Proper Pool Elevation: What You Need to Know

Are you planning to have a swimming pool installed? If yes, know that you’ll have a lot of choices to make. However, one of the most vital is the elevation of your pool. How high above the ground should it be placed? As any pool professional will tell you, there is no one correct answer to this question. It all depends on your yard and, to some degree, on your preferences.

The Standard

If you’re fortunate enough to have a mostly flat back yard, then your pool elevation levels should be within what is considered “standard.” Typically, this means your pool patio will be no more than four inches above the highest point of the area. Your pool contractor should carefully assess your yard and let you know what elevation they think is best. They can also inform you of any pros and cons to specific elevation levels and let you make up your mind from there.

Uneven Yards

When your yard is uneven, finding the right elevation gets a bit trickier. Your contractor will need to consider how and where your yard slopes, as well as the degree to which it does so. From there, they might suggest placing the pool at your yard’s highest point. However, low points can also work depending on the situation. With very serious sloping, extra measures, such as retaining walls, may need to be put in place. In cases like these, though, it’s absolutely vital to work closely with a skilled pool installer. Otherwise, you could end up with a big mess and a pool that’s full of problems.

Special Circumstances

In both flat and sloped yards, there are sometimes special circumstances which might impact a pool’s elevation. If you have a yard that tends to collect water, for example, you’ll have to make sure the pool is placed high enough to avoid unwanted drainage into the pool. Likewise, if you’re trying to incorporate your pool into an already-designed landscape or around existing structures, special considerations may need to be made.

Choosing pool elevation can be tricky in some cases. But, don’t worry. If you hire the right pool contractors, you shouldn’t have to make any major decisions on your own. Thus, hire experienced professionals and then let them do the tough stuff for you!