Ground Prep For Intex Pool

I am installing a 16FT X 48" INTEX Ultra Metal Frame Above Ground Pool. This is my first time installing a pool. I would like to know how much sand is needed to put under the pool after ground has been leveled. Also, what is the best option to use for a base? One more thing, what type of tarp would you recommend to put under the pool?

Thanks in Advance


Hi. An Intex pool is not that much different than any other above ground pool. The ground needs to be perfectly level. The ground needs to be level and packed solid. Never assume the ground is level until you have used a leveling device on it. It is money well spent to rent a transit from you local rental company. Set it up and get that ground perfectly level.

After that you could cushion the area with a couple of inches of sand. That should be about two tons. The ground tarp could be landscaping plastic, a pool pad like gorilla pad or a plain old tarp. It may not even be needed if you have no grass or weeds to deal with. There is nothing wrong with setting the pool on a smooth base of mortar sand.

As far as pool base goes, start with solid packed and level dirt. You could also use crushed granite or crusher run, these both level easily and pack solid. On top of that add a couple inches of sand and set the pool up. You should be fine.

If the pool has support legs that need to be supported, as most frame pools do, use concrete or wood blocks under each one. I use my laser transit on each one of these so that they are all perfectly level. The result is a level pool with a soft bottom, free of lumps, bumps and rocks.