QuestionI have recently purchased a large surface pool and the area i would like to set it up on is a very large concrete pad. It is slopping at least 1 full ft to the end. my question is there any system to put on the concrete to level a an area on the pad to put the pool on. or is there any way to actually level the pad itself?
AnswerI'm not aware of any "system" for leveling an existing, sloping concrete pad.
To clarify: in your question, it sounds like you are NOT talking about a portable spa, as in an 8'x8' fiberglass square, with self-contained pump equiment, but an above-ground "Doughboy" style pool, that may have elevated decking around it, and a filter/pump that sits off to the side.
I called a pool-installer contractor I know and asked him your question. He said putting an above-ground pool on an existing slab is not a good idea, unless it is perfectly level. Also, I don't know if you have a "soft" or "hard" sided pool, or if you have a hard, or soft vinyl bottom liner that may get damaged from scuffing on a concrete slab.
Even a modest 12'x16' above-ground pool, at 4 feet deep, is going to weigh in at a whopping 24 tons!! That will crack stuff. So, I cannot recommend putting it on an existing slab without the possibility of damaging the concrete, the pool, or both.
The standard installation normally calls for leveling an area that is to receive the above-ground pool with sand. Here are some links for the typical installation:
www.backyardcitypools.com/swimming-pools/AG-Basic-Pool-Installation-Guide.htm
www.backyardcitypools.com/FAQs/FAQ-Cat-Above-Ground-Swimmin-2.htm
I suppose you might be able to add sand on top of the concrete pad, to level it, but the pool may "creep" downhill - 24 tons is tough to stop something from moving where it wants to...OR, you can pour an additional leveling course of concrete to get the thing flat level.
If you are talking a foot's worth of concrete, it might get pretty expensive to do that.
~Marc
