15’ Intex , first pool, 3rd attempt putting it up

[AmandaHimel]

New to the group. Purchased a couple weeks ago a 15’ Intex Pool. I am on my 3rd try of setting it up. Lol.
First consisted of this can’t be that difficult and looks like a good spot ... no prep. , no research.
Second attempt, after some research on un level pools , moved to flattest area in the yard , filled it , was 6 inches off and poles were leaning .
On my third try now after many sleepless nights , mad kids and frustration. Drained pool again . Dug out the sod, dug out the high end , leveled ( I’m not an expert , just a mom trying for some summer fun) , brought in a truck of dirt. Got pavers . Leveled each leg . Watched 6,349 you tube videos and now I’m filling it and still 2 inches off
Just sending some pics and see if anyone with similar experience just left it at 2” off
I accidentally posted this in the wrong section first time

 

[kellyfair]

If it were any more than two inches, I wouldn’t chance it.

Leveling is definitely the worst part!

 

[rj2222]

Leveling is definitely the most terrible, time-consuming part. 2 inches is definitely better than 6 inches! Just make sure people aren't pushing off or trying to jump on the walls, you'll probably be alright then. now you can relax and enjoy it until you re-level to an inch or less next year. First year with one of these is always a learning experience.

 

[Dadofthree74]

We just made sure the top rail, legs and pavers were level. We were off by an inch or so. I tried to follow above group pools on YT. this is our first year.

Your pics look good.

 

[Waltheraustin]

Same here but my wife made me hurry so kids could swim. 2 inches off as well and no pavers.

I have prepared her that it's going down in a few months and to prepare for it. At first, I didn't care and several videos don't emphasize level and several said to not use pavers but then I found TFP so it's gonna be fixed

 

[G.K.W.H.inthatorder]

So much time is spent on the leveling...but soooo much stress comes from the kids and their little hopeful faces.
"I gotta get this right" - always worried and then it's up to you alone to keep it clean. TFP took a lot of that of my shoulders.

 

[CT-Steven]

Like you in a rush... After much digging, I rented a commercial compactor like this: NorthStar Close-Quarters Plate Compactor With 5.5 HP Honda GX160 Engine | Northern Tool that was rated for something like 2,000lbs Was amazing how far virgin ground compacted, the amount of time saved as well as my back from hand tamping.

 

[G.K.W.H.inthatorder]

Oooohhh, that's not a bad idea. Doesn't break the bank or your back. 14" deep compaction is awesome. So you took the tiller to it first? Then came through with the North Star? Is it basically level at that point or did you screed it? What's the next step?

I was fit to be tied...I leveled the dirt, then leveled the steel, then leveled the pavers, leveled a small village and it looked good and all, but at 62 pounds per cubic foot, that water is smashing, creating dips and hills and valleys. Deep compact definitely makes sense. Pools are hot commodities right now so we can't afford to mess this one up. This machine tamper is a really good call.