Hi, what a bunch of thoughtful and helpful posts. This pool is one of the easier ovals to build. It all sits ground level. No channels to bury. The area does need to be the same exact level from 2' beyond the pool at each end and from just beyond the buttress ends going side to side. Filling this area in is not a problem if that is easier. It's just that the whole area needs to be done and level with the tops of those blocks. Just doing the parts under where the pool rests is not good enough with this pool.

Is there anyway you could sneek us some more pictures as this project moves along. It is very possible your husband has it all under control. I do see a few things in your pictures that concern me aside from the level. I hope it is just that he has not finished this stage yet.

Best of luck, Dennis