Check out how we set our pool up: How to install an above ground pool. How to set up a Bestway above ground pool. ruclips.net/video/8IULoh3vrnY/видео.html
Currently my reason for watching this video 😂 my five-year-old sees the 12 foot round Intex pool sitting in the living room for two weeks now😂 gotta get it done
Man! We bought an above ground pool for the kiddos and was searching RUclips for ideas on leveling the ground. Didn’t know you had a channel! Love it man. Subscribed.
You should always dig down to level. Sand is primarily to act as a pad between the ground and the liner. The sand will erode and you’ll be uneven again.
That's what I do then set my pavers level for the post, then fill it with sand then proceed to level again then put the pool up adjust pavers as needed with a line level going across the pool then start to fill and keep checking.
I’m putting my pool on my driveway. Only place I have. What should I use to level? I have play sand but then read it’ll erode, like you said. I won’t be leaving the pool up all year so maybe it’ll last for three months? What do you think?
@@krisrose219 hmmmm. That’s a good question. Yes sand will erode. But if that’s the only place you can try it. I also recommend cardboard. Or you can use those squares that you can put on the ground for when you build a stone walkway. Do you know what I’m taking about?
This was Very helpful. Especially the part when you realized the area was more unlevel than first thought. I going to buy me a Line Level! I do not want to repeat my last DIY pool experience.
Your method worked great for our 10’ x 4’ deep BestWay Max pool. Drilled hole in one end of 2x4 and drove 2’ piece of rebar through into ground for swivel which is apparent in the vid. 20 bags of play sand. $120. Note: Do not walk away from work area if you own cats. 😊
For our 18 foot pool, we built a 20 X 20 Frame, using 6 X 6 boards (and others), and made sure the entire frame was level. Because the best spot in the yard has a 14" drop at the extreme, the frame required more lumber on one end to make it level. Then just filled up the frame with sand. Then we built about a 22 foot board that we used to level the sand, going across the frame. We used a tamper to make the sand more compact, and just kept going over the frame with the 22 foot board until it was just right. The pool was perfectly level and the frame, filled with sand, was used every year.
@@Earthalien89 I'll try to put something together. We stacked 6 X 6 lumber and made walls out of it, using 3 on the extreme end and fewer on other ends. We secured the lumber together with very large nails (think spikes). Just need to make sure the top layer is level with all the other lumber for the 'box'. Once the box is complete, and level, fill it with sand, or dirt with a few inches of sand on top, and then use a board to scrape across the box to remove the excess sand...just like you could take a butter knife and level off the excess sugar in a sugar bowl, by taking the flat side of the knife across the top.
WE NEED HELP!!! we put our pool on the grass without any tarp/protection and we started smelling a foul secant after a week or two and it was coming from the pool we drained the water and cleaned the pool but it didnt help so we moved the pool and HOLY we got a WIFF of stinky smell and moldy grass if i can describe the smell it would be like horse dung and we dont know what to do PLZZZ ANY ADVICE????? our pool is the 33" funsicle
I read that if you use sand, it should be lightly because it doesn't bind together and will sink into the dirt. If you use 2" to 3" of sand it makes the bottom sort of mushy and will leave foot prints as people walk in the pool. In addition that will make it harder to vacuum the pool later.
So I would recommend using light sand just to help it get level. But it didn’t make the ground mushy for us nor was it harder to vacuum but if you do use alot of sand it could shift later.
I suggest viewing Christian hard scaper videos as he is king of leveling for pavers. I have done several brick pavers and a pair of 1 1/2 pipes to level sand keeps the whole area perfect. The pool doesn’t have to be as exact but leveling first will make a great job.
Actually the pool has to be almost as exact. You shouldn't be leveling with the sand as people have said because it can erode. You need to level the ground by digging down, adding more dirt will lead to it being uneven because he weight and pressure from a full pool will compact it down more than you can do by hand. Of your ground is uneven eventually your pool will be, and these pools only are built to handle about 2 inches off from one side to the other. Any more and you risk the entire thing collapsing because they are built to handle the water evenly across the area of the liner, if more water is built up on one side it can buckle and break a leg or just straight tear the liner
Yeah. Those are high. It worked pretty well. Ours is at the bottom of a hill so there was some washing. I think this year we will put a water barrier so water won’t run under. But overall it did well.
I just wanted to add some knowledge that I have if your just adding material lime this and not digging ang moving you don't have to account for settling unless you compact it
I just leveled off a 16' area for my 15' pool with sand. Was planning on putting a tarp over it next then put pull on it. Think I should put pavers under the feet?
You can. The only reason we didn’t is because I didn’t want there to be extra weight on the liner. I feel like that might stretch the liner since it will be higher.
@Try This DIY didn't think of that, your right. Small pieces of plywood worked for you? No walking or sinking of the feet? If I go right on the sand with the feet they will mush right down I would think. I want my lawn back 😩 😫 😕 😭
@@jjc6776 they worked CC pretty well. I still had alittle movement but they did work better than the ones without the wood. And I hear ya about the lawn. Mine is just about covered with kids stuff or my wife’s gardening.
I noticed that you didn't compact the sand prior to putting the pool on. I'm digging my lawn to level so shouldn't need as much compacting. Did the pool sink into the sand under the weight?
I wouldn't recommend concrete as a pad for an above ground pool. I would think it would be hard on the liner, and definitely not as comfortable for walking around on in the pool.
I got it from a commercial sand and mulch store. It was the only one they had, just the basic sand. Lowes and Home Depot probably call it play ground sand.
@@stephaniemarin5479 yeah that’s probably a good idea. The pool did fine, it did settle some but this year we plan on putting a barrier up for the water.
Great video. I have to wonder why in the shade next to that tree, but everyone has their reasons. Very helpful to see both methods in action and why. Thanks for the Tips!
I filled it up and didn't have the feet on pavers it started sinking into the ground. I literally just got done draining it last night. Moved it out the way and will be using your video as a guide to level the ground and start over
Will you please tell my wife this won’t work in Kansas. She saw the video and insist we are doing this because you know what your talking about and I don’t. It’s very windy out here sand won’t stay in the box. Thank you in advance
There is a chance the sand will shift and move some. Ours did move some last summer. I think sand is the easiest option. What are you planning on doing?
@@TryThisDIYFix a 16x4 above ground. I did see somewhere someone used sand under he pool but used small rocks outside. So you think that might work. Btw thanks for responding. I was joking half way
@@Bryman5000 we are planning on putting some type of barrier up to stop the water this summer do the rocks might work. I do think sand is the easiest to use but there is the chance of shifting. Good luck!
We put cross Timbers up near the edge so it would divert the water. Then we put edging around the edge that was steepest. So there is a double barrier.
I got it from a local sand and gravel place. I think mine total cost was $100. And it all depends on how much space you have as far as how much you need. Let me know if you have more questions. Thanks.
I actually learned this is not how you do it. Rain and gravity will allow that fine grain sand to ooze out from the pool or penetrate the soil. One thunderstorm could wreck all that effort. Level the soil with a rototiller and make sure its the high spot of the yard.
So you used sand for the support of the pool, hum, I would not reqimend that, I just noticed your water line at the top of your pool is uneven, again sand is not a good idea, I'm no expert.
Yeah I hear ya. I would say digging is better if you are able to. We used sand to help balance ours the best we could I have a year 2 video where we show you how to dig it out some but I think sand is a good option to get you started. And your pool will shift throughout the season as well.
NOOOOOOO... ESPECIALLY USING SAND FOR A BUILD UP!!!! IN A FEW... THE POOL WILL SINK LITTLE ON THAT SIDE!!! MAKING THE UNIFORM OR INTIGRITY OF POOL LOOK UNLEVEL!!!!!
@@TryThisDIYFix lol that sucks!! I feel ya on no level ground, my whole 3 lot backyard is full of groundhogs, trees/roots, & EXACTLY what I was doing today lol, old lady wanted the pool back an extra 6 ft so there goes painting a new circle then peeling the grass and weeds back to start the leveling process which is tomorrow…Yay!😐lol
Check out how we set our pool up: How to install an above ground pool. How to set up a Bestway above ground pool.
ruclips.net/video/8IULoh3vrnY/видео.html
“We had people asking us every 5 minutes when we would be done, so we decided they should help, as well.” Well said! Great video
Haha. Yeah they didn’t like moving the sand very well. But they loved the pool.
Currently my reason for watching this video 😂 my five-year-old sees the 12 foot round Intex pool sitting in the living room for two weeks now😂 gotta get it done
😂😂🤣😂
Thanks brother I live in New England, Connecticut just got a above ground 18×8 pool gives me a good idea on how to get it done much appreciated
That’s awesome! Yeah we e enjoyed ours for a couple years now. You will love it!
Thank you for doing this and making mistakes to help us avoid them. Thank you again
You got it! Thanks for watching! Feel free to subscribe for more helpful videos.
Man! We bought an above ground pool for the kiddos and was searching RUclips for ideas on leveling the ground. Didn’t know you had a channel! Love it man. Subscribed.
Dude no way! Thats awesome man! The kids will love it!
You should always dig down to level. Sand is primarily to act as a pad between the ground and the liner. The sand will erode and you’ll be uneven again.
That's what I do then set my pavers level for the post, then fill it with sand then proceed to level again then put the pool up adjust pavers as needed with a line level going across the pool then start to fill and keep checking.
That’s a good point. Thanks!
I like that idea as well! Thanks!
I’m putting my pool on my driveway. Only place I have. What should I use to level? I have play sand but then read it’ll erode, like you said. I won’t be leaving the pool up all year so maybe it’ll last for three months? What do you think?
@@krisrose219 hmmmm. That’s a good question. Yes sand will erode. But if that’s the only place you can try it. I also recommend cardboard. Or you can use those squares that you can put on the ground for when you build a stone walkway. Do you know what I’m taking about?
This was Very helpful. Especially the part when you realized the area was more unlevel than first thought. I going to buy me a Line Level! I do not want to repeat my last DIY pool experience.
Thank you! I’m glad it helped! Good luck.
Your method worked great for our 10’ x 4’ deep BestWay Max pool. Drilled hole in one end of 2x4 and drove 2’ piece of rebar through into ground for swivel which is apparent in the vid. 20 bags of play sand. $120. Note: Do not walk away from work area if you own cats. 😊
Awesome! I’m glad it helped. And yes you are right. We just got a cat this year. Ha.
Great video man, appreciate it!
@@danielpizana1199 awesome! You got it! Thanks
Thank you for the tips Fellow Texan!
You got it. Texas forever!
For our 18 foot pool, we built a 20 X 20 Frame, using 6 X 6 boards (and others), and made sure the entire frame was level. Because the best spot in the yard has a 14" drop at the extreme, the frame required more lumber on one end to make it level. Then just filled up the frame with sand. Then we built about a 22 foot board that we used to level the sand, going across the frame. We used a tamper to make the sand more compact, and just kept going over the frame with the 22 foot board until it was just right. The pool was perfectly level and the frame, filled with sand, was used every year.
That’s a great idea. Thanks for the help. We might have to do something like that in the future.
Can you explain this or send pictures?? I'd love to recreate this in my backyard
@@Earthalien89 👍
@@Earthalien89 I'll try to put something together. We stacked 6 X 6 lumber and made walls out of it, using 3 on the extreme end and fewer on other ends. We secured the lumber together with very large nails (think spikes). Just need to make sure the top layer is level with all the other lumber for the 'box'. Once the box is complete, and level, fill it with sand, or dirt with a few inches of sand on top, and then use a board to scrape across the box to remove the excess sand...just like you could take a butter knife and level off the excess sugar in a sugar bowl, by taking the flat side of the knife across the top.
@kwebster62 thank you, you're awesome..I think we can figure it out from what I've seen and read here. I'm excited to try this next year!
Good decision on getting the asker to help 👏
Hahaha. You know it!
Looks like a Government project, 1 worker and 4 supervisors.
Hahaha! My kids are great supervisors.
Love the way you were just like, naa...we aren't digging down first
Ha. Yeah. I did dig the second year though.
You’ve got done great helpers❤️ I may need to hire some good workers like them 😉
Hahaha! You better have alot of snacks.
What type of sand did you use?
I think it was playground sand or contractor sand. One of those.
WE NEED HELP!!! we put our pool on the grass without any tarp/protection and we started smelling a foul secant after a week or two and it was coming from the pool we drained the water and cleaned the pool but it didnt help so we moved the pool and HOLY we got a WIFF of stinky smell and moldy grass if i can describe the smell it would be like horse dung and we dont know what to do PLZZZ ANY ADVICE????? our pool is the 33" funsicle
Hmmmm. I’m not 100%. Did you try pouting the tarp under it?
I read that if you use sand, it should be lightly because it doesn't bind together and will sink into the dirt.
If you use 2" to 3" of sand it makes the bottom sort of mushy and will leave foot prints as people walk in the pool. In addition that will make it harder to vacuum the pool later.
So I would recommend using light sand just to help it get level. But it didn’t make the ground mushy for us nor was it harder to vacuum but if you do use alot of sand it could shift later.
I suggest viewing Christian hard scaper videos as he is king of leveling for pavers. I have done several brick pavers and a pair of 1 1/2 pipes to level sand keeps the whole area perfect. The pool doesn’t have to be as exact but leveling first will make a great job.
Yeah good call. Thanks!
Actually the pool has to be almost as exact. You shouldn't be leveling with the sand as people have said because it can erode. You need to level the ground by digging down, adding more dirt will lead to it being uneven because he weight and pressure from a full pool will compact it down more than you can do by hand. Of your ground is uneven eventually your pool will be, and these pools only are built to handle about 2 inches off from one side to the other. Any more and you risk the entire thing collapsing because they are built to handle the water evenly across the area of the liner, if more water is built up on one side it can buckle and break a leg or just straight tear the liner
@@b2284 yep. You are correct. I do recommend digging out where you can. Thanks!
How do you deal with the power supply with the pool being far away from the house? Do you leave an extension cord plugged in all season?
Yes I did. I put it in a plastic box so it would be out of the rain.
The connection part.
This is just what I needed! Thank you for the video!
You got it. Thank you for watching!
lHow's it holding up? Any problems with the sand washing out? I saw someone else using foam panels but they're pricey.
Yeah. Those are high. It worked pretty well. Ours is at the bottom of a hill so there was some washing. I think this year we will put a water barrier so water won’t run under. But overall it did well.
I just wanted to add some knowledge that I have if your just adding material lime this and not digging ang moving you don't have to account for settling unless you compact it
I hear ya! Yeah. In year 2 I did dig some.
You should use patio bricks under the uprights it helps stabilize
That’s a great idea! Thanks.
We used boards and when we started filling it up it litterly slid off of them 😢 gonna have too figure out a solution in the morning
@@michellewillard2255 yeah that does happen. You don’t have to use them. It might work fine without it.
@@michellewillard2255 good luck!!
I use patio blocks but I level them with the ground.
Great info- I have a similar situation in my yard
Hahaha. I bet you do!
Very helpful!
Thank you! I appreciate that! Thanks for watching!
How did you move out without taking it apart
What does that mean?
@@TryThisDIYFix i seen it on the side that was put together
04:38
@@951ruben oh the pool? It was a smaller one and we just moved it together. We all picked up different sides.
I just leveled off a 16' area for my 15' pool with sand. Was planning on putting a tarp over it next then put pull on it. Think I should put pavers under the feet?
You can. The only reason we didn’t is because I didn’t want there to be extra weight on the liner. I feel like that might stretch the liner since it will be higher.
That’s also why we just went with small pieces of wood. But I think if the pavers aren’t too tall they should be ok.
@Try This DIY didn't think of that, your right. Small pieces of plywood worked for you? No walking or sinking of the feet? If I go right on the sand with the feet they will mush right down I would think. I want my lawn back 😩 😫 😕 😭
@@jjc6776 they worked CC pretty well. I still had alittle movement but they did work better than the ones without the wood. And I hear ya about the lawn. Mine is just about covered with kids stuff or my wife’s gardening.
Helpful! Another great video.
Thank you! I hope it was! Thanks for watching!
Nice! The tundra looks good too bro.
Thanks man! Its still running!
I noticed that you didn't compact the sand prior to putting the pool on. I'm digging my lawn to level so shouldn't need as much compacting. Did the pool sink into the sand under the weight?
Yes it did! That’s a good point. We will do that next time. Thank you.
1:13 😂😂 hilarious, iykyk
Thanks.
How much did you spend on the sand
I think it was around $90. It was 2.5 truck loads.
How did the sand hold up? Did it sink at all?
Hey Justin, yes it did shift a little. It’s mainly due to water running by there. I think this year we plan on compacting it a little more.
Those were some great helpers you had!
HaHa. They were! Thanks for watching!
What was your cost for the sand you used and how much did you use?
I think it was about $90-100 I got about 3 truck loads full.
I’ve always heard to dig it out and not use sand to level bc the sand washes away
Yeah I think digging it out would be a good idea as well.
Yup. It's better to dig the high areas down rather than add dirt. The pool settling will throw everything off. No matter how much you tamper it.
@@tylerjourdan358 I’ll try that as well and make a video.
That is exactly what it says in the manual for our pool,to not use sand.
Why do u put sandunder it for? would it be better concrete!???
Oh yes, if you can afford concrete that would probably be best. But we are just doing it as temporary.
I’d never use concrete an if I did I’d put sand over it to a lot softer on kids heads an knees
I wouldn't recommend concrete as a pad for an above ground pool. I would think it would be hard on the liner, and definitely not as comfortable for walking around on in the pool.
How much sand do you think you used?
I used about 3 truck loads. I think you can definitely do less. Since it was my first experience I was just learning.
How much sand lbs did you end up using?
Hmm. I’m not sure. But I did use about 3 to 4 truck loads.
how has the pool been holding up?
It was pretty good. It shifted a little but overall it did well.
Where’d you get sand and what kind
I got it from a commercial sand and mulch store. It was the only one they had, just the basic sand. Lowes and Home Depot probably call it play ground sand.
@@TryThisDIYFix did the pool hold up with the sand? I was seeing I should use mason sand
@@stephaniemarin5479 yeah that’s probably a good idea. The pool did fine, it did settle some but this year we plan on putting a barrier up for the water.
I think we’ll use play sand too because it’s hard to even find the mason sand! Thank you for your fast replies!
@@stephaniemarin5479 you got it.
Great video. I have to wonder why in the shade next to that tree, but everyone has their reasons. Very helpful to see both methods in action and why. Thanks for the Tips!
You got it. Well this was the flattest place in our yard. But 3 weeks later the tree fell on the pool.
@@TryThisDIYFix ohhh man that’s true torture!
@@UncleRoots413 it was! Ha.
Shade will help with chemical cost as well as the sunlight murders chlorine.
How much did you pay for the sand
@@jerrygarza7321 I think the first year it was over $100.
Child labor. I love it.
Haha. Making them earn it.
Such cute helpers! 💕💕💕
Ha. Oh yes! They did great.
Bro... yes.
A full day to fill mine and 3 days to drain it 😆 🤣
Why did that happen?
I filled it up and didn't have the feet on pavers it started sinking into the ground.
I literally just got done draining it last night. Moved it out the way and will be using your video as a guide to level the ground and start over
@@Beach2BayAPPLIANCE-tp6mu ok great. I hope it helps. Let me know.
Will you please tell my wife this won’t work in Kansas. She saw the video and insist we are doing this because you know what your talking about and I don’t. It’s very windy out here sand won’t stay in the box. Thank you in advance
There is a chance the sand will shift and move some. Ours did move some last summer. I think sand is the easiest option. What are you planning on doing?
@@TryThisDIYFix a 16x4 above ground. I did see somewhere someone used sand under he pool but used small rocks outside. So you think that might work. Btw thanks for responding. I was joking half way
@@Bryman5000 we are planning on putting some type of barrier up to stop the water this summer do the rocks might work. I do think sand is the easiest to use but there is the chance of shifting. Good luck!
Hello I am doing the same thing as you and can I ask how did you keep the sand from eroding during the rain
We put cross Timbers up near the edge so it would divert the water. Then we put edging around the edge that was steepest. So there is a double barrier.
Thanks for watching! I hope that helps.
How many pounds ds of sand did u end up buying
Hmmm. I can’t remember. I think it was 3 truck loads, I think the place I bought it from just measure the loads instead of lbs.
Where do u get all the sand tho? How much does it cost? How much sand do u need? So much information not talked about
I got it from a local sand and gravel place. I think mine total cost was $100. And it all depends on how much space you have as far as how much you need. Let me know if you have more questions. Thanks.
At the end the level in pool isn't level. I myself am dealing with this I choose to dig a little a fine tune with sand.
Yeah that’s a good call. We dug down some this year as well.
Note: You can't use just any sand... I am still trying to figure out what is best. I wish they had addressed that on this video...
Good call. I used the construction sand in this video. But I also used play sand in the next one.
Generally masonary sand
@@Fooy147 yeah good call.
The pool is already on a slope, eventually water, like from the pool or the sky, is going to wash that sand right out. Always dig down.
Yeah that’s a good call. I did dig some this season. I’ll have that video out soon.
Is this absolutely necessary?
I would not say absolutely necessary. But yes, it is necessary. Because once you put the pool down, you will need it to be level.
Yeah people who ask too many questions need to help lol too funny
You know it! Asking questions, you getting busy. Ha.
You’ll waste your time with this method. you have to level the EARTH below the pool first. Happy swimming
Yeah I can see that. In year 2 we did dig some first. Then added alittle sand.
Put tarp in bed and pull it out when possible, easier and clean bed....
Great call. I’m going to do that this weekend w dirt. Thank you!
Pool says to not put pool on sand
Hmm. That’s tough. What does it say to put it on?
👍🏻
Thank you!
I actually learned this is not how you do it. Rain and gravity will allow that fine grain sand to ooze out from the pool or penetrate the soil. One thunderstorm could wreck all that effort. Level the soil with a rototiller and make sure its the high spot of the yard.
Yeah I hear ya. It worked pretty well but year 2 I did dig out more than I did in year 1.
So you used sand for the support of the pool, hum, I would not reqimend that, I just noticed your water line at the top of your pool is uneven, again sand is not a good idea, I'm no expert.
Yeah I hear ya. I would say digging is better if you are able to. We used sand to help balance ours the best we could I have a year 2 video where we show you how to dig it out some but I think sand is a good option to get you started. And your pool will shift throughout the season as well.
My sand shifted when it rained.
Yeah that does happen. We put some bricks out to help stop that.
@@TryThisDIYFix Going to try that this year.
@@tibbytx1 let me know if that helps. Also pack the sand some too.
NOOOOOOO... ESPECIALLY USING SAND FOR A BUILD UP!!!! IN A FEW... THE POOL WILL SINK LITTLE ON THAT SIDE!!! MAKING THE UNIFORM OR INTIGRITY OF POOL LOOK UNLEVEL!!!!!
Yeah I hear ya. It handled fine the first summer. But we dug some last year.
He called sand dirt 😂
Hahaha
Man you can see the pool behind you it's 4 inches out.
Sorry but what do you mean?
You keep saying dirt, sand.
Sorry about that.
aways dig down to level
Yes. Good call. That’s what I did this year.
Dead smack under a tree!! Smh!!
Ha yep. It was the only semi level spot we had. But check out what happened.
A Tree Fell On Our Pool. How To Clear A Fallen Tree From Your Yard.
ruclips.net/video/W_lvo6E8cdo/видео.html
@@TryThisDIYFix lol that sucks!! I feel ya on no level ground, my whole 3 lot backyard is full of groundhogs, trees/roots, & EXACTLY what I was doing today lol, old lady wanted the pool back an extra 6 ft so there goes painting a new circle then peeling the grass and weeds back to start the leveling process which is tomorrow…Yay!😐lol
@@SolidBased I hear ya! Ha. Good luck! Once it’s finished it is a nice thing to have, but it is a beast to get started.
Sand on unlevel ground will be pushed too far off. This has to be used on digging ground....
Yeah. It worked for most of the summer but it did shift some. But I did dig in year 2.