In ground fire pit

bcs19 · 03-24-2010, 02:34 PM

I have an existing small round in ground pool approx 6' in diameter that we are not using as a pool any longer. I would love to make this a permanent fire pit but when it rains water collects in it and i need to pump it out. The pool normally drained and filled to our large pool so that drain is obviously capped off and we just put a portable fire pit inside. How can I make this a permanent fire pit with allowance to drain water???

Any input would be helpful!!!

Ron6519 · 03-24-2010, 08:51 PM

If you have a relationship between pools, I would just make a cover for the new firepit so water doesn't get in initailly.
Ron

Brad Talent · 03-25-2010, 01:42 AM

Brake up the bottom and add 3/4 minus to the pit.

bcs19 · 03-25-2010, 02:04 PM

Hey Brad, what is minus? I don't understand...

Mudball · 03-25-2010, 09:02 PM

Looks like some great help your getting there bcs19. Not to take away from Brad giving his own answer but I would like to believe that he was referring to "aggregate" (gravel) that would be in 3/4" in size and/or smaller for drainage purposes.

Willie T · 03-25-2010, 10:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mudball

Looks like some great help your getting there bcs19. Not to take away from Brad giving his own answer but I would like to believe that he was referring to "aggregate" (gravel) that would be in 3/4" in size and/or smaller for drainage purposes.

I'd agree.... He's probably talking about what is generally refered to as #6 Stone - This is classified as a coarse aggregate meeting ASTM C 33, Size No. 67. It is light in color, a blend of beige, tan, white, gray and small amounts of black and red stones. It is crushed, washed and screened to a size less than 3/4" with no fines........... although there are cheaper runs of the same size gravel you can buy.

There are also much more expensive glass stones you can purchase. These come in all colors, and give a beautiful reflection to a firepit. The effect is really startling.

handifoot · 03-25-2010, 11:05 PM

I think he meant 3/4 minus. It's a particular size of crushed rock.

Brad Talent · 03-25-2010, 11:57 PM

Wow sorry bcs19. was talking about crushed rock. but, I have been thinking about this and not sure, what are your plans for the cleaning of the pit. Ash and rain will get you mud. please post a picture and you ideas and I am sure we all can help you out better!

bcs19 · 03-26-2010, 12:16 PM

Thanks everyone for the info...

I will take a pic however right now it is filled with rain water to the top...lol.
If I place the gravel will that make it drain - I don't need to drill any hole in the bottom of the pit??

Bondo · 03-26-2010, 12:39 PM

Quote:

If I place the gravel will that make it drain - I don't need to drill any hole in the bottom of the pit??

Ayuh,... Without drainage, it Won't drain...
Depending on what's under it, will determine how you can drain it...

bcs19 · 04-07-2010, 08:22 AM

There is dirt under it. The hole is already cemented in the ground. Could I just drill a hole in the bottom for drainage? And then add gravel on top?

jlhaslip · 04-07-2010, 11:31 AM

yes indeed... the bigger the hole the better.