Overwhelmed with leveling for new pool.

[lack2000]

Hello! Just bought an 18x48 intex pool. I thought I had a fairly even spot to set it up, but I have about 1 1/2 difference from one side to the other (I used stakes and a line level). Some have told me no big deal, but most people on this site say it must be more level. so if I level it, do I have to get a sod cutter, or can it be done by hand? If done by hand, what tools do I need and how deep do I dig? Do I need to use pavers for the legs? Sorry, I'm just a bit overwhelmed and I don't have much help.

 

[jblizzle]

Welcome to TFP!!!

We recommend that you are level to within 1". If you are going to dig down, you would want to dig the high side down about 1.5". I don't know what your ground is like to offer advice on tools. A flat blade shovel might be sufficient.
I would think that pavers under the legs are a good idea, These would also need to be cut into the ground.

 

[ChrisPickering]

I thought I had a level yard. But I laid out an area where I was intending to land the pool, same as yours the 18'x48"deep, and started putting down bags of dirt. I got a couple of lawn timbers and a 4' iron rod. I drilled a hole through one end of the timber and set it over the post. Then we put a few 25lb weights on the timber. One near the stake, one in the middle, and one at the edge. Grab a length of rope and start dragging in a circle. I took 2 timbers and put them together to level a 24' area so that I had some forgiveness near the edges.

 

[lack2000]

I thought I had a level yard. But I laid out an area where I was intending to land the pool, same as yours the 18'x48"deep, and started putting down bags of dirt. I got a couple of lawn timbers and a 4' iron rod. I drilled a hole through one end of the timber and set it over the post. Then we put a few 25lb weights on the timber. One near the stake, one in the middle, and one at the edge. Grab a length of rope and start dragging in a circle. I took 2 timbers and put them together to level a 24' area so that I had some forgiveness near the edges.

Thanks for the info! Did you dig the high side down deeper? Also, did you use pavers for the legs?

 

[lack2000]

Welcome to TFP!!!

We recommend that you are level to within 1". If you are going to dig down, you would want to dig the high side down about 1.5". I don't know what your ground is like to offer advice on tools. A flat blade shovel might be sufficient.
I would think that pavers under the legs are a good idea, These would also need to be cut into the ground.

Thank you! I tried using a regular spade shovel, but the roots from the grass pulls up 3 to 4 inches of dirt. I'm worried I'm digging to deep. It's also quite difficult to dig out.

 

[ChrisPickering]

Thanks for the info! Did you dig the high side down deeper? Also, did you use pavers for the legs?

I don't really have a high side, so that didnt affect me. Mine is a softside pool so no need for pavers.

 

[lack2000]

I don't really have a high side, so that didnt affect me. Mine is a softside pool so no need for pavers.

I have the same pool as you I think. So you're ground was just bumpy instead of sloped is what your saying? No issues with the legs sinking without pavers?

 

[ChrisPickering]

Mine is different in that it doesnt have legs intex easy set pool - Google Search

 

[lack2000]

Mine is different in that it doesnt have legs intex easy set pool - Google Search

Gotcha. thanks!