During construction, you might want to install bricks on compacted gravel around your pool upon which you will place a layer of sand. It becomes difficult sometimes to establish the proper heights. How then can you go about leveling sand and gravel around your swimming pool?

1. Establish the final finished surface height

First, it is important to determine the finished surface when constructing a sidewalk or a patio. You can do that by considering the surrounding ground. Also check the relationship between the nearby steps and the surface, driveways or decks.

2. Consider the slopes on the finished surface.

The second thing you need to consider to help you level sand and gravel are slopes. They are important since they allow snow melt or rain water to flow off the surface. For instance, if your pool area does not slope more than 6-8 inches, you can set the top of your patio at least 3-4 inches higher than the highest point of your pool.

3. Establish grade stakes in the ground

For reference point, it would be best if you established grade stakes driven into the ground. The different heights you should hit are represented by the tops of these stakes. For instance, three grade stakes would be perfect for elevation in this case: one for the uncompact sand, the other for the height of the compacted gravel and the last one for the finish brick.

Placing the stakes 8 feet on the center can set a very straight piece of wood on top of the stakes. You may have to add more material in case there is a gap under the wood.

4. Rotate the wood on top of the stakes

If you have a perfect amount of material then the surface will be smooth. You can check the surface by rotating the wood on top of any of the stakes. The network of the stakes will allow you to move the piece of wood to different stakes to confirm if the other points are in a similar plane.

It is advisable to use a graduated grade pole on top of the stakes. This is the best way to tell if a stake is in the plane as the rest. You can determine how low or high the top of a stake is by looking through the builders' level. However, it is important to understand that all grade stakes will not always be at the same elevation. As you continue to create fall further from the edge of your pool, the stakes on the farthest end will be lower.

For professional help with this project, and to get the materials you need, talk to experts such as AAROC Aggregates Ltd.

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