What about a concrete product called flowable or flexible fill? It's used by my installer here in Vermont.

I'm in SW New Mexico and do not have a large selection of builders . It seems like the builders are divided upon the use of sand or gravel. One told me that gravel would void the manufacturers warranty. My pool area land is highly porus soil with small rocks. I am leaning towards a Leisure pool.  
 
Any thoughts please! 
 

@Freida: Flowable fill is a good product. We don't use it at River Pools but I would have no problem recommending it. 
 
@Denise: If you're contractor isn't willing to use gravel over sand, then I'm not sure what to say other than it's a shame, and hopefully whatever manufacturer it is will 'wake up' and embrace proper building practices.

Why do you censor and delete factual comments about back filling pools. 
Is it because the truth hurts.Write facts based on sound engineering practice not a sales pitch pitch by someone who dose not now a great deal. 
Norman in New Zealand 

Kiwi, what are you talking about? Seriously man? The only time I remove a comment is if they are move and the person writing them doesn't have the decency to be kind and respectful. 
 
Please do not leave a comment on this blog unless you want to be constructive.

Re your advice on back filling pools with gravel or any other type of fill. 
 
(1)The advice you are giving is floored because it is not sound engineering practice to back fill without the fill being stabilized with cement. 
What it does is stops the fill from slumping downwards causing bulges to appear in the walls. 
(2) Another thing that can happen and this is caused with the hammer Type Pool Cleaners acting as a vibrator it can force the 2 sides inwards which means the bottom bows up, this can happen if there is a water table and come summer when the ground water drys up and the bottom that was floating wants to go down and cannot guess what a large split appears in the bottom of the pool, and who would becomes liable for the advice given you would. 
(3) When giving advice on what are sound engineering practice be careful because Back filling with gravel is not correct. 
Norman Tyree (Kiwi)

We have tried several types of material throughout the years as far as backfill, and although many dealers accross the nation have different practices in this area, we feel as if gravel is the way to go as well. Sometimes the bulging of side walls aren't totally due to the material used but due to an installer not backfilling in sequence with the water added to the pool during construction or the fact that the manufacturer of the pool installed isn't of great quality. Enjoyed the article and hope you guys are doing well.

Nice guidelines for swimming pool lovers.

I agree with backfilling with gravel over sand.I perfer to use flowable fill when ever possible because of the compaction rate and it filling every nook and cranie,like steps and benches.And as far as setteling from auto cleaners hammering effect or water build up the flowable fill always stays in place but cost is about 1000-1200 dollars more per pool to use over gravel or sand.

My husband and I have been doing quite a bit of research (which let us to your blog MANY times, by the way) and found a Viking pool that we love. We met with a few installers and found someone who we were really excited/confident to work with. Just today, we found out that our installer uses sand to backfill rather than gravel. He told us that they used to use gravel but now Viking recommends sand and it sounds like the warranty won't hold if gravel is used. We are concerned about hydrostatic pressure and other potential issues with sand.  
 
 
 
What's up with Viking?  
 
 
 
Also, anything else, advice wise, that you can share? I've read the blogs here about sand vs. gravel and it seems like this is kind of a big deal. 
 
 
 
We're now looking at a Leisure pool (the Moroccan, I believe) although we looked at some Trilogy models (but they are owned by Viking, so we're wondering if they'll require sand backfill, too. 
 
 
 
Thanks -- the information you post has been very helpful!

Jen, you just asked the $50,000,000 question. :) 
 
Why Viking has taken the antiquated stance they have with sand v gravel is beyond my realm of understanding at this point, and it's a shame to be very frank and honest. 
 
 
Personally, I would never accept a fiberglass pool installed on anything but gravel... 
 
So good luck with this Jen :) 
 
Marcus

Thanks for your response, Marcus. Our installer says that they prefer to use gravel and have apparently received the thumbs up from Viking to stick with gravel for our install. Now, we just have to finalize which style we want. Holy moly -- didn't realize how hard that choice would be!!! Thanks again!

@Jen. I used to be a viking dealer and was told to either use sand or give up my dealership...I gave up my dealership. They told me me they will not honor any warranty on gravel