Stapeley Water Gardens

1. Assuming that the pool is not symmetrical (if it is, lie it face down on its rim), stand the pool face up in position. Use pegs or similar to mark a point every 30 cm (12 inches), or as required around the pool, into the ground. Using a spade divot or sand, trace the pool outline from peg to peg. Digging 10 cm (4 inches) outside of this line excavate the whole area down to the depth of the first marginal shelf, plus 5 cm (2 inches).

2. Place the pool shell over the excavation again and mark out the next level, which is usually the base of the shell. Excavate again making the lower levels 5 cm (2 inches) wider all around and 2.5 cm (1 inch) deeper.

3. Make sure that the base of the excavation is well compacted and then line it with a 2.5 cm (1 inch) layer of sand. Relocate the shell into the excavation checking all levels with a spirit level.

4. Start to slowly fill the pool with water and backfill around the pool with sand or sifted soil, slowly as the pool fills, taking special care under the pool shelves