How to Level the Ground for a Pool Without Digging

Dive into an easier method for leveling the surface for an above ground pool

backyard with above ground pool
Photo: SimplyCreativePhotography / iStock / Getty Images Plus / Getty Images
backyard with above ground pool
Photo: SimplyCreativePhotography / iStock / Getty Images Plus / Getty Images
Paige Bennett
Written by Paige Bennett
Contributing Writer
Updated Feb 1, 2023
SKILL LEVEL
Simple
COMPLETION TIME
3 hours
COST
$500–$1,000
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What you'll need:
TOOLS
  • Tape measure
  • Level
  • Drill
  • Hammer
SUPPLIES
  • Two 2-by-4 boards
  • Spray paint
  • Duct tape
  • Metal rebar
  • Sand

Before you can splash the days away in your above ground pool, you’ll need to ensure the ground is level. Learning how to level ground for a pool without digging is possible without heavy machinery. Not only is an uneven water level an annoyance when you’re trying to cool off, but uneven pools are at risk of collapsing, damaging property, and putting your family at risk of injuries. This guide will walk you through the steps to level ground for your new pool. 

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Prepping to Level Ground for a Pool

Before you can smooth out the ground, set up the pool, and get to floating, there are a few tasks to check off first. You may need to secure permits before setting up the pool, and you’ll need to choose a location for the pool. You’ll also need to clear the area before you can start leveling the ground.

Check Zoning and Permits

While setting up an above ground pool in your yard is common, it may require applying for permits to build the pool, level the ground, or install electrical elements like pumps and heaters. Make sure to check with your municipality for regulations about how far the pool must be from structures or property lines, and inquire about any building permit costs.

Clear Grass and Plants

You’ll need to select a location away from the house and garage as well as other structures, like sheds. You may also want to keep the pool away from large trees and shrubs to minimize the risk of damage to the pool. Once you’ve selected the area, you’ll need to remove grass, rocks, twigs, plants, and other obstructions before you can start leveling the area.

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  1. Mark the Pool Location

    You’ve already cleared the general area for the pool, but to properly level the surface, be sure to measure the specific location and mark it with spray paint. You’ll be working within this marked area to inspect for high and low spots, which you’ll need to level out before installing an above ground pool.

  2. Check for Highs and Lows

    man leveling ground with wood board
    Photo: narvikk / iStock / Getty Images Plus / Getty Images

    Using at least two two-by-fours attached at the ends to make one long board—or using an 8-foot-long board—place the boards along the radius of the marked pool area with one end at the center point. Using a level on top of the first board by the perimeter of the pool area (opposite the center), ensure the first board is level on the ground.

    Lift the other end of the board until it’s level, and use the measuring tape to determine the distance between the bottom side of this board and the ground. This will determine the lowest spot.

  3. Secure the Boards

    Turn the board on its side and drill a 3/8-inch hole through the center of the end sitting at the center point of the pool area. Align the hole with the center of the pool area so you can secure the end of the board. Use a hammer to drive the metal rebar through the hole and continue driving the metal rebar until the board is secure. 

  4. Pour Sand Into the Area

    Pour sand around the pool area, and make sure to use more sand in the low points. You’ll need more sand in these spots to help level them out with the higher ground.

  5. Construct a Large Level

    You’ve already started making the level in step three. At this point, you’ll just need to attach a level, like one from your toolbox, to the center of the attached boards (or one longer board) using duct tape. Wrap the duct tape around the boards and level, ensuring the board is level before securing it.

    Install a metal screw ring at the end of the board, the side near the perimeter of the pool area. Tie the rope around this metal screw ring, leaving enough slack to grab it and comfortably walk around the pool area while pulling the board around with you.

  6. Compact the Sand

    Wet the sand with some water, then use a tamper to start compacting it until it’s firm. Once the area is filled with sand and compacted, you can easily use your handmade leveling device to smooth the surface.

  7. Rake and Circle Until Level

    rake used to level the ground
    Photo: KaraGrubis / iStock / Getty Images Plus / Getty Images

    Grab the rope at the end of the boards and start pulling it and walking around the perimeter of the pool. Continue until the high and low points have leveled out. If there are still low points, you’ll need to add more sand, compact it, and go around with the boards again until the ground is level.

DIY Ground Leveling vs. Hiring a Pro

Learning how to level a yard for a pool is simple for most DIYers. The biggest cost is trucking in the sand, which costs about $300 to $700 or around $15 to $40 per cubic yard. Professional leveling services for a pool cost about $200 to $850 or $50 per hour. Either way, leveling the ground is a substantial portion of the cost of installing an above ground pool.

If you’re planning to install an inground pool, you need to hire a pool service near you to get the job done. Prepping the ground for an inground pool requires heavy machinery to excavate and level the ground before building and installing the pool. These tasks require the expertise of licensed and insured contractors.

Of course, if you’re having any trouble with leveling the ground for your type of above ground pool, hiring a professional pool service is also a smart idea. If the ground isn’t level, you’re at risk of the pool breaking or tearing, sending hundreds or thousands of gallons of water all over your property, and possibly damaging the neighbors’ homes and yards.

Frequently Asked Questions

When leveling the ground for a pool. If the ground is mostly level, you may be able to simply lay down pavers or pool pads to support the pool. However, you’ll still need to level the ground with sand as a base before adding other materials on top, like crushed gravel.

You can place many materials under a pool to level it, including sand, concrete, solid foam, pavers, or finely crushed gravel. You can also use a tamper or roller to level ground without using a shovel to dig. No matter the material, make sure to level the ground with sand first for a smooth, even surface for the pool to sit on.

It’s best to level the ground and use materials like sand, concrete, or solid foam rather than placing a pool on natural grass. Placing a pool on grass will kill off the grass, and the grass surrounding the pool may also die from heavy-duty traffic and chemically-treated water that splashes out of the pool.

Setting up a pool on unlevel ground can damage the pool or yard and put the safety of those using the pool at risk. The pool liner can tear if it isn’t flat, or the walls may collapse from added pressure. If part of the pool gives in to the pressure and comes down, the swimmers inside could get hurt.

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Learn more about our contributor
Paige Bennett
Written by Paige Bennett
Contributing Writer
Paige Bennett is a professional editor and writer with experience covering design, DIY projects, food, health, and travel, and holds a bachelor's degree in journalism from Ohio University.

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