I can visualize it. I just can't visualize it supporting the weight.

If I remember correctly there are some rules of thumb for a built-up base if you don't have it engineered. Like, if the pool is 16 feet wide and your base is 1' high, the base needs to be 2' wider than the pool on both sides--or 20' wide. If the base is 2' high, it needs to be 4' wider than the pool on each side, or 24' wide. And that's when you use retaining wall block.