Many of us started with soft side pools, I did. Our first pool was 12' x 30" and cost $70. I had no idea what to do then I found this site. The suggestions I made above apply to a soft side pool as well.

One additional note, when you install the pool, the site needs to be level - measured level, not looks level (I had to drain that 12' pool the first day I set it up). A water level with a couple marked stakes will help. Dig to level undisturbed soil - it's difficult to fill and compact enough to hold up all that water.

Good luck and let us know how it's going.