Pool Care /
How to Level Ground for an Above-Ground Pool Safely and Correctly
A level, firm base is essential before you install an above-ground pool. Mark the footprint, remove high spots, compact the soil, and call a pro for major slopes.
Archive date: this article was written for PoolSkimmer on Oct 23, 2026 and given the earlier archive date of May 10, 2026 so the blog reads as an organized archive. It was not published on that date.
Preparing the ground for an above-ground pool
The key to a proper installation is having a base that is firm, uniform and flat from the outset. The way to go about it is to take out any high spots and, where the manual permits, make good on the low ones, then compact the area so there is no chance of the pool settling at an odd angle once it is full. In cases where you are dealing with soft soil, poor drainage or a pronounced slope, put down the tools and put in a call to a pool professional.
Site requirements
Do not be content with a site that is level only in the middle; the entire footprint needs to be even. What might seem like a minor discrepancy will be magnified after the pool is put together and filled.
Be on the lookout for: - Any unevenness or visible slope - Ground that is soft, muddy or has been recently filled in - Debris such as rocks, roots or buried items - Standing water following a rain - Patches of earth that give way underfoot
If the ground is not solid when you walk on it, it is not ready for the pool.
A step by step approach
1. Lay out the footprint. Use the dimensions and shape called for in the instructions. A garden hose is handy for tracing the outline, but let the manual be your guide for the layout. 2. Clear the area. Get rid of all sod, stones, roots and other debris. 3. Inspect for variations. Put a long 2x4 or a laser level to the ground to find high and low spots. 4. Trim the highs. It is better to cut down a high spot than to build up with loose dirt. 5. Add material if allowed. Only use what the manufacturer has approved. 6. Compact. Use a tamper to work the area until it is flat and solid. 7. Verify. Do one last check from several angles before you start on the frame and liner.
Sand, pavers or dirt?
You have to follow the pool maker’s lead on this. While some manuals are fine with a sand base, others are more restrictive about what can be placed under the liner. As a rule of thumb, do not use loose dirt for final leveling and never put down pavers or cement blocks unless the manufacturer says you can. Make sure the base is consistent around the whole pool. When in doubt, the manual is the authority.
Avoiding common pitfalls
An above-ground pool that is not set properly will put undue stress on the side wall, liner and frame. This usually comes from leaving topsoil or weeds in place, or attempting to correct a steep grade with nothing but extra fill. Failing to recheck with a level or building on wet clay are also mistakes to be avoided.
Knowing when to get help
There is no harm in enlisting a landscape professional or qualified installer. You should consider it if the yard is very uneven, or if you have sandy or clay-heavy soil that erodes easily. If drainage is running toward the pool site, or if there are retaining walls and utilities in the vicinity, leave it to the experts.
Final checks before filling
Once the assembly is done and before you add any water, make sure the ground is still firm and level. Be sure to don the appropriate PPE for the work involved and adhere to the equipment and chemical labels for routine care. The pump and skimmer basket need to be tended to with the pump off first. Should you notice the pool has taken on a lean or shifted in any way, cease operation and have it looked at.
Sources and further reading
- [Hayward: Weekly pool maintenance](https://www.hayward.com/maintenance/weekly-pool-maintenance)