How to Level the Ground for an Above-Ground Pool
Updated: Oct 19
Planning to install an above-ground pool in your backyard? Before you start assembling the frame or filling it with water, there's one job worth getting right: leveling the ground.
It might be tempting to find a reasonably flat patch of grass, spread a little sand over the low spots and start filling the pool. Unfortunately, that's one of the easiest ways to cause problems later.
An uneven base can put extra stress on the pool frame, cause support legs to sink, damage the liner and leave you with a pool that isn't safe to use.
The good news is that preparing a level area is manageable for many homeowners, provided the ground is suitable and the slope isn't excessive.
Whether you're installing an Intex Prism Frame, Bestway Steel Pro MAX, Intex Ultra XTR or a traditional steel-wall pool, here's how to prepare a firm, level base without making common mistakes.
Quick Answer: How Do You Level the Ground for an Above-Ground Pool?
The best way to level ground for an above-ground pool is to measure the entire installation area, identify the highest point and carefully remove soil from the higher sections until the surface is level. Compact the prepared ground, remove stones and roots, then recheck the level before installing the pool.
For most Intex and Bestway frame pools, the main steps are:
Choose a suitable location with firm soil and good drainage.
Mark out the pool footprint, including space for support legs.
Remove grass, roots and loose debris.
Measure the ground with a long straight board and level, or a laser level.
Dig down the higher areas rather than simply filling low spots with loose material.
Compact the prepared ground and check for soft areas.
Install any manufacturer-required support pads and ground cloth.
Check the pool's level and frame alignment during the early stages of filling.
Important: Don't use a layer of loose sand to correct uneven ground beneath a metal-frame pool. Sand can shift under the weight of the water, allowing the pool or its supports to sink.
The correct foundation depends on your pool model. Always check its installation manual before preparing the base.
Why Does an Above-Ground Pool Need Level Ground?
An above-ground pool holds thousands of gallons of water, and that water places considerable pressure on the liner, walls and frame.
When the ground is level and properly supported, the pool can carry those loads as designed.
When one side is lower than the other, the pool may lean, the waterline will appear uneven against the top rail, and individual supports can experience loads they weren't intended to carry.
Some problems become noticeable during filling. Others develop gradually as the ground becomes wet or settles.
Signs of a poor foundation can include:
One side of the pool sitting visibly lower than the other
Support legs sinking into the soil
A rectangular pool's side supports shifting or spreading
Wrinkles forming because the liner isn't properly supported
A pool wall or top rail appearing unusually distorted
Water collecting against the outside of the pool
Soil washing away from underneath support points
Not every unusual-looking top rail indicates a problem. Some frame pools change shape slightly during normal filling, as explained in their installation instructions.
However, if the pool appears to be leaning, a support is sinking or a wall is visibly failing, stop filling it and investigate before continuing.
A ground cloth or liner pad cannot correct an uneven foundation. It protects the liner, but the ground beneath still needs to be level and stable.
What Tools Do You Need to Level the Ground?
You don't necessarily need specialist machinery for a small pool on reasonably flat ground.
For most DIY installations, these are the tools worth having:
Tape measure: For marking the pool dimensions and checking available space.
Wooden stakes and string: To outline the installation area.
Long, straight board: Useful with a spirit level for identifying high and low spots.
Spirit level or laser level: For checking elevations accurately.
Shovel and garden rake: For removing soil and smoothing the area.
Sod cutter: Optional, but helpful when removing a large section of grass.
Hand tamper or plate compactor: For firming suitable prepared ground.
Wheelbarrow: For moving excavated soil.
Manufacturer-approved liner pad or ground cloth: For protection after leveling is complete.
For a small round pool, a straight board and reliable level may be sufficient.
A laser level can make a larger installation easier because you can compare elevations at multiple points without moving a long board around constantly.
If you only need the equipment for one installation, hiring a plate compactor or laser level may make more sense than buying one.
Before any significant excavation, also check the location of buried electrical cables, plumbing, drainage pipes and other utilities. Use the appropriate utility-location service before digging.
How to Level Ground for an Above-Ground Pool: Step by Step
The following method is most applicable to framed above-ground pools installed on a suitable soil base.
Traditional rigid steel-wall pools may require additional foundation preparation, including manufacturer-specified base material, bottom rails and a pool cove. Those differences are covered further down.
Step 1: Choose the Right Location
Start by finding the flattest, firmest part of your backyard.
A slightly uneven lawn is often easier to prepare than a noticeably sloping section of the yard.
Ideally, the location should offer:
Firm, stable ground that won't become soft when wet
Adequate space for the entire pool and its external supports
Good drainage away from the house and pool foundation
Room for a ladder, pump, filter and maintenance access
Separation from overhead power lines and other hazards
Suitable access control to prevent unsupervised entry
Avoid installing the pool over loose fill, muddy ground, tree roots, underground services or a surface that may shift under the weight.
Be particularly careful with recently filled or disturbed ground. It may look level at the surface without being adequately compacted underneath.
You should also check local requirements for pool placement, fencing, electrical equipment and property boundaries before starting work.
Working with a limited space? Our Best Above-Ground Pools for Small Backyards guide can help you compare more compact pool sizes before preparing the ground.
Remember to Allow Space for the Pool Supports
The advertised dimensions don't always tell you how much backyard space you'll need.
For example, a rectangular Intex Ultra XTR pool may have U-shaped supports extending beyond the pool walls.
For an example of why the full installation footprint matters, see our Intex Ultra XTR 24 ft x 12 ft review. This larger rectangular pool needs a properly prepared area for both the pool and its external frame supports.
If you prepare the ground using only the liner dimensions, you could discover that the support legs are sitting outside your leveled area.
Measure the complete installed footprint shown in the manual, not just the swimming area.
If you're still deciding which pool size will fit your yard, explore our Above-Ground Pools guide before committing to the ground preparation.
Step 2: Mark Out the Installation Area
Once you've selected the location, mark the area using stakes and string.
For a round pool, identify the center and measure outward to establish the correct radius.
For a rectangular pool, mark the corners and check the overall dimensions and diagonals to ensure the layout is square.
Include the space required by the external frame supports and any manufacturer-specified clearance.
Keep marking stakes and string outside the actual pool footprint during installation so nothing sharp remains underneath the liner.
Before removing any grass, walk around the marked area.
Check whether the pool will block access to a gate, drain, outdoor faucet or other important part of the backyard.
It's much easier to adjust the location now than after the ground has been excavated.
Step 3: Remove Grass, Roots and Surface Debris
The next job is clearing the marked area.
Remove the grass and vegetation as required for your chosen installation method. A sod cutter can help if you're preparing a large area.
Clear away:
Stones and pebbles
Sticks and sharp twigs
Exposed roots
Construction debris
Loose or unsuitable surface material
Weeds and aggressive grasses
Don't assume a ground cloth will protect the liner from everything underneath it.
A sharp root or stone can still create a pressure point once thousands of gallons of water are pressing down.
Pay particular attention to aggressive grasses and weeds. Certain species, including Bermuda and St. Augustine grass, can grow through protective ground cloths and even puncture a pool liner.
Remove existing vegetation, including spreading roots and underground runners, before preparing the final surface. Simply cutting the grass short or covering it with a tarp may not prevent regrowth.
This is especially important for pools that will remain assembled throughout the swimming season.
After clearing the site, examine the exposed ground for soft patches, buried rubble or signs of previous excavation.
If you uncover significant roots, unstable fill or underground structures, investigate the site before continuing.
Step 4: Measure the High and Low Spots
This is the most important part of the leveling process.
You need to establish which parts of the ground are higher or lower, rather than judging the surface by eye.
Method 1: Use a Long Board and Spirit Level
A long, straight piece of timber and a good spirit level are often all you need to check a small or medium-sized pool installation area.
However, make sure the timber is genuinely straight before you start. A board that is bowed, twisted or cupped can give you misleading readings, even when the spirit level shows that everything is horizontal.
Check your timber first:
Hold the board at eye level and look along its length from one end. This is often called sighting the timber.
Check both long edges for any noticeable bowing or bending.
Look for twisting, where one end of the board appears rotated compared with the other.
Check the wide faces for cupping, where the timber curves across its width.
Where possible, place it against a known straight edge or flat surface to check for gaps or rocking.
If the timber isn't straight, choose another piece. Even a small bend can affect your measurements across a large pool footprint.
Using the board to level the ground:
Position your straight board across a section of the prepared ground.
Place the spirit level on top, making sure it sits flat without rocking.
Check the bubble to determine whether one end is higher than the other.
Mark the areas that need adjustment.
Move the board to different positions and repeat.
Check across the center, around the perimeter and in several directions.
For best results, use a longer spirit level where practical. A 48-inch or 72-inch level can span more distance than a small handheld level, making it easier to identify variations in the surface.
A shorter level can still work when placed on a genuinely straight board, but the accuracy of the board and the level are both important.
One more useful check: Before using your spirit level, place it on a stable surface, note the bubble position, then rotate the level 180 degrees end-to-end and check it again. The bubble should give the same reading. If it doesn't, the level may be inaccurate.
For larger pool areas, work in sections and use consistent reference points rather than relying on a single measurement across the whole site.
Recommended: Goldblatt 48-Inch Double View Box Beam Spirit Level
If you don't already have a reliable spirit level, the Goldblatt 48-Inch Double View is worth considering.
Its aluminum box-beam construction and easy-to-read vials make it suitable for checking the level of a straight board during ground preparation.
At 48 inches long, it's a practical size for working around a backyard, and you can use it for other DIY projects once your pool is installed.
For smaller leveling jobs, this is the type of tool I'd choose before spending more on a laser level.
Best for: Homeowners who want a straightforward, reusable tool for checking ground level.
Not ideal for: Anyone who needs to measure elevation differences across a very large or steeply sloping site without moving the level repeatedly.
Method 2: Use a Laser Level
A laser level can be particularly useful when preparing a larger pool area.
Set it up on stable ground and establish a consistent horizontal reference.
Measure vertically from that reference down to the ground at several marked locations.
For example, if the distance from the laser's horizontal reference to the ground is smaller at one point, that point is higher.
Compare the measurements across the entire pool footprint.
Make sure you understand the laser's setup and calibration instructions, and don't look directly into its beam.
Recommended for Larger Pool Sites: Huepar HM03CG Laser Level with Tripod.
If you're preparing the ground for a larger above-ground pool, the Huepar HM03CG Green Laser Level is worth considering.
It comes with an adjustable 50-inch tripod and projects a 360-degree horizontal laser line, making it easier to establish a consistent reference height across your pool installation area.
Once the laser is positioned and leveled, you can use a measuring rod to compare the ground height at different points. This is particularly helpful when preparing the foundation for a large round or rectangular pool.
The kit includes a green laser target plate to help you locate the beam, along with an adjustable tripod and other accessories. For outdoor work in bright sunlight, the HM03CG also supports compatible Huepar laser receivers (LR-6RG and LR-5RG), which detect the beam when it's difficult to see. These electronic receivers are sold separately.
Best for: Larger above-ground pool installations and homeowners who want a reusable leveling tool for other DIY projects.
Who should skip it: Anyone preparing a small pool area who can get reliable measurements using a long, straight board and spirit level.
How Level Does the Ground Need to Be?
Aim for a flat, level and fully supported installation surface.
Some pool manuals specify an allowable installation tolerance. Others simply require level ground without giving a universal numerical allowance.
Don't rely on a general rule that being one or two inches out of level is acceptable.
Check the exact requirements for your pool model.
Even a difference that seems small across a large backyard can become noticeable once the pool is filled.
Step 5: Remove Soil From the Higher Areas
Once you've identified the highest points, start carefully removing soil.
For most small frame-pool installations, the preferred approach is to lower the high ground until it matches the intended foundation elevation.
Don't simply spread loose soil or sand into low spots and assume the pool will hold everything in place.
Uncompacted fill can settle under the weight of the water and cause the pool to lean.
Work gradually:
Remove a small amount of soil from the high spots.
Recheck the level.
Continue removing material where necessary.
Smooth the surface with a rake.
Repeat until the area meets the required level.
Avoid digging deeper than necessary.
There's no universal requirement to excavate a fixed number of inches below the lowest point. The required depth depends on the site, the ground conditions and the pool's foundation design.
If the site requires significant excavation, retaining walls or substantial fill to establish a safe foundation, consider hiring an experienced pool installer or groundworks contractor.
Can You Build Up the Low Side Instead?
For a properly engineered foundation, compacted structural fill may be an option.
However, placing ordinary loose soil, sand or gravel on the low side of a lawn isn't the same thing as building a professionally prepared base.
If your site is sloping enough that it needs substantial material added to one side, it's worth getting advice before installing the pool.
You want a foundation that remains stable when saturated, not one that only looks level immediately after installation.
Step 6: Compact the Ground and Check for Soft Spots
Once the area is level, check that the surface is firm and evenly supported.
A hand tamper may be sufficient for small areas of suitable soil.
Larger areas or engineered base materials may require mechanical compaction according to the installation design.
The aim isn't to create an unnecessarily hard surface. It's to remove loose areas that could settle once the pool is filled.
Work across the site and check for:
Soft or springy soil
Loose material
Footprints that sink noticeably
Ground that moves under pressure
Surface depressions
Stones or roots brought to the surface
If the ground remains soft, muddy or unstable, don't install the pool and hope the water weight will compress it.
Compaction won't solve every soil problem. Poor drainage, unsuitable fill and weak underlying ground may require more extensive preparation.
When the surface is ready, check the level again.
Step 7: Prepare the Correct Base for Your Pool Type
This is where above-ground pool installation advice often becomes confusing.
Not every pool uses the same foundation.
A metal-frame Intex pool and a traditional steel-wall pool can have very different requirements.
Intex and Bestway Frame Pools
Most framed pools require a flat, firm, stable surface that can support the entire pool and its frame.
Don't use loose sand to compensate for an uneven lawn.
Sand can move under concentrated loads, particularly around the support legs.
For an Intex or Bestway pool, prepare the ground according to the exact model instructions before installing any protective cloth or frame supports.
Different models may have different requirements for support pads, restraint straps and base materials.
Traditional Steel-Wall Pools
Some rigid steel-wall pools use a prepared sand base inside the wall, together with a pool cove around the bottom edge.
The cove helps support the liner where the floor meets the wall.
Other steel-wall installations use foam coves or approved liner floor pads.
This is not the same as placing a frame pool on loose sand to make it level.
The structural foundation, bottom rails and support locations must already be correctly prepared.
Follow the specific manufacturer's installation sequence and specified materials. Don't assume that a sand depth used for one model is suitable for another.
Rectangular Pools With U-Shaped Supports
Larger rectangular pools deserve extra attention because their support legs can extend outside the main pool footprint.
Some Intex rectangular models require support pads beneath their U-shaped legs when installed on non-concrete ground. For certain Ultra XTR and Prism Frame models, Intex specifies pressure-treated timber pads, recessed so their upper surfaces are level with the surrounding ground. The manufacturer also warns against smooth, slippery slabs that could allow the supports to slide outward.
Where required, these pads must be appropriately sized, stable and positioned according to the manual.
Do not simply place raised paving slabs underneath the supports.
For the applicable Intex designs, the support pads are recessed so their upper surfaces are level with the surrounding prepared pool foundation.
Raising a support above its intended elevation can change the frame geometry and place stress on the legs.
Pad dimensions, suitable materials and requirements vary by model, so check the exact instructions rather than copying measurements from another pool.
Step 8: Install a Suitable Ground Cloth or Liner Pad
After the ground is properly prepared, the next step is protecting the pool liner.
Many frame pools include a ground cloth. If yours doesn't, check which materials the manufacturer approves.
A ground cloth helps provide a protective layer between the liner and the prepared surface.
Depending on the product, it may help reduce abrasion, protect against minor surface imperfections and make the liner less likely to rub directly against rough ground.
But it won't fix:
Uneven soil
Sinking support legs
Sharp stones left in the ground
Poor drainage
An unstable base
A protective mat also shouldn't be confused with a structural support pad for a pool leg. They perform different jobs.
For a frame pool, position the ground cloth according to the manufacturer's instructions, then assemble the pool without dragging the liner over the ground.
If you have a rigid steel-wall pool, use the liner pad and cove arrangement specified by its manufacturer.
Should You Put a Tarp or Weed Barrier Under an Above-Ground Pool?
A suitable ground cloth or protective tarp is worth considering when installing an above-ground pool, particularly on a prepared soil surface.
It creates a protective layer between the pool liner and the ground, helping reduce abrasion and damage from minor surface imperfections.
Some Intex pools include a ground cloth, while others may require you to purchase one separately. Always check what your pool manufacturer recommends.
Will a ground cloth stop weeds growing through the liner?
It can help, but it isn't guaranteed to stop aggressive vegetation.
A dedicated weed-control membrane may provide additional protection, but don't automatically add extra layers beneath the pool without checking that they're suitable for your model. Materials that wrinkle, shift or interfere with the frame supports can create other problems.
For best results:
Remove grass, weeds and spreading roots before leveling the ground.
Make sure the finished foundation is firm, level and free from sharp objects.
Use a ground cloth or protective tarp approved for your pool.
Lay the material flat, avoiding folds, raised seams or trapped debris.
Keep the pool's support legs and structural pads positioned according to the installation instructions.
Remember: The most important protection against vegetation growing through your pool liner is proper ground preparation. A tarp or ground cloth provides an additional layer of protection, not a substitute for removing aggressive weeds and roots.
Step 9: Check the Level Again Before Filling
Before you connect the hose, make one final inspection.
Check that:
The entire installation area is correctly leveled.
The foundation feels firm and stable.
All stones, roots and sharp objects have been removed.
The ground cloth or approved liner pad is correctly positioned.
The frame supports are sitting where the manual specifies.
Required support pads are correctly installed.
The pool liner isn't pinched or trapped beneath a support.
Water can drain away from the outside of the pool.
Once you're satisfied, follow the manufacturer's assembly instructions.
For frame pools, the early filling stage is particularly important.
Intex's setup guidance describes adding a shallow layer of water, checking for leaks and smoothing out liner wrinkles before filling the pool further.
During filling, check that the legs remain correctly positioned and no supports are sinking.
Also check the distance between the water surface and the pool's top rail at several locations, where the rail provides a suitable reference. A consistent water-to-rail measurement can help identify an uneven installation.
If the pool is visibly leaning, the frame becomes distorted beyond the manufacturer's normal filling behavior or a support begins sinking, stop filling immediately.
Don't try to fix a significantly uneven installation by wedging extra material under a loaded support.
Preparing the ground can take longer than assembling the pool itself, particularly if excavation or compaction is needed. Our above-ground pool setup time guide explains the other tasks to allow for when planning an installation.
Can You Level an Above-Ground Pool on a Sloped Yard?
Sometimes, but it depends on how steep the slope is and how the foundation will be built.
A minor variation in ground height may be manageable by excavating the higher section.
A noticeably sloping backyard is a different project.
You may need professional excavation, drainage improvements, engineered fill or a properly designed retaining structure.
Don't assume you can create a suitable base by adding a thick layer of sand or placing blocks beneath the low side of the pool.
A large amount of water produces loads that ordinary landscaping materials may not safely support.
When Should You Hire a Professional?
Professional help is worth considering if:
The site has a substantial slope.
The soil is soft, unstable or previously filled.
You need a retaining wall or major excavation.
Water regularly collects around the proposed pool area.
Large trees or roots affect the installation.
The pool is particularly large or intended as a permanent installation.
You are unsure whether the foundation can support the pool safely.
There's nothing wrong with handling minor ground preparation yourself, but structural groundworks aren't something to improvise.
Can You Install an Above-Ground Pool on Concrete?
Some above-ground pools can be installed on a suitable concrete base, provided the manufacturer permits it.
The concrete must be structurally adequate, level, stable, smooth enough for the approved installation and capable of supporting the full pool and its users.
Don't assume an existing patio or driveway is suitable just because it's made from concrete.
Many outdoor concrete surfaces are deliberately sloped for drainage, and an old slab may have cracks, settlement or inadequate structural capacity.
You may also need an approved liner-protection layer to reduce abrasion.
The exact requirements differ between temporary frame pools and permanent steel-wall installations.
Don't place a pool on a raised deck, balcony or platform unless it has been specifically engineered and approved to carry the filled pool.
Should You Use Sand, Gravel or Foam Mats Under an Above-Ground Pool?
It depends on what the material is being used for.
Sand
Sand isn't a general solution for leveling a frame pool.
Intex warns that sand can shift, and support legs may sink into it.
However, sand can be part of a manufacturer-approved liner base for certain traditional steel-wall pools.
The distinction is between creating a stable structural foundation and preparing a specified protective layer inside an already supported pool structure.
Gravel or Crushed Stone
Loose gravel isn't suitable directly underneath a vinyl liner or frame-pool support merely because it drains well.
Some engineered foundations use compacted aggregate as part of a complete installation design, but the material, depth and compaction requirements need to be appropriate.
Don't substitute a layer of gravel for the foundation specified in your pool manual.
Foam Mats and Ground Cloths
Foam pads and protective ground cloths can help protect the liner when approved for the pool.
They do not level the ground or replace structural support.
Thick, soft or compressible padding may also be unsuitable under concentrated frame-leg loads.
Choose the product and installation method according to your pool's instructions, not simply whichever material feels softest underfoot.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Leveling Ground for a Pool
Most ground-preparation problems come from a handful of avoidable mistakes.
Guessing whether the surface is level. A yard can look flat while still having a noticeable height difference from one side to the other. Measure before digging.
Using sand to fill low spots beneath a frame pool. Loose sand can shift or settle once the pool is filled.
Forgetting the external support legs. The complete frame footprint may be considerably larger than the advertised swimming area.
Putting paving slabs on top of the ground. Where recessed support pads are required, raising the legs can alter the pool's intended structure.
Leaving roots or stones beneath the liner. Small objects can become uncomfortable pressure points or damage the liner under load.
Ignoring drainage. Water washing around the pool base can contribute to erosion and unstable soil.
Filling the pool before checking the frame. Once thousands of gallons of water are inside, correcting a foundation problem becomes much harder.
Assuming every pool uses the same base. The correct installation for a rigid steel-wall pool may be very different from an Intex or Bestway frame pool.
Taking the time to avoid these mistakes is much easier than emptying and dismantling a pool because its foundation wasn't ready.
What if Your Above-Ground Pool Is Already Uneven?
If your pool is already filled and you notice one side is sitting lower, the safest response depends on how serious the problem is.
A visibly leaning pool, sinking support legs, shifting frame or buckling wall should be treated as a potential structural hazard.
Stop using the pool and keep people away from it until the problem has been assessed.
Don't attempt to jack up the frame, dig beneath a loaded support or push blocks underneath the legs while the pool is full.
For minor concerns, consult the manufacturer's installation instructions and customer support.
For significant settlement or structural distortion, professional assessment may be necessary.
If the foundation must be corrected, the pool will generally need to be taken out of service and relieved of its water load in accordance with the manufacturer's approved procedure before rebuilding or adjusting the base.
An uneven pool isn't something to fix by adding extra water or adjusting the chlorine. The underlying support problem needs attention.
Get the Ground Right Before You Fill the Pool
A level foundation might not be the most exciting part of installing an above-ground pool, but it's one of the most important.
Start with a suitable location, measure the ground carefully and remove the high spots rather than relying on loose material to fill the low ones.
Make sure the surface is firm, the drainage is suitable and any required support pads are installed correctly.
Most importantly, use the installation instructions for your particular pool. What works for a steel-wall pool isn't necessarily appropriate for an Intex or Bestway frame pool.
If you're still choosing a pool for your backyard, our Above-Ground Pools section can help you compare pool types, shapes and sizes before you prepare the site.
And once the pool is installed and filled, our step-by-step above-ground pool cleaning guide will help you keep it in good condition throughout the swimming season.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the easiest way to level ground for an above-ground pool?
For a suitable yard with only minor unevenness, remove grass and surface debris, measure the ground using a long board and spirit level or laser level, then excavate the higher areas until the entire pool footprint is level. Compact the prepared surface and check it again before installing the pool.
Can you put an above-ground pool on slightly uneven ground?
You shouldn't assume that a slight slope is acceptable. Above-ground pools require a level, stable foundation, and allowable tolerances depend on the model. Follow the manufacturer's instructions rather than relying on a general one-inch or two-inch rule.
Can I use sand to level the ground for an Intex or Bestway pool?
No. Loose sand should not be used to correct uneven ground beneath an Intex or Bestway frame pool. Sand can shift and allow support legs to sink. Some traditional steel-wall pools use sand as part of a specified liner base, but that is a different installation method.
Should I dig down the high side or fill the low side?
For minor leveling on suitable undisturbed ground, removing soil from the high side is generally preferable to filling the low side with loose material. Significant fill, unstable soil or steep slopes may require a properly engineered foundation.
Do I need paving slabs under my above-ground pool legs?
Some frame-pool models require solid support pads or slabs beneath particular legs, especially U-shaped supports. Others have different requirements. Where recessed pads are specified, their upper surfaces must be set at the correct foundation elevation. Always follow your model's installation manual.
Can I put an above-ground pool directly on grass?
Some pools may be installed on suitable firm ground after the site has been properly prepared, but grass and vegetation can create problems beneath the liner. Check the manufacturer's requirements for removing vegetation and using a ground cloth. Never assume that an ordinary lawn is level or stable enough without checking it.
Do foam mats or ground cloths help level a pool?
No. Ground cloths and approved foam pads are intended primarily to protect or cushion the liner. They cannot correct significant height differences or provide the structural foundation needed to support the pool.
What should I do if my pool starts leaning while filling?
Stop filling immediately and inspect the installation from a safe position. Check for sinking supports, uneven ground or frame misalignment. Follow the manufacturer's instructions and seek professional advice where necessary. Don't attempt to lift or wedge a loaded pool frame into position.
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