. I do plan to put in a pool but that aside, your video was just simply great to watch.

[@tookmyhandle2]

What an awesome and informative video. The presenter clearly knows his stuff!

[@gdiggles]

This video was awesome. Answered all of my questions for my pool project. Thank you for taking the time to make this!

[@samanthahicks3333]

Just like a lot of other people I have no idea how I ended up here, but I watched this video all the way thru and I was completely entranced! I was even shushin my kids during their homeschool lesson so I could finish watching it, lol. I think it's the accent. Yes more videos would be awesome maybe with some actual video footage. If you do this for a living you should consider having someone record your company doing this. But before u post it you gotta add ur narration. Ur demeanor, and how thoroughly u explained everything is what held my attention. Just a thought!🤗💭 Thanx for the video

[@renea.2707]

Wow great video, thank you for sharing all of this information with us.

[@johnnyberning]

A great lecture by a total expert!

[@kazward4734]

Great video Chad - really helpful, lots of great information that we could follow over here in the UK :-) - we will be dropping our pool in the next few months so wish us luck :-)

[@deannmcdonald1432]

Thank you! Very informative! I now feel better about sinking my pool!

[@tm4769]

That word "sinking" gets me triggered. to soon about the titanic to soon

[@bertramvonnimcz]

:D

[@working2bselfsufficient724]

DeAnn McDonald Just check codes if in city and with your homeowners insurance so you do not have any unexpected costs in the future.

[@michelleespino9814]

He needs to teach like organic chemistry or something. I feel like this guy could teach anything

[@malleryppruitt80]

0

[@BlissBlissBliss720]

Thank you. This was incredibly helpful in my decision making process. I appreciate you.

[@speedisamonkey4505]

Great tutorial video. I just wanna add a perfect solution to the dirt “problem” you just put it on offer up or other local selling app for free and someone will come and haul it that same day or so! I’m serious! You won’t have a problem finding someone that needs it! And that with everything else! Want a plants rock pave etc removed? Do not pay someone! Someone needs it for a project and they will remove and hauled😅 it’s. Winn Winn for both ends! You might know this but some people don’t so there you go✌🏼🙋🏻‍♂️❤️

[@michealbarnes66]

Hey I like that idea. I'm constantly doing new projects and need random items. What app is this?

[@bishopp14]

@@michealbarnes66 I would use freecycle or Craigslist. robert Garcia is 100% right though. SOMEONE is going to come get that dirt, I guarantee it!

[@krishnabhavanabavi9563]

Thanks for taking the time, really well explained and informative.

[@milagrossmith4891]

Phenomenal detailed informative video. So many things I did not think about. I must admit when I first saw the video how long it was I was going to bypass it but I’m glad I didn’t. This is great information especially with someone considering to do it themselves thank you so much for this if you ever come to New York please let me know I too would like to have a good pool installed

[@abovegroundpros]

Thank you so much. That's good it's helpful.

[@usportraits2429]

This is a great presentation. Here is another reason why you should take your pool construction seriously and listen to what he is saying. He is right about the collapsing earth, and that you would need a soil expert to examine your soil before you dig a hole for a pool, who could tell you specifically what you might need to do. A pool that holds water in the ground for a certain amount of time creates pressure as it settles in with all that water. A neighbor had drained their pool, and not long after that, the entire pool lifted up out of the ground. With all the work you're going to be doing to make the walls for your pool, you may as well do it right and not worry about the expensive problems later. Thank you so much for your free advice.

[@poyless]

Excellent. You are a great teacher and communicator.

[@jasonbonas6090]

this video is very informative. whether you want a pool or not

[@leebatchelor3769]

This was so informative. I will look into buying a home with an in ground pool already. Thanks!

[@paulbissonnette3650]

pool guy you need to do more videos you will have a big following. keep up the good work

[@tonelives1023]

Brother thank you awesome...all you stuff is awesome

[@jturner8922]

If I ever buy a pool it will be from this guy

[@Ottonic6]

I watched this whole video - beginning to end, and found it very interesting and very informative. The funny thing is... I live in an apartment... That my friend is "too much time on my hand" Lol...

[@rimmysingh6845]

Dano C. Lol the funny part is your friends right buddy

[@RVingLiveTheDream]

Just purchased a Coleman 16x10x42 above ground. I think it will stay above ground after watching this video. Thank you for the great detailed video😊

[@user-wt8qk5oy6e]

Awesome video! About to start this project at my own home in Pa and this video was very informative! Gave me a great bit of tips, thank you!

[@rickcarson9423]

Loved this video! We're preparing to have a 15x30 professionaly dropped 2' in sandy soil. I hope they know what they're doing and with this knowledge I'll be sure it's done properly. It's stressful and a big investment. I know there are shady installers out there, like any industry, but your forthright honesty is much appreciated.

[@jakehager1041]

How did it go Rick?

[@rickcarson9423]

@@jakehager1041thanks for asking. Unfortunately between permitting delays and two separate deck builders dropping the ball on us the project hasn't begun. Here in Marion County, Florida you need permit for ANY pool over 24" deep. Also you need permit for deck over 7" high with engineered drawings included. Should break ground in about a month...

[@rickcarson9423]

@@jakehager1041 oh, yeah. It just so happens, by coincidence, that the Melenia pool I bought was Manufacturer approved to be buried 1/2 way. 50yr warranty so pool permit was approved. Waiting on deck permit.

[@jakehager1041]

@@rickcarson9423 oh man, hope you get it going. Keep me updated. I’m here in Tennessee looking to add one to my backyard soon. Got a one year old getting ready to swim

[@jakehager1041]

@@rickcarson9423 so it’s better to buy one that is approved to be buried for easier permitting?

[@shanekeyes8156]

Concrete is sold by the cubic yard. a concrete truck can haul usually 8 to 10 cubic yards based on local DOT weight limits for your area. Most times there is a minimum charge for concrete and could be in the form of 3 yards minimum order. I have never had to pay for a whole truck if I did not order a whole truck. Call your local provider to get pricing and ask what the minimum delivery is or what extra charges are. This slurry mix is also referred to as Flowable Fill. You can specify if you want pea gravel added and what PSI strength you want. Keep in mind that everything needs to be ready so you can place the concrete upon arrival to avoid stand by time charges from the concrete producer. The more water you add to the concrete the more you reduce the strength and set time so add water cautiously since this is a low PSI concrete already.

[@rick55fla]

I am a State Certified GC in Florida and we flip some houses on the side. The video was Very informative because we run into properties where this has been done. We own one right now that has collapsed because they did not do the Slurry. Without the pool the value of the house drops $30,000.00

[@working2bselfsufficient724]

Rick Endicott For a above ground pool imstalled into the ground? $30k value for above ground burried pool?We are going to be selling after the summer and tossed our above ground from last year now kids and wife want another for the summer.We are selling after the summer so me being me is looking into how to add value to my property if im spending money on it when i know its going to be sold.$30k for a burried above ground?wow thats in ground pool prices.

[@chadr8264]

Lucky you. In my area (upper Midwest) a pool DROPS my home value about 30k. Not that I care, I'm doing because I want one. But this really depends on your market...

[@colleb95]

A fiberglass pool starts at $30k. That includes set up. The pool itself is actually cheap. Above ground pools are not over $5k. The ones I seen. Location and pools are a great factor if it sells the house. Phoenix homes have a lot due to hot summers as well as Vegas. It's pretty hot here where I am. I would never drop an above ground pool with no proper wall. They're made to be above ground. not in the ground.

[@kimc3983]

You did a great job explaining everything 👍👍👍

[@genaevans8836]

Thank you for explaining this very clearly.

[@dannyballardus]

Thank you for the excellent detail and explanation! Answered some really important questions.

[@rahry1973]

Great video. Can you update it including consideration for Semi in-ground pools using extruded aluminum?

[@domenicfp]

This was a great educational video with great cases and logic. Thank you so much

[@annorder]

Thank you for this video. Very thorough and helpful.

[@RamCanon]

This is a very informative video. Sure wish I saw this before partially burying our above ground pool.

[@RebelDean1]

Excellent Chad!!! You saved me a lot of money, a lot of headaches and a lot of wasted time. Brilliant video as many many others have already commented.

[@Myhomedecorbylc]

MY mother and father did it and it worked thanks for the point u make my life easier

[@abovegroundpros]

LPSwith Vanessa™ You're welcome.

[@nigeljordan2318]

So much great information! Thanks 🙏

[@kevinwoodcock7578]

Great video.. i always thought when i back washed my sand filter i was cleaning the sand... then i run a the rinse cycle.

[@sharebaandrews7678]

Thanks for this video. Very informative and helpful.

[@mds123069]

Fantastic video! Thank you.

[@ysgi]

Great video. very informative.

[@gracec1665]

These pools are excellent! I have had three on different properties. They are worth it. *****Especially after hurricanes and hard snow storms. You can use them as extra emergency water to bathe and for toilet water if your power has been cut off due to storms. These pools have saved my family a bunch of times. Love them!

[@great-garden-watch]

Haha yeah we have had to flush toilets using pool water many times over the years

[@StefanYT1981]

Nice explanation to everything. I think no matter what you would in life you would be good at it. At swimming pools it appears that you are brilliant :)

[@crazygreek9065]

Thank You I purchased a above pool and I had to drop it like it was hot cause the HOA was burning up! I got the city to approve the pool... I just have to complete the landscaping and some kind of decking but it’s low low low!!!

[@justinwatkins5735]

Excellent information. I was already aware of most of information, until you mentioned self priming pump and it isn't an option, it is required. When I researched prices I also learned something some might miss when buying new in ground pump. Most of these pumps are built to be used in a pump house/room and because of this do jot have sealed electrical systems. Rain and elements will trip breaker. So either build small pump enclosure or make sure the in ground pump is rated for outdoor use.

[@DM-tf6mk]

Absolutely great and informative video!!

[@monicatavaresmagalhaes1974]

Thanks for the video. Very useful info!

[@rubensramos6610]

Thank you!!!!! You just save me a lot of time and money 👍👍👍

[@JenniferJohnson-uh1vo]

Chad's company installed our above ground pool (semi- buried in order to be level with our deck) about 10 years ago. They really do a great job and pay great attention to detail. Our pool is still up and running with only minor maintenance and repairs to be done.

[@donovancollins4752]

What kind of maintenance and repairs?

[@156aliciasy]

Omg! I have never been so informed! Thank you!

[@dragonsfire12345]

Highly informative video. I plan on doing a above ground pool about 2ft into the ground. I live in Bexar county Texas and my dirt packs in really good and when I dig into it I have to use a pick axe and hack away at it. What brand pools do you recommend for 2ft into the ground? And with my type of ground would you recommend the slurry mix or would the hard dirt I have be good.oh and the pool would be round

[@brenda8550]

Thank you- this is an awesome video- we r getting ready to drop a pool! Very informative!

[@capellof1]

Thank you very much for sharing. I purchased a round 12' Tiffany with stainless panel and I would like to sink it two feet.

[@aprilthrasher6269]

m2t

[@schem43]

This is an amazing video! so informative! Thank you

[@djoledjoko9122]

Great informative video. I live in Florida and have sandy soil. I want to drop my round pool one foot and a half. Do you think I would be fine without doing slurry concrete?

[@mikegilman]

Should a 4 inch perforated drain tile be installed at the base before back filling with dirt?

[@crazyt52468]

Loved your video. Watched to the end. Great information. Exactly what we needed to know. What company out of Atlanta are you with? Thanks. Tammy

[@BrianDauzat]

You helped me decide to only go 6 inches down. Thank you!

[@brycemcnalley]

Love the video and thanks for the information. We are going to be developing a pool project next summer and knowing that sinking the pool only 1 foot isnt a huge deal. Thanks!

[@myoff-gridpower3672]

this video cured my husband's insomnia tonight thank you it's hard to get his mind to settle down

[@LordVerum]

Cured mine too lol.

[@reynardvulptease9753]

This guy should do relaxation videos. Just a calm, slow, delivery of his thoughts.