How to Create a Perfectly Level Pool Pad

Installing an above-ground pool? Don‘t skip the pool pad! Adding a protective pad under your liner helps prevent damage and ensures water flows evenly across the entire pool. A properly leveled pool pad provides a stable, flat base to maximize your swimming experience for years to come.

As a pool maintenance technician for over 10 years, I‘ve seen firsthand how a poorly leveled pad can lead to frustrating leaks, liner tears, and water issues. Trust me, taking the time upfront to grade and smooth your pad area is well worth the effort. Here‘s my step-by-step guide to making a pool pad that‘s perfectly level from start to finish.

Start with Proper Base Preparation

The ground underneath the pad is just as important as the pad itself when it comes to stability. Remove any rocks, roots, or debris from the installation area first. For drainage, dig down 4-6 inches and put down a layer of crushed stone, then 3-4 inches of compacted gravel. Use a plate compactor to pack down the gravel so it‘s flat and hard.

Already have an uneven, sloped yard? You‘ll need to bring in extra soil or sand to fill in dips, or remove high points. Rototilling and heavy raking evens out the terrain prior to the pad installation.

Choose the Best Pad Material for Your Pool

Pad material should be level, durable, and provide a protective barrier between the liner and ground. Here are your options along with my professional recommendations:

I‘m a big fan of pre-cut foam pool pads as they provide long-lasting softness and are tailored to your exact pool size. Interlocking foam tiles are also easy to install and remove later.

Leveling and Installation Tips

Once your base is prepped, it‘s time to add and level the pad. I recommend a minimum 4-6 inch thick layer. Place pads blocks, foam, gravel or sand across the entire pool foundation.

Use screed boards and a level – Screeding with long straight boards is key for smoothing and flattening the pad. Check for level often.

Try the hose method – Lay a hose filled with water in a loop around the perimeter. Any high and low spots will be obvious by the hose shape.

Invest in a laser or digital level – For the most accuracy, you can‘t beat laser levels that project a perfectly flat plane. Digital levels also read precise measurements.

Go circular when adding material – If any dips remain, don‘t just dump material in one spot. Build up thin layers in a circular pattern.

Compact and tamp – For sand or soil pads, walk around the entire perimeter to settle material, then hand tamp or mechanically compact.

Rake gently – Use a leaf rake or screed rake to fine grade the pad without digging in too deep. Go over it multiple times.

Make micro-adjustments – Use shims under pool wall joints to tweak small high or low areas if needed.

Maintaining Proper Water Level

The pad prep work doesn‘t stop once your pool is full of water! Monitor water levels in different areas while filling up. You may need to make micro-adjustments:

• Add shims underneath corners or posts that settle over time.

• Open fill valves fully to allow balanced water flow when balancing water level.

• Use a submersible pump to remove excess water along one side if unbalanced.

• Drain water below problem spots safely if liner develops creases or wrinkles.

By taking the time to properly grade and install your pool pad, you can look forward to many summers of smooth sailing! Let me know if you have any other pool leveling questions. I‘m always happy to help advise based on my installation experience. Here‘s to staying cool and maintaining your cool this season with a perfectly prepped pool pad.