Intex Metal Frame Pool

Intex does not recommend using sand to level a pool. Elsewhere in this post reference is made to using patio blocks to level. I made a treated wood box to contain leveling material since I am off almost 4 inches in the one corner. Other brands seem to actually recommend using sand. I wonder if sand packs when contained in a box. It would not be like setting it up on a beach. Comments anyone? Thanks in advance.



Hi. I treat Intex metal frame pools much like I do steel wall above ground pools. I level the ground and pack it solid. I use a laser transit and make sure the area is perfectly level. For an Intex pool I would then spread out a thin layer of mortar sand. The sand is just to finish smoothing the dirt and to give the pool a softer base than the dirt would provide. So by using sand the pool should be smoother and softer on the bottom. This is much easier to clean and feels good on your feet.

Your framed box idea is great. It would probably work just fine if all you used was sand, but it would work so much better if you level with something that will pack solid, like crushed granite, or maybe just your existing dirt.

Once the area is level and packed you can then bring in a couple inches of sand. That would make an excellent base for your Intex frame pool.