Do you need to level ground for Intex pool?
James Craig
Published Jan 19, 2026
Level ground is extremely important. If it's off by even 1-2 inches, a soft-sided pool can roll toward one side. This puts unnecessary stress on the pool and can lead to a blow-out. Above everything else, this is the most important step in setting up an Intex pool!
Can you put an Intex pool on uneven ground?
Installing an Intex pool on an uneven surface will cause the walls to collapse due to uneven pressure. The water presses against one section of the pool with more force than the rest and it will be blown out due to uneven weight distribution.
What do I put under my Intex pool to level?
Concrete is probably the best option since it is usually 100% level and smooth. Also, grass can't grow through concrete and animals and bugs can't damage or burrow through it either. Grass or dirt is also another great option, as long as it has been properly leveled and you've killed off the grass first.
What is the easiest way to level ground for a pool?
- STEP 1: Determine your location and remove any large rocks or debris. ...
- STEP 2: Place 2x4s on the site and place a level on top. ...
- STEP 3: Add or take away soil until the ground is level. ...
- STEP 4: Repeat the process until the entire area is flat. ...
- STEP 5: Rake any remaining rocks or debris and tamp the ground.
Can I put an above ground pool on grass?
Installing an above-ground pool on a natural grass lawn is not a good idea, particularly if you plan on taking down the pool for part of the year. There are several reasons why natural grass and above-ground pools do not mix well, but one of the most important is that the pool is going to kill the grass.
42 related questions foundWhat happens if Intex pool is not level?
Unlevel Intex pools may have one part of the pool lower than other parts, and this unevenly distributes pressure on your pool's walls. A part of your pool may have the highest weight due to it being on uneven ground. This will can cause your wall to collapse and leave permanent damage on your Intex pool.
What happens if you don't level a pool?
The water will press with more force on one section of the pool than the others. This uneven weight distribution can buckle, twist or even collapse the pool wall, resulting in property damage and injury to anyone in or around the pool when it fails.
Will my pool collapse if it is not level?
If you are 2 to 3 inches out of level the pool is not going to collapse. If these pools collapsed that easily they would not sell them.
Do I need sand under my Intex pool?
Can I use sand under my Intex Pool? The folks at Intex are fairly clear that you should NOT put sand under your pool. The sand can easily wash away, causing voids under your pool and risking your pool leaning and even collapsing.
Can you put Intex pool on grass?
While you could place your pool directly on top of your grass, that isn't the best idea. The grass isn't a firm base since it is alive and growing. Your pool can shift over time and settle into an unfavorable and potentially dangerous position.
Can you place an above ground pool on pavers?
Pavers must sit on solid earth, level and covered up with a solid layer of 3-4 inches of compacted stone dust inside the pool. This will make for a solid base and a professional pool bottom that will last the lifetime of the pool. Pools are heavy when water is in them. Make sure the pavers are on solid earth!
Does the ground need to be perfectly level for a pool?
But before you begin setting up your pool, it's important that you level the ground that's going to be underneath your setup. Failing to do so could make the pool unstable and can unfortunately lead to injury or property damage. The ground under your pool should be flat and level.
How level does the ground need to be for an above ground pool?
An above ground pool needs to be setup on level ground. Manufactures typically state a pool should be level within an inch, while those who are OCD may try to do even better. An above ground pool that is off level by 3 inches or more is unsafe.
How do you level a sloped yard for a pool?
Place stakes or sticks at areas that slope or are off-grade. You'll need to dig away these area in order to create level ground for the pool. Dig away soil instead of building up low patches. Always dig away slopes and high spots to make them level with lower areas, even if it takes more work.
Can I put a pool on uneven ground?
Installing a pool on uneven ground creates a safety hazard. You'll end up with a shallow and a deep end, which can be dangerous to smaller children if they cannot touch the bottom.
How long before you can swim in a new above ground pool?
After Shocking Your Pool
It is safe to swim once your chlorine levels are around 5 ppm or after 24 hours. It is always best to test first!
What can I use instead of sand under my pool?
Here are some alternatives that we've discussed:
- Old carpet could be nice, although it will get moldy over time, giving it about a year.
- Cardboard boxes will work for a few weeks, until they fall apart.
- A few old blankets could also work, but they won't last a year.
What is the best thing to put under a pool?
By far the best material to place under a swimming pool liner is Armor Shield or Gorilla Pad. These materials are breathable allowing moisture to escape and are extremely tough, keeping insects and moles from coming through and piercing the vinyl pool liner.
How do you level uneven ground by hand?
- Outline your plot with stakes and string to create a boundary for the cultivation. Hammer stakes into the ground at each corner of the area to be cultivated. ...
- Dig up the soil. Start at one corner of your plot and insert the shovel about halfway into the soil. ...
- Hoe the area. ...
- Rake the area to further level the ground.
Can I put an above ground pool on my patio?
Installing an above ground swimming pool on concrete is nice as long as the slab is level. Most backyard patio concrete slabs are poured off- level to allow rainwater to drain off of them. This makes it difficult to install an above ground pool on them.
Can you put a swimming pool on paving slabs?
Concrete slabs vary from 4 to 8 inches thick. Even a low-strength, 4-inch concrete slab can withstand a weight of 1,700 kilograms per square centimeter, or 24,123 pounds per square inch. This is more than strong enough to support an 18-foot by 4-foot-deep round pool.
Can you put a pool on a patio?
Yes, you can put an inflatable pool on a concrete slab, and is in fact one of the recommended inflatable pool terrains to use. If setting an inflatable pool on a concrete slab, it's recommended to use a ground cloth to protect the pool liner from wear and damage.
How long will an Intex pool last?
Intex is a popular manufacturer of temporary above-ground pools. How long they last depends on a number of factors, but the simple answer is that the inflatable pools will last 2-4 years and the metal frame types will last between 4-8 years.