It may take a couple of hours to a couple of days, depending on the pool size and extent of the slope.
Cost
$100–$500
Doing the labor yourself goes a long way.
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What you'll need:
TOOLS
Level
Measuring tape
Shovel
Rake
Sod cutter (optional)
Tamper
Wheelbarrow
Garden hose
SUPPLIES
Two-by-four planks
Twine
Sand
Tarp
Before installing an above ground pool, you’ll need to level your backyard. Knowing how to level ground for a pool is easier said than done for particularly uneven yards. Nonetheless, if you’re willing to roll up your sleeves, you can level your yard like a pro in a few simple steps. It just takes some muscle, time, and attention to detail.
Prepping to Level Ground for a Pool
There are some general precautions you should take before starting this project. Depending on the size of the area, you may need a building permit and approval from your local homeowner’s association (if you have one). The next hurdle is selecting an area to level—and you’ll need to consider both safety and convenience. Generally, your pool area should be:
At least 10 feet away from your home
At least 6 feet away from other obstacles or receptacles
Away from power lines, septic lines, and cables
On firm ground without mud, sand, or loose soil
Away from large trees that could drop leaves into the pool
Since every pool and municipality is different, always read the manufacturer’s manual and check your local laws. You’ll typically want to place your pool in the flattest area of your yard, but that won’t always work if there’s something in the way. Always call 811 before you dig, so they can make sure you won’t hit any underground utility lines.
Find the Right Location for Your Pool
Choosing a location is all about safety first. It may seem easy to put an above ground pool on a paver patio, but the pavers could sink under the weight of the water and collapse your pool. This could be disastrous for your foundation.
Instead, pick an area of firm ground at least 10 feet away from your home (or more if local laws require it). The flattest area in your yard is a great place to start—so long as it’s away from above ground power lines and underground utility lines.
Clear the Site of Rocks and Debris
Sharp debris and strong roots can damage your pool. Once you choose a location, clear the area of rocks, debris, and vegetation like grass and weeds. Use a rake to move the loose debris and a shovel or sod cutter to remove the rest. Cart away the debris in your wheelbarrow.
Check for Levelness to Identify High Points
Before you level your yard, you’ll need to know which areas aren’t level. To do this, identify the high points. You’ll probably be able to see some of them with your naked eye, but you’ll also want to check using a level taped to a two-by-four plank.
Move the plank across your work area, keeping note of places that aren’t level. Start on one side, and check every 2 to 3 feet until you’ve examined the entire space. Alternatively, if you’re installing a circular pool shape, you can put your plank in the center and rotate it clockwise.
Use Stakes to Mark Your High Spots
As you check for high points, make sure you mark these spots with a landscaping stake. Sometimes, an area is mostly level, but there will be a sloped portion. You’ll need to dig out the slope to level your yard for the pool.
Remove the Bumps, Rather Than Filling in Holes
Photo: Lineas 1703 / Getty Images
Rather than filling in holes and slopes with dirt, you’ll want to remove the bumps and peaks. This is because pools are heavy. If you add a large amount of soil, that soil can settle beneath the pool and create an uneven surface.
Locate the deepest spot in your work area. This is the baseline that the rest of the ground should match. Use your shovel to dig out the higher points and check the surface with your two-by-four plank. You can cart excess dirt away with your wheelbarrow. Keep repeating this step until the area is level.
Tip: If you plan to fill the area with sand, dig the pool area at least 2 inches into the ground. This way, the sand will sit level with the rest of your yard.
Rake Any Remaining Debris and Tamp the Soil
As you dig, you may uncover rocks and other debris. Rake them away. Once the area is totally clear, moisten the soil with your garden hose, so you can efficiently tamp it down. Patience is a virtue, as this could take around an hour. You can’t use too much water pressure, or it could ruin your leveling job.
Once the soil is moist, use a hand tamper or rolling tamper to compact the surface. This helps prevent your pool from sinking once it gets filled with water.
Smooth the Area Out With Sand
Some pool manufacturers recommend a finishing layer of masonry sand. To be sure, check the manual that came with your pool kit for how much sand you need for your pool setup. Simply spread the sand across your work area in a 1- to 2-inch layer. While leveling the sand for your pool, use your rake to get even coverage.
Compact the Sand Down
Once you have an even layer, remove any rocks or debris hiding in the sand. Use your hand tamper or rolling tamper to tamp down the sand. Make sure the area is still level using your two-by-four plank. Make adjustments if necessary.
You’re Ready to Start Setting Up Your Pool
With a freshly level area, you’re ready to start installing your pool. Use your plank to double-check the area to ensure it’s level. Even a couple of inches of slope can cause major issues. You may also want to spray an herbicide or fungicide to stave off weed and fungus growth around the high-moisture pool area.
For some homeowners, leveling ground for a pool as a DIY project is a way to cut costs ahead of a professional pool installation. Other homeowners have no problems installing an above ground pool themselves. Some parts of this job can be difficult to do solo, so if you don’t hire a pro, you should still enlist a friend for a helping hand.
Level Ground for a Pool Yourself vs. Hiring a Pro
Most homeowners spend between $200 and $800 on the cost of leveling their backyard for a pool. You can save a chunk of change on pool installation by doing this portion of the job yourself, but not every homeowner is up for the challenge. It requires some significant labor and careful measurements. Hiring a local swimming pool company may be worth it rather than risking an injury or a water-damaged backyard.
As a rule, if you don’t feel confident or your land has significant slopes, go with a pro. You can also call an above ground pool company near you if you need help installing your new pool.
Frequently Asked Questions
Setting up a pool on unlevel ground is a recipe for disaster. If your pool isn’t level, the weight of the water won’t distribute evenly. This will wear on certain parts of the pool and can cause your pool to collapse, leading to water damage, injury, or expensive repairs.
Beyond that, you’ll save money if you level the ground correctly before you build your pool rather than waiting until afterward to address serious structural issues.
Generally, an above ground pool should be level within 1 inch—and it starts to become unsafe after a couple of inches. Any slope will lead to uneven distribution of water, which will put pressure on your pool’s structure, wearing down the pool liner. In certain cases, it could cause your pool to collapse. Even if you’re within a safe window, you may still notice that the water level is uneven.
Most contractors don’t recommend putting a pool on an area of grass—if only because your pool will kill the grass anyway. Sometimes, people install concrete pads above the grass to create a sturdier surface or put a layer of sand over the grass. Either way, it’s best to remove grass and debris to ensure you have the cleanest, most level area possible.
It depends on the model of your pool. You’ll always have to level the topsoil, but most vinyl-lined pools require an additional 1- to 2-inch layer of sand to protect the liner. This way, when a foot kicks down to the bottom of your pool, it’s not scraping the liner against the hard ground. If your pool isn’t vinyl-lined, you can skip this step or add a layer of another base material, like decomposed granite. Always check your manufacturer’s instructions before you begin.
Mariel is a writer from New York City who has a passion for helping renters and homeowners make their space unapologetically their own—and save a few bucks along the way.
Mariel is a writer from New York City who has a passion for helping renters and homeowners make their space unapologetically their own—and save a few bucks along the way.
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