Who Should I Hire to Level the Ground for a Pool?

Installing an inground pool can transform your backyard into a tranquil sanctuary, creating space for relaxation and leisure. However, achieving the setup for your pool begins with determining who to hire to level the ground for a pool.

Let’s review the best type of pro to hire to level the ground for an inground pool and the step-by-step process professionals follow to guarantee that your pool area is perfectly level and safe.

Benefits of Hiring a Pool Installation Service to Level the Ground for a Pool

Opting to hire a professional pool builder and installer is a great choice as they possess expertise in both installing pools and preparing the ground properly. For starters, a pool installation company will be able to provide recommendations for the pool’s location based on your property’s layout and its high points. They’ll conduct a walkthrough of your yard to mark the high spots with stakes and clear the site of rocks and other debris before starting the leveling process.

Another benefit to hiring professionals who specialize in pool installation prep is that they have the knowledge and experience to determine the best course of action for leveling the ground, such as how to remove bumps and peaks to create an even surface. While it’s possible to level your yard for a pool without digging, pool installation pros may use heavy machinery to prep and smooth out the ground for your pool. Plus, hiring a team of pool service professionals ensures that your installation prep is completed efficiently and correctly, which is an essential step of building an inground pool.

Can I Hire a Professional Landscaper for Ground Leveling?

When it comes to preparing your yard for a pool, you can also consider hiring a local landscaper. Professional landscaping companies have the skills, tools, and expertise necessary to level your land in preparation for a pool installation, and they can help evaluate your soil quality and density along the way. During the interview process, be sure to ask the potential landscaping pros about their experience with this type of project, and prioritize hiring a team that specializes in land leveling.

Keep in mind that, in contrast to professional pool installation pros, some landscapers may not have extensive knowledge about pool building regulations. While experienced teams can likely help with the smoothing, sanding, and compacting process, they might not know the exact parameters of pool set-up requirements, such as required distances from the house and other property features.

How Do Pool Installation Pros Level the Ground for a Pool?

To ensure a perfectly level ground for your pool, professionals follow a detailed process. Here's an overview of the steps involved:

1. Assessment and planning: Before excavating or leveling work begins, a pool professional will assess the installation area. This process includes evaluating the terrain, measuring the space, and identifying any obstacles or issues that need attention. 

2. Excavation: Pool installation pros will use excavation equipment to remove soil or debris that may hinder the installation to ensure the ground leveled to the depth providing a stable base.

3. Grading: Grading involves adjusting the soil to achieve a level surface. This step is extremely important and may require the use of heavy machinery to ensure precise results.

4. Compaction: Compacting the soil thoroughly is crucial in creating a stable base for your pool. Pool leveling professionals use equipment to compact the soil, preventing any settling or shifting issues in the future.

5. Fill and fine grading: In most cases, additional fill material is necessary to achieve the desired level. After adding the fill material, meticulous fine grading is conducted to ensure that the ground is perfectly level and free from any irregularities.

6. Final inspection: The pool installation pro will conduct a final inspection to verify the ground is ready for pool installation. Any adjustments are made at this stage to ensure a strong base.

How Much Does Ground Leveling Cost?

Most homeowners spend $1,000 to $3,400 to level their yard. Often, leveling the ground for a pool will be at the lower end of the cost range since you don’t need to level your entire yard—just where you’re putting the pool.

If you’re adding a deck around the pool, you’ll need to level more space, so you could pay up to $4,500.

Can I DIY Leveling the Ground for a Pool?

While it’s possible to level your yard for a pool yourself, we highly recommend hiring a pool installation or landscaping pro instead. DIY land leveling is a time- and labor-intensive project that requires careful planning and execution to follow building and safety regulations. For example, your pool area must be on firm ground without loose soil, away from power lines, cables, and septic systems, and at least six feet from other obstacles. If you DIY this project, you’ll also have to pull your own building permit and adhere to its guidelines, facing a fine if they aren’t followed correctly. 

Aside from the logistical challenges of leveling your yard independently, you risk incorrectly preparing your yard for future pool installation. A level surface ensures that your pool maintains its durability over time. An uneven base can lead to shifting, settling, and potential damage to the structure of your pool, including its walls and liner. Plus, an even surface helps maintain the water level in your swimming pool. If the base is uneven water can accumulate on one side, which can negatively impact water circulation and filtration. Since ground preparation is a crucial part of a successful pool installation, any mistakes could lead to future issues with placing the pool or its function.