Q: Should I use sand or dirt to level my pool?

• <div><p>It depends on the model of your pool. You&rsquo;ll always have to level the topsoil, but most vinyl-lined pools require an additional 1- to 2-inch layer of sand to protect the liner. This way, when a foot kicks down to the bottom of your pool, it&rsquo;s not scraping the liner against the hard ground. If your pool isn&rsquo;t vinyl-lined, you can skip this step or add a layer of another base material, like <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/what-is-decomposed-granite.htm">decomposed granite</a>. Always check your manufacturer&rsquo;s instructions before you begin.</p></div>

Question 1

Should I use sand or dirt to level my pool?

Accepted Answer

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It depends on the model of your pool. You’ll always have to level the topsoil, but most vinyl-lined pools require an additional 1- to 2-inch layer of sand to protect the liner. This way, when a foot kicks down to the bottom of your pool, it’s not scraping the liner against the hard ground. If your pool isn’t vinyl-lined, you can skip this step or add a layer of another base material, like decomposed granite. Always check your manufacturer’s instructions before you begin.

Question 2

What should you do with areas of grass that won't grow?

Accepted Answer

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There are several reasons your grass may be dying that could be in or out of your control. The most common issues include poor drainage, under/overwatering, poor soil pH, low soil nutrients, low sunlight, or too much foot traffic.

Question 3

What time of year is best to mulch?

Accepted Answer

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Mid to late spring is the best time of year to mulch. If you do it too early in the spring, the mulch could slow down the warming process of the soil and affect how well plants grow. By mid to late spring the temperatures are usually steadying, making it an ideal time to spread mulch.

Question 4

How much area does 10 bags of mulch cover?

Accepted Answer

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That depends on the number of cubic feet in each bag. Ten 2-cubic-foot bags of mulch will cover 20 cubic feet, while 10 3-cubic-foot bags of mulch will cover 30 cubic feet. Learning how to DIY mulch can save you money and help you repurpose natural items such as wood chips, pine needles, and leaves.

Question 5

Do weeds grow through rubber mulch?

Accepted Answer

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Weeds can grow through rubber mulch, but it depends on if you removed all the weeds in your garden beforehand. Weeds already in the soil can grow even when using rubber mulch. However, that doesn’t mean that your garden will be littered with rubber and weeds, but it does mean that the occasional weed might still pop up. Another way you can increase your weed suppression is by using landscape fabric as a second layer.