A Step-by-Step Guide on How to Level Ground for a Pool

Installing a pool is a big project, and ensuring the ground is perfectly level is critical to both the aesthetics and safety of your above-ground pool. An unlevel pool can lead to water displacement, increased strain on the pool walls, and potentially dangerous conditions. Follow proper leveling techniques for a smooth installation and a long-lasting pool.

Importance of a Levelled Pool

A level pool is essential for several reasons. First, it ensures even water distribution, preventing structural damage to the pool walls that can occur when one side bears more water weight. Secondly, a level foundation reduces the risk of tripping or accidents around the pool. Finally, ensuring the ground is level adds to the overall durability and lifespan of your pool, avoiding costly repairs or reinstallation.

How To Level The Ground For A Pool

Location Selection

• Sun Exposure: Select a location that receives ample sunlight to help keep the pool water warm, which extends your swimming season. However, avoid spots with overhanging trees, as falling leaves and debris can make pool maintenance more challenging.
• Drainage: It's essential to choose an area that naturally drains well. Avoid low-lying spots that might collect water after rainfall, as standing water around the pool can cause erosion or structural issues.
• Accessibility: Check that the chosen location is easily accessible for regular maintenance, such as cleaning and chemical adjustments. Also, leave adequate space around the pool (typically 4 feet or more) for ease of movement and the setup of pool accessories.
• Underground Utilities: Before finalizing the spot, check for any underground utility lines, such as septic tanks or electrical wiring, which could interfere with digging or cause safety hazards during installation.

Clearing the Area

• Remove Vegetation: Use a sod cutter or shovel to clear all grass, rocks, and other debris from the area. You should also remove roots or larger stones that could puncture the pool liner or cause instability later.
• Preserving Sod: If you plan to reuse the sod elsewhere in your yard, carefully roll it up after cutting and water it regularly to keep it viable.
• Till the Soil: For hard-packed soil, consider using a rototiller to loosen the ground, making it easier to level and remove any additional obstructions. This will also aerate the soil, which is beneficial for the stability of the pool’s foundation.
• Final Debris Check: After clearing, rake the area thoroughly to ensure there are no hidden objects like rocks or sticks that might damage the pool liner over time.

Checking Levelness

Once you’ve determined the ground’s levelness, use stakes and string to mark high spots.

• Grid Method: Create a perimeter around the pool area with stakes. Run strings across the perimeter and through the center, forming a grid. The high spots are areas where the ground touches or rises above the strings.
• Marking for Adjustment: Clearly mark these spots for digging, as removing high areas will prevent settling over time. The grid system maintains uniform leveling across the entire area.

Marking High Spots

Use stakes and string to mark the desired pool height and identify uneven areas. The string will highlight where the ground is higher than needed, making it easy to target those areas for adjustment.

Check out these lawn stakes for easy string marking.

Soil Adjustment

It is more effective to dig out high spots rather than trying to fill low ones.

• Digging High Spots: Use a shovel to gradually lower the high spots to match the lowest point of the pool site. This method is more stable than adding soil to fill dips, as newly added soil can settle unevenly, causing instability.
• Avoid Filling Low Spots: While it may be tempting to add soil to low areas, this method is prone to uneven settling after the pool is installed. Removing high spots ensures the ground remains stable even after the pool has been filled with water.
• Consistency: Regularly check levelness throughout the process, using either the board-and-level method or the string-and-stake system to confirm you’re on track.

Raking and Tamping

Once the soil has been adjusted, the next step is to smooth and compact it:

• Rake the Ground: Use a wide rake to evenly distribute soil across the entire area, removing any small rocks or remaining debris so that no sharp objects can puncture the pool liner later.
• Tamping: To prevent future shifting, compact the soil using a tamper or lawn roller. This step is essential for creating a firm and stable foundation. For larger areas, or if the soil is particularly loose, consider wetting the ground slightly before tamping to help with compaction.

Adding and Compacting Sand

To create a smooth, protective layer beneath your pool liner, add and compact a layer of sand:

1. Spread Sand Evenly: Pour about 2 inches of masonry sand across the leveled ground. Sand is preferred because it cushions the pool liner, preventing sharp objects from damaging it.
2. Raking: Use a rake to distribute the sand evenly and remove any remaining debris.
3. Compact the Sand: Like the soil, the sand must also be compacted for stability. Use a tamper or lawn roller to compress the sand firmly. If the sand is too dry, lightly mist it with water to help with compaction.
4. Final Check: After compacting, perform a final level check to ensure the surface is flat and ready for the pool. Make any last-minute adjustments with additional sand if needed.

Setting Up Your Pool

1. Lay Down a Ground Cloth or Tarp: Before assembly, place a ground cloth, tarp, or foam padding over the leveled ground. This layer protects the pool liner from sharp objects and helps prevent grass or weeds from growing through. The cover should be spread evenly across the entire pool area.
2. Assemble the Pool Frame: Follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully when assembling the pool frame. During assembly, check that the base remains level. Make sure all connections, such as screws and bolts, are tight to avoid shifting when the pool is filled.
3. Smooth the Pool Liner: Lay the liner inside the frame and work from the center outward to smooth out wrinkles. A wrinkle-free liner prevents future leaks and keeps the pool base evenly supported. Gently adjust the liner until it’s flush against the pool walls.
4. Fill the Pool Slowly: Begin filling the pool with water gradually. As it fills, check that the pool remains level and make minor adjustments if needed. Filling too quickly can cause uneven pressure, so monitor the process closely.
5. Final Adjustments: After the pool is about 1-2 inches full, smooth out any remaining wrinkles in the liner. Make sure all frame parts, especially the legs and supports, are properly aligned and secure before continuing to fill the pool to the recommended level.

DIY vs. Professional Ground Leveling

Frequently Asked Questions

• What is the easiest way to level ground for a pool?
  
  The easiest way is to clear the area, then use a longboard with a carpenter’s level to check for any uneven areas. Adding sand afterward helps fine-tune the leveling.
  
  
• Can you set up a pool on unlevel ground?
  
  No, setting up a pool on unlevel ground risks structural damage and can cause the pool to collapse. Even a slight slopecan create uneven pressure on the pool walls.
  
  
• What should I put under my above-ground pool?
  
  Place a ground cloth, tarp, or foam padding beneath the pool to protect the liner from punctures. A layer of sand can also provide extra cushioning.
  
  
• How do I level my pool without draining it?
  
  It’s difficult to fix a pool without draining it. You can attempt to lift the low side and add shims or sand, but fully draining and re-leveling is often the safer option.
  
  
• What are the cheapest methods for leveling ground for a pool?
  
  The most affordable method is to manually dig out high spots and use basic tools like a shovel, rake, and level. Sand or crushed stone can be added if needed for finer adjustments.
  
  
• How to level ground for an above-ground pool by hand?
  
  To level the ground by hand, use a shovel to dig high spots, then rake and tamp the area until it’s smooth. Continuously check levelness with a longboard and a carpenter’s level.