Limestone dust? under whole pool?

[TheAdamsHomestead]

We just bought a 27' AGP, and are installing it ourselves. Trying to find good directions has been driving me crazy. Everyone around here has been saying you need to put down limestone dust first under the sand, because it helps with a lot of things. The people who install around here wont even warranty their work unless they put down limestone dust first. Do we put it under the whole pool, do we wet it? I'm guessing we have to compact it. Will it be hard like cement? Do we have to let it dry for a certain amount of time before putting the sand on? Thanks for any help! This is what we got from Home depot. It is steel not resin I believe. So will the limestone make it rust? Do I need to put a barrier between the limestone and the steel rails and such?

 

[Texas Splash]

Welcome to TFP! I suspect the limestone is added to the topsoil or sand to help maintain a bit more stability and consistency. I don't think it will get hard like cement. Compacting would be ideal. A firm/level foundation is very important for an AGP, so take your time. Once the water is in, you'll know right away if it's not level. Some AGP owners also like to place XPS insulation panels or Gorilla Pads under the AGP for a nice feel on their feet and additional protection for the liner.

If you have any other questions, feel free to post back as much as you like. Thanks for posting.

Also see Pool Care Basics.

 

[nwardoh]

Oh it gets crazy hard. Under pressure it will feel like concrete. You can still dig through it though while setting up and such. It is put over top of the soil to reduce moisture in the ground and it is fantastic for that. It will also stabilize the ground. You will want to put it down and compact it well. You don't want to "wet" it but just barely damp. It will get soupy quick with a garden hose.

 

[Selenap]

I have clay, sand, and 1/4 inch hardboard insulation under my pool. Stable as can be 5 years running.