How level ground for pool: How to Easily Level Ground for a Pool Without Digging

How to Easily Level Ground for a Pool Without Digging

How to Easily Level Ground for a Pool Without Digging

Dive into an easier method for leveling the surface for an above ground pool

Updated February 1, 2023

Photo: SimplyCreativePhotography / iStock / Getty Images Plus

Difficulty

Simple

Saturday skill builder.

Time to complete

3 hours

$500–$1,000

You’ll spend a lot on supplies, but you may still save money by DIYing.

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What you’ll need:

TOOLS

• Tape measure
• Level
• Drill
• Hammer

SUPPLIES

• Two 2-by-4 boards
• Spray paint
• Duct tape
• Metal rebar
• Sand
• Rope

Before you can splash the days away in your above ground pool, you’ll need to ensure the ground is level. Learning how to level ground for a pool without digging is possible without heavy machinery. Not only is an uneven water level an annoyance when you’re trying to cool off, but uneven pools are at risk of collapsing, damaging property, and putting your family at risk of injuries. This guide will walk you through the steps to level ground for your new pool. 

Prepping to Level Ground for a Pool

Before you can smooth out the ground, set up the pool, and get to floating, there are a few tasks to check off first. You may need to secure permits before setting up the pool, and you’ll need to choose a location for the pool. You’ll also need to clear the area before you can start leveling the ground.

Check Zoning and Permits

While setting up an above ground pool in your yard is common, it may require applying for permits to build the pool, level the ground, or install electrical elements like pumps and heaters. Make sure to check with your municipality for regulations about how far the pool must be from structures or property lines, and inquire about any building permit costs.

Clear Grass and Plants

You’ll need to select a location away from the house and garage as well as other structures, like sheds. You may also want to keep the pool away from large trees and shrubs to minimize the risk of damage to the pool. Once you’ve selected the area, you’ll need to remove grass, rocks, twigs, plants, and other obstructions before you can start leveling the area.

1. Mark the Pool Location

   You’ve already cleared the general area for the pool, but to properly level the surface, be sure to measure the specific location and mark it with spray paint. You’ll be working within this marked area to inspect for high and low spots, which you’ll need to level out before installing an above ground pool.

2. Check for Highs and Lows

   Photo: narvikk / iStock / Getty Images Plus

   Using at least two two-by-fours attached at the ends to make one long board—or using an 8-foot-long board—place the boards along the radius of the marked pool area with one end at the center point. Using a level on top of the first board by the perimeter of the pool area (opposite the center), ensure the first board is level on the ground.

   Lift the other end of the board until it’s level, and use the measuring tape to determine the distance between the bottom side of this board and the ground. This will determine the lowest spot.

3. Secure the Boards

   Turn the board on its side and drill a 3/8-inch hole through the center of the end sitting at the center point of the pool area. Align the hole with the center of the pool area so you can secure the end of the board. Use a hammer to drive the metal rebar through the hole and continue driving the metal rebar until the board is secure. 

4. Pour Sand Into the Area

   Pour sand around the pool area, and make sure to use more sand in the low points. You’ll need more sand in these spots to help level them out with the higher ground.

5. Construct a Large Level

   You’ve already started making the level in step three. At this point, you’ll just need to attach a level, like one from your toolbox, to the center of the attached boards (or one longer board) using duct tape. Wrap the duct tape around the boards and level, ensuring the board is level before securing it.

   Install a metal screw ring at the end of the board, the side near the perimeter of the pool area. Tie the rope around this metal screw ring, leaving enough slack to grab it and comfortably walk around the pool area while pulling the board around with you.

6. Compact the Sand

   Wet the sand with some water, then use a tamper to start compacting it until it’s firm. Once the area is filled with sand and compacted, you can easily use your handmade leveling device to smooth the surface.

7. Rake and Circle Until Level

   Photo: KaraGrubis / iStock / Getty Images Plus

   Grab the rope at the end of the boards and start pulling it and walking around the perimeter of the pool. Continue until the high and low points have leveled out. If there are still low points, you’ll need to add more sand, compact it, and go around with the boards again until the ground is level.

DIY Ground Leveling vs. Hiring a Pro

Learning how to level a yard for a pool is simple for most DIYers. The biggest cost is trucking in the sand, which costs about $300 to $700 or around $15 to $40 per cubic yard. Professional leveling services for a pool cost about $200 to $850 or $50 per hour. Either way, leveling the ground is a substantial portion of the cost of installing an above ground pool.

If you’re planning to install an inground pool, you need to hire a pool service near you to get the job done. Prepping the ground for an inground pool requires heavy machinery to excavate and level the ground before building and installing the pool. These tasks require the expertise of licensed and insured contractors.

Of course, if you’re having any trouble with leveling the ground for your type of above ground pool, hiring a professional pool service is also a smart idea. If the ground isn’t level, you’re at risk of the pool breaking or tearing, sending hundreds or thousands of gallons of water all over your property, and possibly damaging the neighbors’ homes and yards.

Frequently Asked Questions

When leveling the ground for a pool. If the ground is mostly level, you may be able to simply lay down pavers or pool pads to support the pool. However, you’ll still need to level the ground with sand as a base before adding other materials on top, like crushed gravel.

You can place many materials under a pool to level it, including sand, concrete, solid foam, pavers, or finely crushed gravel. You can also use a tamper or roller to level ground without using a shovel to dig. No matter the material, make sure to level the ground with sand first for a smooth, even surface for the pool to sit on.

Setting up a pool on unlevel ground can damage the pool or yard and put the safety of those using the pool at risk. The pool liner can tear if it isn’t flat, or the walls may collapse from added pressure. If part of the pool gives in to the pressure and comes down, the swimmers inside could get hurt.

It’s best to level the ground and use materials like sand, concrete, or solid foam rather than placing a pool on natural grass. Placing a pool on grass will kill off the grass, and the grass surrounding the pool may also die from heavy-duty traffic and chemically-treated water that splashes out of the pool.

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Learn more about our contributor

Paige Bennett is a professional editor and writer with experience covering design, DIY projects, food, health, and travel, and holds a bachelor’s degree in journalism from Ohio University.

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How To Level Ground For a Pool

Photo: istockphoto. com

One of the most refreshing warm-weather activities is going for a swim in a pool. Above-ground pools are a great alternative to the significant cost of an inground pool, and leveling the ground for an above-ground pool is a simple DIY project when compared with learning how to build a pool from scratch—even a small above-ground pool. However, before learning how to install an above-ground pool, there are a few things for homeowners to consider. This guide on how to level ground for a pool will help homeowners understand the extent of the project to ensure a safe and reliable swimming experience.

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Time required: A few hours to weeks, depending on the area and methods
Difficulty: Intermediate
Estimated cost: $100 to $500

Tools & Materials

• Rake
• Wheelbarrow
• Sod cutter
• Shovel
• Tarp
• 2×4 planks
• See full list «
• Level(s)
• Stakes
• Twine
• Hose
• Hand tamper or rolling tamper
• Sand
• Herbicide
• Fungicide

Before You Begin…

Photo: istockphoto. com

First, homeowners will want to read the instructions from the pool manufacturer and follow the recommendations to learn the best method for above-ground pool installation. It’s important to be aware that there will be damage to the grass underneath the above-ground pool and in surrounding areas due to possible spillage of chlorinated water. It may seem more straightforward to place an above-ground pool on a balcony or deck; however, this is dangerous as the surface could collapse under the weight of the water. While skilled homeowners can learn how to level for an above-ground pool, if there is a lot of ground to be displaced or the homeowner doesn’t have the necessary equipment, they’ll want to consider hiring a pool builder or one of the best pool installation companies to take on this physically taxing job.

Tips for How to Level Ground for a Pool

• Level the ground on a firm area in the yard that doesn’t contain mud, sand, or loose soil.
• Choose the flattest area in the yard for an easier time leveling the ground.
• Avoid places in the yard with large trees, as the leaves could clog up the pool.

Safety Considerations

• Ensure the area is at least 6 feet away from any large obstacles.
• Avoid leveling the ground for a pool near any septic lines, power lines, or cables.
• Ensure the area is 10 feet or more away from the home.

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STEP 1: Determine the pool’s location and remove any large rocks or debris. 

The first step in leveling for above-ground pools is for the homeowner to choose the flattest area in the yard that’s away from large trees, power lines, sewage lines, or cables. They’ll want to ensure that the ground is firmly packed with soil sturdy enough for the above-ground pool. Next, they’ll use a rake to remove any large debris or rocks from the area that could damage the pool. Then, they’ll use a shovel, tarp, or sod cutter to remove grasses and other vegetation in the area. Using a wheelbarrow, they will remove debris from the worksite. If there is a significant or unmanageable amount of debris, hiring a professional for clearing land costs about $3,374—a cost that may be well worth it if the homeowner doesn’t have the time or skills to tackle this project themselves.

Photo: istockphoto.com

STEP 2: Identify high points using 2x4s with a level on top. 

Homeowners will want to place 2×4 planks from the center of the pool site to the outer edge, using as many planks as needed to reach the border. They will then place a level on top of each 2×4 and use the levels as guides of where each part of the site is not level. Finally, they will use stakes to mark these spots before starting to dig.

Homeowners will not want to attempt to eyeball the level of the ground. Being off even by 1 to 2 inches could have severe consequences for the above-ground pool. There’s also the option of using stakes and twine, placing the level on top of the string to ensure the ground is level. Homeowners will place one stake at the center of the site and one at the outer edge, then tie twine between the stakes.

Photo: istockphoto.com

STEP 3: Add or take away soil until the ground is level. 

After it’s clear where the ground is unlevel, it’s time for the homeowner to use a shovel to level ground for pool installation. This part is tedious as the soil needs to be taken out or added one scoop at a time. First, the homeowner will find the deepest spot of the site. This depth is where the rest of the ground will need to be leveled out to meet.

It’s not advised for homeowners to add a large amount of soil to lowered areas because the above-ground pool will flatten the earth, possibly creating an uneven surface. If the site is being topped off with sand, a good rule of thumb is to dig the pool area at least 2 inches into the ground.

STEP 4: Repeat the process until the entire area is flat. 

Homeowners will want to continue taking away soil until the entire area is flat. It’s more effective to remove dirt from the raised areas rather than add new dirt to the lower level areas. They’ll then continue moving the 2x4s to ensure all areas of the pool site are level. If the area is in the shape of the circle, they’ll want to use a 2×4 to rotate it 360 degrees from the center to the outer edge. The ground is considered even once the level stays consistent throughout the rotation.

Photo: istockphoto.com

STEP 5: Rake any remaining rocks or debris and tamp the ground.

Once the ground is leveled, the homeowner will use the rake or lawn roller to go through the area again to remove any rocks or debris that surfaced during the leveling process. After the area is free of debris, they’ll use a hose to moisten the soil. This will take about an hour of low-pressure watering. Once the area is moist, the homeowner can use a hand tamper or a rolling tamper to compress the surface.

After compacting, there’s the option to completely smooth the area out with sand. However, it’s essential for homeowners to refer to the above-ground pool’s instructions before taking this step.

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STEP 6: Add sand to the ground and tamp again.

If recommended by the above-ground pool’s instructions, it may be necessary for a homeowner to add sand to the ground before placing the pool. Most home improvement stores carry bags of sand that are uniform in texture, which will help keep the ground level. Homeowners will want to use a rake to form a 1- to 2-inch layer of sand. Once the sand is spread, it will need to be tamped down with the hand tamper or rolling tamper. It’s important for homeowners to make sure that any twigs or stones that may have surfaced during the process are removed.

STEP 7: If desired, treat the area with herbicide or fungicide to deter plants from sprouting and damaging the pool liner.

The damp conditions around a pool make it a prime location for weeds and fungus to grow. Spraying herbicides or fungicides can help mitigate this problem, protecting the liner of the pool. While the exact amount needed may vary based on the type of chemicals and the size of the ground area, in most cases a gallon each of herbicide and fungicide will be adequate. Homeowners will want to apply these according to their instructions, then fasten a tarp over the area and leave it untouched for 2 weeks to allow the weeds to die off.

After the ground is leveled, it’s time for the homeowner to learn how to install an above-ground pool. It’s vital to follow the manufacturer’s instructions to install the pool correctly or contact a pool professional for assistance. They will know the best way to level ground for a pool that won’t cause issues for the pool liner. Even if this increases the project budget, the cost of an above-ground pool is still more affordable than the cost of building a pool below the ground. Homeowners can contact a landscaping company to spray the area with herbicides or fungicides to keep growth at a minimum around the pool. If the area for the pool is still uneven, a professional can assess any damage and work to level the ground for a pool.

Leveling the ground for an above-ground pool can be a difficult task, so it’s advised to have a professional verify that the area for the pool is truly level before the pool is installed. This will ensure that the pool water level is even and there’s no possibility of damage to the pool walls or liner.

The DIY method is definitely the cheapest way to level ground for a pool. However, if safety or the abilities required to successfully level the ground for the pool are a matter of concern, it’s typically best to hire a professional who knows how to level ground and has the experience to do the job right.

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How to make a platform for a pool

The long-awaited summer is coming, and with it everyone’s favorite water activities, including swimming in the pool. If you have not yet managed to acquire a frame or inflatable pool, then we advise you to start choosing and buying as soon as possible – time is running out! And for those who have already become the happy owner of this country accessory, we recommend that you carefully study the rules for its installation and competent site preparation. Today we will talk about how to make a platform for the pool, and reveal the important nuances of this process.

Basic requirements

Before starting the foundation, study the basic requirements – there are not many of them, but you need to follow each one exactly. It depends on how long your pool will last, and whether it will be convenient to use it.

Surface evenness

First of all, you need to choose a perfectly flat area, without holes, slopes and a sharp drop in height. Permissible slope of the site – no more than 5 mm per linear meter. If this value is greater, the entire mass of water will press on the part that is lower in level. As a result, the material of the frame walls may not withstand the load and break, and the structure itself risks bending. If we are talking about models of the Easy Set series, then even a slight slope is unacceptable for their base – the design keeps its shape due to the inflatable ring on top, and if there is the slightest unevenness at the bottom, water will begin to overflow.

Surface smoothness

Pool bowls made of three-layer PVC material, durable and resistant to stress. But still, it’s better not to risk it and thoroughly clean the surface of the future base from snags, branches, small pebbles and other debris. Do not forget that several tons of water will press on the bottom, which will greatly increase friction, and the structure may begin to leak. Therefore, the best option is to play it safe and pay maximum attention to preparing the site for the pool.

Not recommended surfaces

We have figured out what the future site should be, but there are a few more requirements for the installation site:

• Do not place the bath near houses, baths and other outbuildings. If the wall is damaged, water can flood the premises. The ideal distance is at least 5 meters from the nearest buildings, and it is advisable to choose a place lower in level so that the water flows in the opposite direction when draining.
• Installation on loose soils, edges of cliffs and ravines is not recommended. In this case, the load on the bowl increases many times, due to which the frame can be deformed, and water will begin to splash out.
• Ensure that there are no trees or shrubs within 3 meters of the pool. Branches can damage the walls, and constantly flying leaves and debris will prevent you from enjoying your vacation and lead to filter clogging. In addition, the shadow from the dense foliage will block the sun and you will have to wait much longer when the water warms up to a comfortable temperature.
• Wooden decking and paving slabs are not suitable for base equipment, they can damage the bottom of the pool, even if you intend to use a bedding.

Step-by-step pool site preparation

Once the ideal site has been chosen, the actual site preparation can begin. We will give step-by-step instructions, and you can make sure that there is nothing complicated in this process – everything can be easily done with your own hands, you just need to follow the important nuances.

Step 1: Determine the location

An important point that determines how convenient and safe it will be to use the pool. It is important that the design harmoniously fit into the appearance of the site, and the overall composition of the landscape. Think in advance whether it will be convenient for you and the children to use the bath, and whether it will be possible to equip a full-fledged recreation area with sun loungers.

No less important is access to communications – water intake and drain, so that you can easily draw water into the bowl and, if necessary, drain it. If you plan to connect additional accessories, such as a filter pump, you will also need to connect to electricity.

We recommend choosing a sunny side for installation so that you can spend hot days sunbathing and refreshing in the coolness of the water. And if you want to stay in the shade for a while, you can always set up a beach umbrella or place a tent.

Step 2: Define the boundaries and take measurements

First you need to mark the place for installation, and if everything is more or less clear with rectangular shapes, then how to draw the boundaries for a round or oval bowl? You will need two pegs and a long rope. Determine the center of the future bottom and drive in one peg. Measure the length of the rope equal to the radius of the bottom of the bowl + 30 cm. Tie the rope to the peg, tie the second peg to the free end of the rope. Draw them the boundaries of the base. For oval shapes, draw two equal circles and connect them with straight lines along the protruding points.

Step 3: Check the slope

To make the bottom perfectly level, use the same center peg. You need to attach a steel profile or plank to it, and fix the level on top with a rope or tape. The beginning of measurements will be taken from the lowest point of the site. Next, draw the profile in a circle, like a clock hand, and gradually note at what points there is a slope. After completing the measurements, carefully remove the soil layer with a shovel until the base is level.

We recommend removing soil rather than adding soil because this method is more reliable. Freshly poured earth is loose and does not have sufficient density, unlike compacted soil. This means that the places where the soil was poured will sink faster, and the bottom will no longer be even.

When the site is level, you can proceed to the next step.

Step 4: Clean the surface

Carefully inspect the surface of the site, remove all debris, roots and stones that could damage the material. To make the base stable and hard, pour a layer of sand 7-10 cm thick. The sand cushion must be moistened with water and carefully compacted, then check the level again and correct it if necessary. There is a second option, more expensive and fundamental – a concrete base. But, as a rule, a sandy platform is quite enough for frame and inflatable models.

Step 5: Choose your deck

The final step in preparing your dream pool area is choosing a deck that will both protect the bottom and help evenly distribute the load. Some models are already supplied with a PVC bedding, but manufacturers Intex and Bestway have ready-made options in different sizes. When folded, such substrates resemble a small bag. Durable material will protect the bottom from dirt and abrasion and help extend the life of the bath.

Those who want to quickly arrange a comfortable resting place in the country will like modular mats 0.5-1 cm thick, reminiscent of puzzles. Of these, you can not only build a substrate, but also use it to design a recreation area or lay out a path to the pool. PVC foam is easy to clean, durable and dries quickly.

Installing a swimming pool is a crucial step that determines how comfortable your summer vacation will be. We tried to talk about all the nuances that you may encounter in the process of preparing a site for a frame pool in the country, so we hope that you will be able to easily cope with this activity and enjoy the carefree days of summer holidays.

We also advise you to read:

How to choose a frame pool

How to properly store a pool

How to choose a pool filter pump

site preparation requirements and installation home now can imagine allow almost everything. However, their service life and the quality of active games and recreation in the water directly depend on the correct installation of the tank. It is not necessary to invite professionals to arrange a site for a pool. Given the general requirements and a number of nuances, you can handle the creation of the structure yourself.

When you need a pool area

All pools used in your own homes are divided into three groups, these are:

• Stationary;
• Inflatable;
• Frame.

Stationary tanks are usually installed by specialists. In order for such a pool to work correctly, it is necessary to prepare a pit, bring all communications, install a bowl according to standards.

Inflatable pools are not very large. Special preparation before their installation is not required, it is enough to clear the ground of stones, sticks, sharp objects and, if possible, cover it with pool litter.

A fixed base is required when choosing a frame pool area. Incorrect installation of such a tank leads to a skew on one of the sides, to discomfort during bathing, and can become one of the reasons for the destruction of the structure.

Pool site preparation requirements

The basic design requirements must be reviewed before laying the pool base. Their full observance will help to properly equip the site, which will greatly increase the life of the bath and prevent emergency situations.

First of all, you should determine where the pool will be located on the site:

• The place for the pool should be flat, without holes and roots from trees;
• It is undesirable to place the pool next to the house, garage and other buildings, since if the walls of the bowl are mechanically damaged, water will flood the living quarters;
• Ideal if the bath can be approached from all sides. But it is allowed to install a pool at a short distance from the fence;
• It is impossible to put pools on the site of former buildings, on creeping soils, next to a cliff and where railway tracks and routes for heavy vehicles pass in the immediate vicinity. It is also undesirable if there are trees and shrubs nearby, since in this case the bowl of water will constantly have to be cleaned of debris.

After selecting a site for site development it is necessary: ​​

• Clean the selected area from debris, sticks, stones;
• Level the frame pool base using a spirit level. A roll of no more than 5 mm per meter is allowed;
• Make the ground level and rigid. First, after removing the top layer of turf, the earth is compacted, then a substrate is laid on it along the pool – gravel with sand or concrete mortar. In the process of work, it is necessary to constantly check the roll of the base.

Preparatory work, compacting the earth and laying the substrate are given as much attention as possible. Compliance with all requirements will allow you to create a base on which the pool will stand exactly without distortions and deformations.

Platform options

The base for the pool can be of two types:

• Flat. Involves removing topsoil, compacting the soil, and creating a rigid base with sand and gravel or concrete;
• Semi-recessed. The frame pool is then deepened by about three-quarters of the height.

Pools with a capacity of up to 5 thousand liters are usually removed for the winter period, so a flat area will not interfere with movement around the site. Reservoirs with a volume of up to 50 thousand liters can be left for the winter, in which case the semi-buried version of their fixing is considered optimal. Baths with a heating function when they are deepened into the ground can also be used in the autumn months. In addition, an in-depth pool is easier to operate, since it will not need to attach special ladders for immersion in water.

Site preparation and foundation steps

After choosing a place for the bath, you need to make markings on the ground. Pegs, ropes, tape measure, special spray paint (for grass) will help in this. The boundaries of the base for the pool bowl should be approximately 50-70 cm larger than its dimensions. The cord should be 50-70 cm larger than the radius of the bowl. A spray can of paint is attached to its end. After that, the rope is stretched, moves in a circle, and at the same time the borders are applied with paint.

If the tank is in the form of a dome, then it is necessary to first outline two circles and then connect their protruding points with a cord;

For rectangular and square pools, pegs are driven in at the corners, between which a string is pulled.

After marking the territory inside it, the sod is removed to the depth of a bayonet shovel. This allows you to make the base even, and so that the plants no longer grow, the ground can be treated with biological products. When choosing a semi-recessed version of the platform for the pool, you need to go deep by ¾ of the height of the pool to be installed.

The next stage of work is the formation of a rigid cushion of sand and gravel:

• ASG is being prepared – a sand-gravel mixture with the addition of cement grade 300 in a ratio of 10:1;
• The mixture is poured onto the prepared base in a layer of 4-6 cm, leveled, trampled down. A level is used to control elevation changes. If necessary, the excess is removed or more PGS is added;
• On the first layer, building sand is laid out in a layer of 8 to 15 cm, after which it is also equalized and compacted;
• A special substrate for the pool is placed on the prepared sand. Usually it comes in a kit, made of polystyrene. This material withstands the load well, does not deform under the influence of the earth and moisture, and additionally serves as a shock absorber, that is, softens the bottom of the bowl;
• On top of the substrate under the pool must be covered with a dense polyethylene film. It should go beyond the boundaries of the bath by about a meter.

After the site has been prepared in compliance with all requirements, you can install the pool and connect all the necessary communications.

Podium as an option for a platform for a pool

For small-sized frame pools or inflatable baths, you can make a rigid base – a podium on your own site.

Such a structure is made of boards or concrete, but the first option is much easier to make:

• A frame in the shape of a square or a rectangle is knocked down from the bars. The dimensions of the podium must be at least 1 meter larger than the base of the pool on all sides;
• The frame is laid on the ground and a floor of boards is laid on top of it;
• Boards are cleaned, polished, it is desirable to round the edges of the podium, this will reduce the likelihood of injury;
• A swimming pool is installed on the prepared base.

Wooden flooring under the pool is a rather convenient design, the main advantages of which are:

• Versatility and long service life. The podium can also be used without a bath for feasts and games. High-quality flooring lasts several years in a row, while a rigid base on the ground will need to be constantly corrected;
• The flooring can be made large, in which case you can sunbathe and relax on it;
• Durable wood withstands sufficiently large loads, so the bath bowl does not deform.