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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.

Yard grading is a key component of proper drainage because runoff naturally moves with respect to gravity. If you have low spots in your yard, rain and snowmelt will settle there and oversaturate the soil, promoting root rot and fungal growth. If the low spots are near your home’s foundation, you could even end up with foundation leaks or structural damage due to poor yard grading.

If you notice small bumps on your lawn, you can flatten them by gently treading them down when the ground is wet. A lawn with larger lumps may need to be regraded by a professional to flatten it out and improve the overall drainage of the yard to prevent future lumps from forming.

The largest issue with xeriscaping is the up front cost and the amount of work required to amend your old lawn. Xeriscaping costs $3,000 to $24,000 on average, but the long-term payoff, both financially and environmentally, includes saving water, time, and money on lawn maintenance.