Building an Intex Pool

by James Dickerson
(Ashley, IN, USA)

I am considering purchasing an Intex soft-sided 16' round pool, and am curious as to the basic installation process (ground leveling requirements; tarping/plastic underneath, etc...).



Hi James. I build mostly steel wall above ground pools but have done quite a few soft sided ones also. I start by leveling the ground. I use a laser transit and get the ground within an inch . I always level a larger area than just the pool so there is a nice level ledge all the way around it.

Normally I don't use a tarp, but if for some reason I felt the yard needed it, I would put that down next. Usually it's just an inch or so of sand. This gets spread out and then the level rechecked.

Next I water and tamp the sand. I then spread out the pool and start connecting the framework. When the bottom is as smooth as possible I start the water filling. While someone is on the inside smoothing the bottom as the water fills, I place a block under all the support pads. I level these blocks with my laser and this always results in a nice level pool.

The last thing is the filter hookup, it's pretty easy, just follow the instructions.

I think the manual says something like find a level piece of grass, lay out the tarp and build the pool. In all the years I've been building pools I can count the number of yards, with a level piece of grass, on one hand.