How to Shore Up a Dirt Wall Around a Swimming Pool

Place wood stakes into the ground to mark the perimeter of the retaining wall to hold back the dirt.

Tie heavy duty twine to the stakes to help you mark the perimeter.

Dig a trench along the perimeter of the stakes using a shovel with a flat point on the blade. Make the trench according to the dimensions of your block so the first layer is below ground level. Many blocks require a 4-inch depth.

Compact the dirt in the trench with a hand tamper. This provides a sturdy foundation for the retaining wall.

Add 1 or 2 inches of sand to the trench and then tamp the area again.

Place one of the retaining wall blocks into the trench.

Set a carpenter's level on top of the block to ensure it is sitting level. If not, tap it down with a hammer until it is level. Repeat this with each block until the perimeter is full.

Break the blocks if necessary to create a perfect fit at the end of the trench. Score a line in the block with a brick chisel and split the block using a 3-pound sledgehammer in the scored area.

Add the first row of blocks on top of the ones in the trench. Check that the lip of the block sits down correctly over the back of the one in the trench. Repeat this until the first row is complete.

Place the level on top of the first and last block on the first row to ensure they are level. If not adjust the blocks with the hammer or by repositioning them.

Fill in any space around the row of blocks in the trench with dirt. This adds stability to the retaining wall.

Split a block in half to begin the second row of blocks. This creates a staggered effect that is more attractive on the finished retaining wall.

Lay the blocks in the same fashion to finish the third and subsequent rows. Once you start the third row, place the lip of retaining wall blocks back just 1/4 inch from the bottom of the block beneath it. This makes it lean back slightly, thus making it less apt to tip toward the pool or a person walking next to the retaining wall. Repeat this on all the remaining rows.

Stagger each row by splitting the blocks when necessary. Aim for a retaining wall that is no taller than 3 feet. This ensures the strength of the dry retaining wall.

Place landscape fabric against the retaining wall before filling the cavity with the dirt. Start at the bottom and unroll it over the top row of retaining wall blocks.

Back fill the dirt along the retaining wall.

Cut the excess landscape fabric with sharp scissors once the soil is in place. Repeat this all along the wall.