How to Level a Yard to Install a Pool

A yard must be level to support an above ground pool.

Much of the work required to install an above ground pool happens before the pool is even removed from the box. Unless your yard is perfectly level, you will have to make adjustments in your soil heights before you can install an above ground pool. A correctly leveled yard will help help the pool last longer and prevent problems throughout the summer.

Things You'll Need

• Shovel
• Roto tiller
• Measuring tape
• 2x4 boards
• Screws
• Power drill
• 3/8-inch metal rod
• Hammer
• Level
• Duct tape
• Fine crushed stone (pieces less than 1/8th of an inch)
• Hose
• Sprinkler attachment
• Tamp
• Rake

Instructions

1. Measure the width of your pool or find the measurement on the box. Add 4 feet to that measurement. For a 15-foot pool, then, you will calculate 19 feet. Construct a straight board of equal measurement (19 feet) from 2-by-4 boards. Use additional 2-by-4 boards as bracers along the boards where the boards connect. Stand the boards upright on the narrow side, and tape a level to the boards on one end. Set aside.

2. Break up the soil with the rototiller, removing dirt from higher areas and bringing it to lower areas. Break up the top 6 inches of soil in a 19 foot circle. Remove all grass, stones, sticks and weeds.

3. Find the exact middle of the circle. Place the middle of the 2x4 wood line in this spot. Drill a hole, slightly larger than 3/8ths of an inch, from the middle of the boards. Place the rod inside the hole, and hammer into the ground firmly. The board should now be able to rotate around the metal pole in the ground.

4. Check the soil with the level. Use the shovel to lower higher areas of soil down to meet the lower levels. Once the leveler can spin around the circle without more than a degree or two of height difference, move on to step 5.

5. Remove the leveler for now. Pour 1 to 2 inches of crushed stone over the pool area. Use a rake to spread the stone evenly over the pool floor. Replace the leveling boards. Spin the boards around in a circle one time. High areas of stone will be lowered, while low areas will be displayed. Move the stone from the higher areas to the low spots. Repeat this process as needed.

6. Soak the stone with a sprinkler for 2 hours. Use the tamp to tamp down the entire surface of the stoned area. The compacts the stone and prevents it from becoming uneven once the water is poured inside the pool.

References

• Backyard City Pools: Basic Pool Installation
• Level Ground Pools: How to Level an Above Ground Swimming Pool