How to Grade a Yard for an Above Ground Pool

Grade a yard for an above ground swimming pool.

Choosing the right location in your yard is an important decision to make before installing an above ground pool, says the New York Times. Making sure the ground is level is a critical step. Since the ground can not be changed after the water is added to the pool, grading the yard or moving the dirt to make the ground level needs to be done correctly the first time. Proper installation makes the pool last longer and function efficiently.

Things You'll Need

• Measuring tape
• Stakes
• Shovel
• Rake
• Bobcat or tractor
• 2 x 4 board
• Level

Instructions

1. Measure the area where the pool will sit to match the diameter of the pool. Use a measuring tape and stakes to mark the area about three feet past the actual measurement all of the way around the work area.

2. Remove the grass or sod in the area by digging it up with a shovel to rough grade the ground. Make sure all of the roots are removed from the area. Look for any rocks or sticks and remove them. Rocks can cause holes to form in the bottom of the pool if you neglect to remove them.

3. Use a bobcat or a tractor with a bucket or grader that moves the ground if there is a large slope in the yard. Pull dirt from the high side down to the low side by dropping the grader lightly onto the ground. Avoid driving on the area since it will cause the ground to pack and make it more difficult to work with. Not correcting a slope will cause your pool to lean, putting too much pressure on one side.

4. Till up the ground with a garden tiller or a lawn tractor to make it easier to move the dirt around. Bring the high area down to match the lower area. Use the flat side of a hard prong landscape rake to move the ground and level it. With the forked side of the rake, go over the ground to remove any rocks that may have worked out of the dirt.

5. Place a 2 x 4 board on the ground and place a level on it to make sure the ground is level. Use sand to cover the graded ground. Using the sand helps prevent the bottom of your pool from getting punctured. Level the sand and double check it with a level or transit.

Tips & Warnings

• Pick a spot in a sunny area that will be easy to level

• Get someone to help when grading the ground.

• Rent the equipment needed if you do not already own it.

• Do not attempt to set up the pool until the ground is completely level. No changes can be made after the water is added without draining the pool.

References

• The New York Times: Above-Ground Pools A Buyer's Manual
• Back Yard City Pools: Leveling of the Site
• Arthurs Pools: Removing the Grass
• East Wind Tractors and Dozers: Grading Techniques

Resources

• Arthurs Pools: Measuring out round pool diameters
• Wet Head Media: Above Ground Pool Installation Guide