Leveling Above Ground Pool (ABG)

[sjeffers01]

The soil in my backyard is hardpan and has a slight downhill slope. The high area was removed to level the pool base area. Sand was brought in for the pool base area and a Gorilla pad was placed over the sand. The ABG is rectangular, 21’ x 13’ x 48”, Legacy/Laguna model (it looks like the Intex-Ultra Frame). The pool was level and ready to start filling it with water. During the filling, process the pool the sides bowed in. I read that it is normal. The other guy helping me said that it is bowed more than normal. He said it is because the bottom (pool base) is higher than the ground that supports the legs. I got the level and re-checked each side. The pool was still level. All the leg support straps have been pulled out correctly and look level with the pool bottom. There are a few small wrinkles on the bottom. Would that cause a problem? I haven’t been able to find any information that explains what happens if the pool’s bottom is higher than the support legs. I am hoping someone can.

[BigDave]

Are the legs on the same level ground that supports the bottom of the pool?

[sjeffers01]

Yes. There is some sand under the base. I decided to drain it and discovered that it couldn't be level because there was more water at one end. I checked to see if it was still level after it was emptied and it was level at the end where the water pooled and slightly off on the opposite end and slightly off on the sides. I don't understand why it was level when it was 1/2 full of water and not after draining all the water out. Every time I checked the pool level I had another person help me. We placed the level on each rail when we checked it when it was empty but it looked off. We tried another method to check the level. We placed the level in the middle for each side and tied a string to one corner and used a little level that hangs on the string and tied to opposite corner and repeated the same process for the other three corners and the sides. We decided to buy concrete pavers to support the legs and will make sure they are level with the ground and try it again. Is there a better way to check to see if the pool is level? I must be doing something wrong. Thank you for taking the time to assist me.

[BigDave]

A water level is used to measure level across long distances. It is essentially a long tube with water in it. You can get fancy ones that can be used by one person at HD or Lowes or you can make one yourself with tubing, water, and a couples rulers.

[sjeffers01]

A water level sounds like the tool I need. I will check it out. Thank youI