Have you ever seen an amazing above-ground pool and wished you could have that at home? We feel you. That’s why we’re here to help! It used to be that installing an above-ground pool meant having a large, awkward box sitting in your backyard. Luckily, those days are over. Newer above ground pools are sleek and stylish—rather than awkward and uninviting. It’s still a major undertaking, though. So if you’re thinking about installing an above ground pool in your backyard, we’ve got some tips for you! Let’s get started on learning how to level ground for a pool without digging!
How To Level Ground For Pool Without Digging
Get a Level
When you’re planning to install an above-ground pool, the first thing you need is a level. You can use a laser level or a spirit level to get it right. It’s not as simple as just getting one of these tools and using it to see if your backyard is perfectly flat. The type of concrete you use will affect the way the tool works. If you don’t have access to any kind of concrete that affects how the level works, like sand or soil, then you can use any tool that will show you if your backyard is perfectly flat.
Mark Your Backyard
Take some measurements from all around the perimeter of your yard and mark them with stakes and string so that you can confirm that everything is level when it comes time to pour concrete for your above-ground pool. Keep in mind that most people choose a rectangle for their pool because it’s easier to work with than other shapes—but there are also other things to consider when installing an above-ground pool like slope, shade, and water pressure so make sure all these factors are taken into account when deciding on your shape!
Leveling Blocks
Once you have marked out all the boundaries of where your pool will go, it’s time to start digging! Dig down six inches deep and put some blocks in place so that they are exactly even with each other on both sides of your backyard—just like you would do to level up a table. You want your blocks to be the same height as each other so that they are perfectly even. The blocks will help give you a more accurate reading of how deep the ground is and how much concrete you need to pour in order to get it level.
Leveling Blocks
You’ll also want to put some blocks around the perimeter of your pool area so that they are at the same level all around, just like you did with the six inch deep holes for digging.
Mark Out Your Concrete Pouring Area
When it’s time to pour concrete for your above ground pool, mark out an area where you can pour concrete, about ten feet by ten feet. This will be the place where you will pour all of your concrete (and where most people think they will dump all their leftover concrete). You might need some extra space if it turns out that there is more than one person pouring concrete or if there is a lot of extra material left over after pouring concrete. If this happens, then add another layer of blocks around this area with some space between each block so that all of the extra material can fall into these spaces and not go all over your back yard!
Mark Out Your Concrete Pouring Area
You’ll also want to mark out a spot where you will pour the first layer of concrete. This is where you will put your first layer of concrete and it should be about two inches deep.
Leveling Blocks
Once you have marked out your initial pouring area, it’s time to start pouring concrete! You’ll want to pour four or five layers of concrete for an above ground pool, depending on the shape that you choose and how high off the ground it is going to be. If your pool is going to be four feet or less off the ground, then you will only need one layer of concrete; if it’s going to be more than four feet off the ground, then there will probably be a second layer poured as well. Make sure that each layer of concrete is exactly even with each other—it doesn’t matter if there are a few extra inches here or there because they won’t show once everything is covered with water!
Leveling Blocks
When you have poured all of your layers of concrete, make sure that they are level with each other and just like when digging for them six inches down earlier in this process, put a few blocks at each end so that nothing falls over and spills all over your yard (or into someone else’s yard).
Different Types Of Ground Levelers
“Single Block” Ground Levelers
This is the most common type of ground leveler. It is a single block of concrete that is about two inches deep and about four inches wide.
“Double Block” Ground Levelers
This type of ground leveler has two blocks of concrete that are about two inches deep and about four inches wide. These are better for above ground pools because they cover more area, but they are not as good at covering the corners or dips on your pool where it meets the ground.
“Triple Block” Ground Levelers
This type has three blocks of concrete that are about two inches deep and about four inches wide—they do a great job at covering the corners and dips on your pool!
The Benefits Of Ground Leveling
- It makes the pool a lot more stable.
- It’s much easier to pour concrete since you don’t have to dig all of the way down to the ground, which can be difficult and sometimes dangerous!
- If your pool is going over four feet off the ground, then you will probably need to pour a second layer of concrete just like in step seven above; this will also make sure that everything is level with each other and there are no dips or corners where water could leak through (or into someone else’s yard!)
- For an above ground pool, it’s important that the soil around your pool is level because if it isn’t level with the rest of your yard, then water could seep into your pool and ruin it!
The Disadvantage Of Ground Leveling
- It’s a lot more work.
- You have to fill in the holes where you dug for your blocks—this can be time-consuming and if you used a shovel to dig for your blocks instead of a backhoe, then you could have dug deeper than you needed to!
- It’s not as easy to pour concrete since you have to dig down six inches instead of just six inches!
- If your pool is going over four feet off the ground, then there will probably be some cracks and crevices that need filling; this can be difficult and time-consuming!
Tips For Learning How To Level Ground For A Pool Without Digging
- If you have a lot of dirt around your pool, then you might want to consider doing the ground leveling yourself.
- If you have a lot of dirt around your pool and it’s a big enough area, then hire someone to do it for you. It will cost more but it will save you time!
- If you live in an apartment or condo, then ask if there is any land that belongs to the building that is free for use; if there is, then use this land as one of your leveling sites to make leveling easier and faster!
Wrapping Up
If you’re looking to install a new above ground pool in your backyard, ground leveling is an essential part of the process. It will help the water flow evenly throughout your pool, making maintenance and cleaning easier. Plus, it will make installing above ground pool steps, ladders, and more easier. We recommend not digging if possible. If you do need to dig, be sure to mark the area you want to dig and enlist assistance. When you’re done, your new above ground pool will be all the more beautiful for it! And you’ll be able to relax with your family and friends year-round, even when it’s chilly outside!
