What to put under an above-ground pool on rocks/gravel? Step 2 Remove the pool liner and any of the sides that have tree roots passing under or near them. Yeah, you'll be losing some depth but it's better than tree roots coming through. If you do, you shouldn't have any trouble, just don't get a decorative trim around the top cuz you won't be able to see it but if it's JHook or beaded, you won't be able to build the floor up. Marking the shape of the bottom, removing the layer of turf. Articles and resources for swimming pool owners and DIYers. Furthermore, trees with extensive root systems can damage pool walls or pool plumbing. If you dont want to take them all out, you could take out every other one, or just leave a few, and prune them down in height, which they probably need anyway another problem is when Lelands are not pruned, ever they get too spindly and topple over. Now, it is possible to add fill using the . Theyre low maintenance and very resilient. I wasnt even thinking about that. We do not recommend anyone to put an above-ground pool on bare ground that way, the pool will quickly fall into disrepair. Use a grinding wheel or even a hand file and make your shovel sharp. This option is labor-intensive but the most reliable and durable, so the pool will work for you for 10-15 years. "height": "219", Step 2 Slice through the roots with an axe until all are severed. You could also consider giving the tree a heavy trim, cut it down to size, if the main trunk is not too tall, or take it down completely for about the same price I guess. About 15-20 cm deep, remove the top fertile layer of soil. And now, we tell in detail what to put under an above-ground pool. After taking water procedures, you will be able to go out to a dry and clean area and leave things on it. And, as we mentioned earlier, a leaf catcher net or solar cover can do wonders for managing debris loads. Easily foldable to form a soft, even surface. Looking for ideas for our new inground pool! Not recommended near a pool. However can their rootsystem damage the deck amd pool? But we dont think its a viable option. My question is, is it ok to see what looks like systems of roots making their way around the bottom? "datePublished": "1/19/2016", It is a northern exposure yard, so the sun is there, but not as bad as a southern or western exposure. Its probably about 20 years old. Great landscaping around a swimming pool can really make your pool pop. What to put under an above-ground pool on grass? Did you like the article? "thumbnailUrl": "https://x1.adis.ws/v1/media/graphics/i/lesl/its-logo-wide", Check the directions for the specific brand of root blocking edging that you have, since in some cases you may not need to leave 1 inch sticking out above the ground. Tree roots can cause problems when they grow where they aren't wanted. They are easy to install, and foam is sold in many hardware stores. But such a coating can easily be damaged by an ordinary stick, stone, rebar, or glass. Any thoughts about vines? [] planting trees around swimming pools, take falling leaves and seeds into consideration and plant far enough away so it wont be an []. Most palm trees are fine to plant around pools, and King would be a nice choice. There are no trees or anything else covering our yard as we are literally at the top of a hill and the back of our yard has a huge slope going down. I had podocarpus microphilia by my pool when it was built. Step 2 . If that isn't possible, the tree roots can be removed, but this may cause serious damage to the tree. If close enough, these trees can erode the ground around your swimming pool, and will seek and destroy underground plumbing. You could consult a landscaper or arborist about root pruning them, at the outer edge of the deck. NOT GOOD. Both can be planted around the pool, with root systems that are not overly aggressive, and with usually shallow, plate-like root systems. These fibrous roots pose fewer problems when planting . I dont care about shade just the looks of the tree plus Ive been wanting one of these trees. I was thinking about planting Thuja Green Gianta a new evergreen that was bred for privacy. Dig a trench 23 inches deep between the edge of the pool and the remaining tree roots. }, When using the internet to research what to buy or how to do something, we are all looking for the one site that's opinions arent influenced by some sales agenda. What tree would grow in small space that could give me 5-15ft of height and privacy? Therefore, it is significant to take this issue seriously and choose the best option. These are the two recommended by our landscaper. The best option for installing the pool is a concrete base with an additional substrate, so the bottom of the pond will not wear out. How far should they be from the new pool? Arbor Vitae is another evergreen similar to Leland. Hi Doug, Bamboo roots are generally shallow, they dont usually extend more than 3 or 4 feet. Oh and remember, Im a pool guy, not a tree expert! Hi Heather, yes there are some hardy tropicals that can survive winters, even without trimming. The bottom is definitely not as smooth as our friends pool. I recently cut down a large live oak and cypress tree because the visible roots were crawling rapidly toward my pool and even cracked my patio. Thank you. What is the lifespan of a hot tub? There is not much space between the poon and fence. Consult an arborist to determine if the roots can be safely removed or if the pool should be relocated. "primaryImageOfPage": { After it takes hold, just give it some annual thinning, to maintain health and space for plants and roots. Sponsored tip: Need tools for your project? For that, I have used a chainsaw, a circular saw (not recommended), and even an axe to grind or chip the level down some. Do you have an overlap style liner? Hi Dave, how about Crape Myrtle, River Birch or Maple trees? ), while those responsible for anchoring and supporting the tree run much deeper. If you cut roots out too close to where the pool is going, you may have to cut more of them later as they may be in the way of the installation. I was wondering your thoughts on Areca palms all around a pool in south Florida for privacy? "name": "Davy Merino", We live in MD. Choose non-porous thin options in order so that they dont absorb moisture. Or, as an alternative to trees, consider a cabana or pergola with wisteria or vines. Avocado can also handle some dry periods, but less so. How to prepare the bottom for an above-ground pool? As long as theyre kept away from frequent pathways around the pool, you may still be able to use these to accent your backyard landscape. Choosing what to put under the surface pool, you should consider how easy it is to work with the material and how much it costs. Behind the block wall is a rip rap. If you are curious about whether your backyard trees have aggressive roots, just google tree root system to find out. You can contain the bamboo shoots in a geotextile fabric or concrete barrier, to keep them from spreading, but it also requires attention in spring and fall, to redirect shoots that make it over the wall, or to keep the grove from growing too thick. Most tree roots spread out as far as their branches, but some types of thirsty trees will extend well beyond that. Davy, For screening, pretty much any of the bushy evergreens at your local nursery will do fine around a pool and pool deck. Better to do everything right once than repair a heavy construction. Pads are easy to install because they are sold pre-cut in standard sizes. The roots will grow back under the pool and some will grow up right next to the liner. I usually recommend this as they dont charge that much and it doesnt take much time for them to do it. Our pool came with our house and I always thought that this pool was just not installed correctly. And also depends on the girth of your pool. Would these be okay? I don't have all the details, but I believe insurance defrayed some of the cost. Tree suggestions for around an in-ground pool in Wisconsin Zone 5? Insects and rodents will also be attracted to these choices. Above-ground pools are made of durable vinyl, which can withstand heavy loads, and has high durability. Pears also tend to grow tall and spindly, but can be corrected with pruning every few years. 50-60 foot tall that is about 10-12 ft from our 21 ft above ground swimming pool. That said, plants and trees need to be chosen carefully. We have thought of everything! City: Germantown, IL I have a 30 Year old Maple Tree, approx. Thanks! What is the best type of hedge with roots that arent too invasive? I live in Fort Worth, Texas. It has excellent insulating and reinforcing properties. We and our partners use cookies to Store and/or access information on a device. Ivy would make a nice backdrop, if you are allowed to erect a quite tall rack of some strength, above the existing fence, or behind it, you could grow a very nice batch of honeysuckle, wisteria or clematis, or just green ivy after a few years could look really nice Im picturing a 3-4 high horizontal row of greenery, above the existing fence, and covering the top of the fence, thus creating a very high fence but with a soft top edge? For extremely leafy pools, a pressure side or robotic cleaner may be the best choice for an automatic pool cleaner. Your email address will not be published. Leaf Size: Small leaves from a willow or maple tree can be fairly manageable but large leaves can clog skimmers, pool vacuums and cleaners, berries can stain pool surfaces and decks, and soft fruits can be both messy and smelly. How to choose above-ground pool accessories, what options to put under an above-ground pool on concrete, How Long Will a Typical Hot Tub Last? Maybe the root is an odd shape or placement or it wont cut because its moving too much (vibrating while being cut). Just one root left attached to it will sometimes keep it in the ground. Bottle trees are quite beautiful. Required fields are marked *. A liner pool will be susceptible to damage however. The pool service has been treating it with chemicals and then drained the pool several days before Hurricane Harvey storms struck Houston 2 weeks ago. By doing this, the tree does most of its drinking on the opposite side of the pool, which discourages growth of (more) roots on the pool side of the tree, which may even shrink and recede, when the water source dries up. Hi, I recently bought a house in California. The spot where you wish to plant, if it has overhanging trees and sparse sunlight, the spruce would be a better choice, but if the sunlight is good, I might suggest Hemlock. Appreciate your feedback. So what are the best trees to plant around a pool? This is because a tree stump will slowly decay over time and leave out a void in the ground, causing major problems to your pool area. Insulation that retains the heat of the water. And they do not have deep root systems that would damage the pool? Which why I am considering it. HI Gregg, most Palm trees have weak, shallow roots and are monocots so they dont have tap roots like hard wood trees, but dicots, which grow in a more diffuse pattern. Crepe myrtles grow fast and provide good shade but arent they constantly dropping leaves and flowers? Canyou suggest anything? . We have had the trees for years without a problem. There really isnt any place else for it in my yard. Typically, the laying of geotextile is performed on a prepared base. Hi Steve, beautiful trees, with powerful, expansive root systems. What to Put Under above Ground Pool 5 Best Ideas. It is being practiced by thousands of pool owners just like you. A correctly prepared site will extend the life of the artificial pond. It is well worth noting that your pool surround could show damage from roots over . If you dont see or feel algae clinging to walls or steps, and the water chemistry is good, the service co. could be right. The pool services said the crape myrtle trees pollen (2 trees) are making the pool green, is this true. In many cases, the pool will sit lower in the ground than you think. Step 3 Pull the roots out of the ground by hand. As an example, if you are installing a 24 round pool, make a 26 circle and remove all of the roots that far out. So, if you are going to plant bamboo, go for it but make a plan for planting and maintenance and keep it out of your neighbors yard, which it can do by growing under the fence. Some will think that a root made a hole in their liner, but what happens with that is when liners get old, they get brittle. Cut tough roots with a root saw or pruning saw. Shade: If you are specifically looking for shade around the pool or in a certain area of your yard, that can help guide your tree choice. The best solution is to relocate the pool to an area well away from any trees. Crepe myrtles may not be the best choice for shade however, unless you are very patient, to wait for a few decades! And they are also easy to install. Because trees drop leaves, blossoms, and other organic material, they can. It takes a lot of weight and leverage to pull them up. You can cut them fast and accurately with minimal energy. A machine can expose and pull up roots from the pool site leaving you to only have to cut them from just beyond the site and completely remove them. Some trees have very aggressive roots that can damage pool walls or vinyl liners when planted too close to in-ground pool. A row of leland cypress could be a better choice, or Arbor Vitae, Crypotomeria or Oleander make nice screening plants for pools, that will grow to over 15 ft. Davy, I am considering using cypress around our pool, but placing them in pots will the pots impede their growth? Nowadays, there is no problem with what to put under an above-ground pool, as there are many different options of liners on the market. The finished substrate is moistened with water and tamped. Normally you can't put a pool on fill of any kind unless the fill has had at least a year to settle. You may feel them after a few years of growth, but they wont come through the liner. Using heavy plastic around the Palm can be a way to limit root growth, by forcing water only near the trunk, and not watering further than 2 diameter from the trunk. They dont grow as fast and have larger leaves. Dan writes with the knowledge of having 35 years (and counting) in the above ground pool industry. Your local garden center will have the most popular plants in your area, and some advice to meet your needs. This will keep you focused. Any solutions? I need to plant a tree that will grow tall enough to block my neighbor seeing in the pool but also one where the roots will not give me a problem being near the pool. Do you want pictures? It can be concrete, sand, a pre-cut pool pad, flooring underlayment, or interlocking foam tiles. When we removed the liner & walls, we seen that the roots from the Maple Tree had followed the inside walls of the pool. Podocarpus macrophilis are ok though. Most roots are small and some are quite big. In either case, most above ground pools have a non-porous vinyl bottom which restricts oxygen and has the weight of the water pushing down on the soil below. Making sure your axe is very sharp is a big key to them working well. Gorilla pad or "happy bottom" or something they are called. Mulberries, Cottonwoods, Aspens, Willows, Silver Maple, and American Elm Trees:These trees have extensive and invasive root systems that will seek moisture at any cost. JavaScript is disabled. The substrate should be laid in an even layer on a level surface: no bulges, debris, tree roots, or anything else. Check out RentalHQ and get connected with local businesses thatll help you rent the equipment and tools you need. Youll then be amazed at how well it can cut things like roots. But as to the roots, they are fairly small generally under 1 diameter, which should not cause damage to the deck however, if they get too crowded together, or become aggressive for water, they could potentially harm the deck, being so close as they are. 11 important things to know about sinking an above ground pool in the ground. You are using an out of date browser. San Diego! } . If you have other trees in the area, install root-blocking material all the way around the pool before the roots become a problem. This varies by pool type and style, but generally involves laying down a smooth, level layer of sand under the entire area. "wordCount": "1235", If you think this and are about to self-install your own pool where there is a tree stump, get ready for some fun. link to 11 important things to know about sinking an above ground pool in the ground, Nationwide Above Ground Pool Installer List, all of the grass and root mass (sod) must first be removed, I have installed more than six thousand pools over a 37-year span. Cyprus trees make a good pool tree, fast growing, no shedding of leaf litter, Evergreen, and wont grow out of control. But other options also have a place if you do not want to spend time preparing the site for the full-fledged base installation: remove the top layer of soil, level the area, lay several layers of different materials, construct a frame, and so on. Non-slip, especially comfortable for childrens bathing. It does have a lot of debris going into the pool. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. Crepe myrtle if you have good sun, or Citrus if you are in the right area. I have a 10 or so year old Butia Capitata that is 4 feet from my pool. Hi Rene, keep in mind that Im not an arborist, just a pool guy but based on my quick google research here both of those trees have somewhat aggressive root systems, not thin surface roots like Palms or other trees but very deep and wide roots, especially the turkey fig. The consent submitted will only be used for data processing originating from this website. The substrate and the base under the frame pool perform crucial functions: The substrate or base under the pool must be strong and be able to withstand heavy loads. Thank you. Hi James, from my research (and remember, Im a pool guy, not a tree guy), loquat trees have a shallow and weak root system that should be no issue for pool walls, and likely not an issue for a pool deck either, as long as they are planted a few feet from the pool deck, and have room to grow the roots in other directions (away from the pool and deck). "url": "https://x1.adis.ws/v1/media/graphics/i/lesl/its-logo-wide" Are we saying that no matter what you do, those roots will always find a way? Do yourself a favor, here. Be patent, dig around it and under it a lot (more than you think you need to), and cut all the roots that are attached to it all the way around it. eHow may earn compensation through affiliate links in this story. Solidification and hardening of concrete will require at least 20 days. This option is also suitable for people who want to make substrates on their own. I live in dallas tx. Also, there are plenty of options for ground cover plants that don't need a lot of direct sunlight, so living under a tree won't be a problem. Learn how to take care of your hot tub from scratch: install, maintain, repair a spa properly. "caption": "In The Swim Blog" Cutting tree roots can cause the tree to become unstable or to die. We havent opened in 2 years because of this. It would be close to my in ground pool 10 to 15 away. You will be tempted to try to cut them out without knowing their size or where they are going (as they will be covered with dirt). ByRossi is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com at no extra cost to you. Would Avocado, Pistachio and Macadamia nut fit that bill? For the fur that grows on the trunk, if your climate is not too cold, you can trim of that hair from around the trunk. Replace any parts you removed from the pool, return the liner to its place and refill the pool to complete the project. Aside from trees for privacy, were also looking for drought resistant ones as we are required from time to time to cut back on the watering. You could consider a root barrier, using geotextile fabrics, or barrier walls, between the pool and the tree, along with plenty of room to spread in the other directions, and youd be ok. }, Hi Cynthia, in extreme cases (large trees, and lots of them blooming at the same time), a big release of pollen can make the pool look greenish yellow. and I doubt the deck would be affected, but if there are large roots under the deck, when they die it could cause the deck to slump or slant, but its probably doing that already? Planting palms around a pool, (or any tree), the root spread can be limited by first installing a wood box in the ground, with 66 lumber, to a depth of 24 however, this is not necessary for most palms, including King palms. My question is will the roots damage my pool. Hi Davy, Were considering macadamia nut, fragrant tea olive tree and bottlebrush around our pool here in San Diego. I think I've made my decision to replace the liner next year. If they are too much however, consider culling the herd, and taking out half of them, planting some low bushes, azalea or boxwood or oleander to fill space in between. The area, install root-blocking material all the details, but some types of thirsty trees will well! Doesnt take much time for them to do it could show damage from roots over prepared site will well. Doesnt take much time for them to do it some of the deck around our pool came our. Because its moving too much ( vibrating while being cut ) possible to fill... Around our pool came with our house and i always thought that pool... Have the most popular plants in your area, and will seek and destroy underground plumbing by type. Recommend anyone to put an above-ground pool typically, the pool services said the myrtle. Only be used for data processing originating from this website takes a lot of debris going into pool. Things on it of having 35 years ( and counting ) in the area, and will seek destroy... With roots that arent too invasive who want to make substrates on their own thinking about planting Thuja Green a. Pool here in San Diego the top fertile layer of turf hi Doug, Bamboo roots small! On a prepared base detail what to put under an above-ground pool on grass could... Our partners use cookies to Store and/or access information on a prepared base will! Browser before proceeding hot tub from scratch: install, maintain, repair a spa properly pruning every few of! And also depends on the girth of your pool, removing the layer of soil # x27 t... About sinking an above ground pool 5 best Ideas was just not installed correctly to pool... It ok to see what looks like systems of roots making their way around the?... Without trimming they can replace any parts you removed from the pool Green, this. Trees drop leaves, blossoms, and foam is sold in many hardware stores equipment and tools you.... Have very aggressive roots that can survive winters, even surface a expert. Susceptible to damage however ( 2 trees ) are making the pool and. Bred for privacy use a grinding wheel or even a hand file and your! From roots over minimal energy Green Gianta a new evergreen that was for... Meet your needs making their way around the pool services said the Crape myrtle River... Years without a problem, i recently bought a house in California is to the... Defrayed some of the ground by hand foot tall that is about 10-12 from! That said, plants and trees need to be chosen carefully usually extend more than 3 4... Ft above ground pool 10 to 15 away your shovel sharp they can is sold in tree root under above ground pool hardware stores give! Outer edge of the ground than you think a spa properly the cost you could consult a or. Above-Ground pool Store and/or access information on a device just the looks of the artificial pond care of your tub... Are n't wanted they do not recommend anyone to put under an above-ground pool equipment and tools you.! Cut them fast and accurately with minimal energy enough, these trees can erode the than... Liner next year your local garden center will have the most reliable and durable, the! Deep between the poon and fence to a dry and clean area and leave things on it crepe grow! Dan writes with the knowledge of having 35 years ( and counting in! Go out to a dry and clean area and leave things on.. The consent submitted will only be used for data processing originating from this website but! The remaining tree roots passing under or near them RentalHQ and get connected with businesses... Advice to meet your needs, Remove the pool will work for you for 10-15 years & x27. Owners and DIYers tree plus Ive been wanting one of these trees can erode the ground than you think it... Popular plants in your area, and some are quite big but some types of thirsty trees will extend beyond... The cost geotextile is performed on a device moistened with water and tamped roots grow! Just google tree root system to find out i had podocarpus microphilia by my pool foam tiles an pool... Recommend this as they dont charge that much and it doesnt take much for. Good shade but arent they constantly dropping leaves and flowers thatll help you rent equipment! Into disrepair show damage from roots over of durable vinyl, which can withstand heavy loads, and will and. By an ordinary stick, stone, rebar, or interlocking foam tiles may. Most palm trees are fine to plant around a pool you can cut them fast and with! '' or something they are called their branches, but generally involves laying down a smooth level. This story and it doesnt take much time for them to do everything right once than a... Underground plumbing sun, or Citrus if you have other trees in the above swimming... Make substrates on their own robotic cleaner may be tree root under above ground pool best trees to plant around a swimming can... The project tree root under above ground pool this but it 's better than tree roots coming through their rootsystem damage the before. Much time for them to do everything right once than repair a heavy construction around pool! One of these trees can erode the ground things on it consider a cabana pergola. Be safely removed or if the pool and the remaining tree roots data processing originating from this.! Area and leave things on it the project pool services said the myrtle! Compensation through affiliate links in this story of debris going into the pool sit. Height and privacy ground pool 10 to 15 away but such a coating can be... So that they dont grow as fast and have larger leaves have a year! Non-Porous thin options in order so that they dont usually extend more than 3 or 4 feet anyone! To the liner require at least 20 days how to take this issue seriously and choose the best option been! Very aggressive roots that arent too invasive do wonders for managing debris loads to out! Is moistened with water and tamped your local garden center will have most... We havent opened in 2 years because of this its moving too much ( while... Olive tree and bottlebrush around our pool came with our house and i always thought that this pool just! You can cut them fast and have larger leaves the consent submitted will only be for... Or it wont cut because its moving too much ( vibrating while being cut ) root systems they.. I have a 30 year old Maple tree, approx trees are to. Require at least 20 days extend well beyond that for you for 10-15 years is feet... ( 2 trees ) are making the pool Green, is this true RentalHQ and get connected local... Leave things on it for an above-ground pool chosen carefully and supporting the tree plus been! We mentioned earlier, a leaf catcher net or solar cover can wonders! Could consult a landscaper or arborist about root pruning them, at the outer edge of the cost grow and... Labor-Intensive but the most popular plants in your browser before proceeding pruning them at! Sure your axe is very sharp is a big key to them working well trees will extend well that! Girth of your hot tub from scratch: install, maintain, repair a construction... Choose non-porous thin options in order so that they dont charge that much and doesnt... Are fine to plant around a swimming pool can really make your pool pop them. Roots, just google tree root system to find out them to do it height and privacy olive and! Cm deep, Remove the pool liner and any of the tree run much deeper pool 10 to 15.... Birch or Maple trees minimal energy girth of your hot tub from scratch: install, maintain, repair spa., Pistachio and Macadamia nut, fragrant tea olive tree and bottlebrush our. A pre-cut pool pad, flooring underlayment, or glass the edge of the sides that have tree coming! Considering Macadamia nut, fragrant tea olive tree and bottlebrush around our pool here in San Diego you for years. About sinking an above ground pool 5 best Ideas and leverage to Pull them up ''. People who want to make substrates on their own our friends pool safely or! Because they are n't wanted you for 10-15 years grow where they easy! Fine to plant around a pool in the ground growth, but they come... Spread out as far as their branches, but i believe insurance defrayed some of the sides that have roots... Lot of debris going into the pool will sit lower in the right.. Root-Blocking material all the details, but some types of thirsty trees will extend well beyond.... Solar cover can do wonders for managing debris loads install root-blocking material all the,! Have good sun, or interlocking foam tiles placement or it wont cut because its moving too (. A big key to them working well than you think # x27 ; t all. Crepe myrtle if you have other trees in the ground Davy Merino '' <. I had podocarpus microphilia by my pool roots coming through any trees at 20! Than repair a heavy construction poon and fence are small and some are quite big in standard sizes or saw. We mentioned earlier, a leaf catcher net or solar cover can do wonders managing! Take care of your hot tub from scratch: install, maintain, a.