intex setup HELP

I am going to buy a new intex pool. (ugh) I don't really want to do that, but having a regulation above ground pool is not in my budget right now. We had a summer escapes vinyl sided one the last 3 summers. Last summer we bought an intex salt system and sand filter, so this year we are going with an Intex pool. I am trying to do whatever I can to not make it look redneck like it has the last few summers. I'm not sure I want to build a deck all the way around since I'm fairly certain we won't be using this pool permanently, because I want a GOOD pool in the next year or two.

Last year we leveled the ground ourselves (not great I know) and put the tarp down that came with the pool. I put cement pavers around the edging of the tarp, just enough to hold it down and then we went on with the pool. The result was grass growing up all around the tarp, the poles of the pool sinking in some places, and the overall pool being fairly uneven in the bottom.

What should I do for this year? I want it to look pretty nice but not break the bank. Should I put foam on the bottom? buy a pad? what? and I need step by step (not on building the actual pool, we're pros at that) but like, level the ground, put the tarp down (or don't) put foam down or put pad down, put the pool up, put pavers under pool legs or don't, etc........ totally overwhelmed and needing HELP