INSTALLATION • ABOVE-GROUND POOL • SOUTH SHORE
A beautiful pool starts beneath the liner
We choose a pool for its style, size, and the moments we’ll spend in it. Yet an essential part of the installation is beneath our feet: base preparation.
At Piscine Hippocampe, this step receives special attention: shaping a dome suited to the terrain, using precisely graded stone dust, mechanical compaction, and commercial-grade felt. Each element plays a role in creating a carefully prepared base before the liner is installed.
Request an installation quoteNew pool or replacement • Team based in Delson • Mainly on Montreal’s South Shore
An elegant coping catches the eye. A well-prepared base is noticeable in other ways: in the comfort underfoot, the quality of the surface beneath the liner, and the care put into the entire project. Here’s why we place so much importance on this work.
Why is base preparation essential?
The liner rests on a surface that must be carefully prepared. Debris, unevenness, or insufficiently compacted material can compromise the quality of the result. Preparation aims to provide a clean, even support while limiting the risk of settling caused by a poorly executed base.
Comfort
A carefully prepared surface and suitable felt contribute to a more comfortable feel underfoot.
Liner protection
Removing debris and adding a protective layer help reduce contact with small rough spots under the liner.
Installation quality
Shaping and compaction are part of the essential base preparation before installing the liner.
This care helps preserve the liner and the quality of the base. The pool’s lifespan also depends on the terrain, model, installation, and maintenance over the seasons.
The Piscine Hippocampe method: four important steps
Our approach is adapted to the terrain and the project. The preparation of the interior base must also be part of an installation that complies with the manufacturer’s requirements for the chosen model.
STEP 1
A 4 to 6-inch dome, depending on the terrain
We shape the base into a dome: the center of the pool is about 4 to 6 inches lower than the perimeter. The profile and depth are adjusted according to the terrain and the specifics of the installation.
This measurement describes the shaping of the interior base. It does not refer to the thickness of added material, nor does it replace the structure’s leveling and support requirements.
STEP 2
Precisely graded stone dust
Choosing the material is just as important as installing it. We use precisely graded stone dust, selected by our team for this preparation.
The goal is to create a work surface that can be shaped and compacted properly. The material, quantities, and method are determined according to the project’s needs.
STEP 3
Mechanical compaction
We mechanically compact the prepared base. This step is intended to densify the material and create a firm support before moving on to the next steps.
Material that has simply been spread out is not in the same condition as material that has been properly compacted. That’s why compaction is an integral part of our method, with particular attention to an even surface.
STEP 4
Commercial-grade felt between the base and the liner
We add commercial-grade felt over the prepared base. This protective layer complements the preparation and contributes to comfort beneath the liner. It’s a distinctive part of the Piscine Hippocampe approach.
Commercial-grade felt: a touch you can feel
A custom-made 600 g/m² underlay
Our commercial-grade felt is cut to the selected size in our warehouses. It forms an additional layer between the liner and the prepared base.
- Helps soften minor residual irregularities.
- Helps reduce friction and contact with small bumps.
- Improves the feel of the surface underfoot.
Keep in mind: 600 g/m² indicates the felt’s mass per unit of surface area, not its thickness. Felt complements a properly prepared base; it does not correct unstable ground or make the liner impossible to puncture.
Replacing an above-ground pool?
Removing the old pool allows us to assess the condition of the base. Even if the location stays the same, the surface, any irregularities, and the need for repairs must be checked before installing the new pool.
So it’s not just a matter of replacing the structure and liner. An assessment of the bottom helps determine the work needed to start fresh with a properly prepared base.
It may also be possible to keep some equipment, depending on its condition and compatibility. Our guide Replacing Your Above-Ground Pool: What Can You Keep? can help you prepare for that discussion.
Important questions to ask before installation
- How will the site and existing base be assessed?
- What bottom preparation is included in my quote?
- What material will be used, and how will it be compacted?
- What liner pad will be installed under the liner?
- What adjustments might be needed depending on the site conditions?
A detailed quote helps you understand what’s included and compare the planned work. To also choose the structure and style that suit you, see our guide to Phoenix, Alani, and Nordik above-ground pools.
Frequently asked questions about the bottom of an above-ground pool
Is the dome always exactly the same depth?
No. At Piscine Hippocampe, we plan for a dip in the center of about 4 to 6 inches compared with the perimeter, with adjustments depending on the site and the project.
Can the liner pad replace compaction?
No. Shaping and compacting prepare the base. The liner pad then adds a layer of protection and comfort. These steps serve complementary purposes.
Can you simply reuse the bottom of the old pool?
The condition of the site must be assessed first. The same location can be used for some projects, but the required preparation must be determined before the new installation.
Is this method suitable for all yards and pools?
The method described reflects our approach. Its application should take into account site conditions and the requirements of the manufacturer of the model being installed. An assessment of the project helps determine the appropriate work.
Let’s get your pool project off to a good start
Planning to install or replace an above-ground pool on Montreal’s South Shore? Our team in Delson can help you choose your pool and prepare a quote tailored to your yard.
Get a personalized quoteWould you rather talk to us? 450 632-8680
To complete your project: discover nine accessories to enjoy your above-ground pool even more.