Problems With Leveling an Above-Ground Pool

Why to Level

• If the ground is not level --- and if the soil is not completely compacted --- the pool walls can collapse. When the walls collapse, the resulting flood can cause injury to anyone inside the pool and will leave your yard filled with large amounts of water, causing possible damage to your lawn.

Ensuring a Completely Level Area

• Since the pool site requires a completely level area, you can't make the area level as measured by only the naked eye. Ensuring that you have a completely level area requires the use of a carpenter's level. Because an area is not completely level if the ground is not firm and compacted, it's also important to only remove the grass, sod or soil from the higher areas to meet up with the lower areas. Adding soil to the low areas makes the ground unstable and not truly even, since the soil will compact further after it settles.

Technique

• One of the recommended techniques for ensuring a completely level area is to use a board and carpenter's level. Mark out the perimeter of the pool area with a piece of chalk. Place a stake in the center. Extend a board from the stake, and place a carpenter's level on top of the board. Use a shovel and/or sod cutter to remove the soil and grass from the high areas until you achieve a level area, as indicated by the carpenter's level.

Other Suggestions and Warnings

• Remove any rocks, sticks or other obstructions from the area. Do not locate the pool in an area with tree roots or other obstructions that not only make the surface uneven, but that can also cause problems later on --- the roots may grow into the side or bottom of the pool. Place the pool area away from utilities to avoid disturbing underground lines when you level the ground. For safety's sake, do not locate the pool area under trees or electrical lines.