Pool Care /
How to Prepare Ground for an Above Ground Pool
A safe above-ground pool starts with a level, well-drained base. Clear the site, remove sod and debris, compact the soil, and follow the manual.
Archive date: this article was written for PoolSkimmer on Oct 24, 2026 and given the earlier archive date of Dec 31, 2025 so the blog reads as an organized archive. It was not published on that date.
Preparing the ground for an above ground pool is a matter of following the manufacturer’s manual to the letter and ensuring the site is flat, stable and has good drainage. The frame and liner will only be as sound as the support beneath them, so the ground must be able to bear the water’s weight without any soft spots or uneven settling.
Site selection
Your first order of business is to pick where the pool will sit and inspect the area before you start moving any soil. There are a few things to consider:
1. Make sure there is ample room for the pool itself, the equipment and safe passage around it. 2. Steer clear of low-lying ground that is prone to collecting rainwater. 3. Be mindful of overhead wires, septic systems, large tree roots and any buried utilities. 4. Look into local setback rules and permit requirements.
If there is any question as to where lines are or how the drainage is, put in a call to a utility locator or contractor before you break ground.
Leveling the ground
You want the entire footprint to be level, not just the middle; otherwise the pool can end up looking lopsided and the wall will be under undue stress. Here is the proper way to go about it:
1. Put down some stakes and string to mark off the pool and a bit of working room. 2. Measure from the center to establish the full dimensions. 3. Take out the topsoil and sod until you are on firm, undisturbed earth. 4. It is better to cut away at high spots than to try and build up the low ones with loose dirt. 5. Compact what is left and verify the level with a long board or laser in all directions.
Under no circumstances should the pool be put on a mound or soft turf that is likely to settle. A yard with a pronounced slope is probably beyond a simple do-it-yourself fix and may require professional site work.
Under the base
Whatever goes under the pool should be approved by the maker. Some need a sand base or foam padding, others a special pad, and some nothing at all. Rely on the manual here; the wrong layer will only introduce bumps for the liner to deal with.
Make certain the base is smooth and free of stones, sticks or anything sharp that could puncture the liner. Do not think a thick layer of sand will solve an uneven surface, and see that runoff is directed away from the pool.
Mistakes to sidestep
Most problems in ground prep come from a handful of errors: ignoring the manual because the job seems straightforward, leaving debris or roots under the liner, or patching low spots with loose soil instead of doing a proper job of leveling. If the manufacturer has a prescribed base system, stick to it.
When to get help
There is no harm in enlisting a site contractor or pool installer if the terrain is unstable, wet or sandy, or if you are not confident in building the required base. The same applies if you suspect underground utilities or if the ground continues to shift after you have compacted it.
Final check
Before you let the water in, make sure the ground is level, the base is solid and the area under the liner is clear of sharp objects. Once the pool is full it is too late to be lifting parts or shimming underneath to correct for poor prep. It is far easier to do the work right at the outset.
Sources and further reading
- [Hayward: Weekly pool maintenance](https://www.hayward.com/maintenance/weekly-pool-maintenance)