Home Garden

Site Preparation for an Above Ground Pool

Above ground pools are available for those that want a pool but do not want to go to the expense of an in ground pool. Above ground pools are available in numerous sizes, shapes and depths to meet your needs and you can build a deck around them to increase your enjoyment. Take into consideration the levelness of your property, location of power lines and the location of outdoor electrical receptacles when selecting the site for your pool. Starting with almost level ground will eliminate many of the problems you can encounter when installing your pool.

Things You'll Need

  • Wooden stake
  • Nail
  • String
  • White spay paint
  • Shovel
  • Straight board
  • Level
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Instructions

    • 1

      Hammer the nail into the top of the stake and hammer the wooden stake in the ground in the center of the area where you want the pool.

    • 2

      Measure the string to a length that is half the radius of your pool plus 12 inches, and tie one end to the nail.

    • 3

      Pull the string taut and rotate around the stake while making marks on the ground with the paint to outline the shape of your pool.

    • 4

      Start at the lowest spot in the pool area and remove the grass from that spot.

    • 5

      Remove all dirt and grass from the rest of the pool area with your shovel.

    • 6

      Lay the board edge side up out from the center stake. Place your level on the top edge to determine the levelness of the area. Carefully remove dirt from any high spots as you move the board around the pool area.

    • 7

      Remove any dirt clods or rocks that are left of top of the area.