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A retaining wall may be needed if excessive sloping of the landscape around the pool area
prevents the desired finished elevation needed to meet an existing patio elevation.
Next, the entire shallow end of the pool is to be dug to the same
level as the shelf. This is the 44½" depth, measured from the top of
the coping. The first operation is to dig the pool area (including the
2½' wide working shelf/over dig) to a uniform depth of 44½" below
the reference point selected as the top surface of the pool. Dig the
working shelf/over dig across the width of the pool. Place the shot
stick in the hole as the excavator continues to dig until the depth is
equal to the 44½" mark. When the 44½" mark is in the level sight of
the transit you know that this part of the hole is at proper depth.
In pools with steps, lounges or similar accessories, the length and width of the over dig must be
extended to accommodate each unit and its braces.
Accuracy at this stage is imperative and will require less adjustments to the pool walls later.
IMPORTANT!
Always check and
re-check the
excavation depth
from the
reference point
during the
excavation.
TIP
If the pencil mark is above the cross
hairs, the excavation is not deep
enough, and the pool will be higher than
the predetermined elevation. If the
mark below the cross hairs, the
excavation is too deep and the pool wall
will be below the predetermined
elevation. If you are using the water
level, the water will be below the mark
in the tube when the excavation is too
high and above the mark when the
excavation is to deep.