How to Make a Level Pool Pad – Are Liner Pads Worth It?

Creating a flat, smooth pool pad is the first step to building your above ground pool. Here‘s a simple DIY process:

First, prepare the site by removing debris, digging out high spots, and filling in any low areas to create a roughly level surface. Next, use boards and a 4-foot level to identify any remaining high or low spots, adding or removing soil gradually to flatten the pad area. Compact the soil with a plate compactor. Finally, install your choice of sand, gravel, or protective pad material in layers to maintain proper drainage and cushioning.

Follow these best practices for an ideal pool pad that will properly support your pool and prevent liner damage.

Tools and Materials Needed

Having the right equipment will make leveling and installing your pool pad much easier:

• Shovels and rakes for soil removal
• Steel rake to smooth the ground
• Tamper or plate compactor to flatten the soil
• 4-foot level – check for level in multiple directions
• String level – attach to stakes to span pad in an X
• 2×4 lumber for creating a basic level guide
• Fill material – sand, gravel, crushed stone
• Protective pad – foam panels, carpet, underlayment

How to Check for Level Ground

Start by using a shovel to dig out soil in any obvious low spots. Mound soil in visibly high areas. Create a rough, somewhat flat pad site.

For more precise leveling, use two 8-10 foot 2x4s. Place them together in an L shape and lay your 4-foot level across the top. If one side dips, lift the low end by adding a stone or wood scrap until the level shows the boards are precisely flat.

Move the 2x4s around the perimeter of your pad area, adding or removing material as needed to achieve level. Check the middle area as well. Do this in several places to ensure an even plane.

You can also use a taut string stretched between stakes, with a line level, to identify any remaining high or low spots across the entire pool pad.

Choosing Fill Material Under the Pool Pad

The material directly beneath the pool pad impacts drainage and stability. Here are some top options with their pros and cons:

Sand: Provides excellent stability and drainage. Compacts well with minimal settling. Soil may mix in over time.

Gravel: Allows drainage but not as supportive as sand. Difficult to make perfectly level. Sharp edges could cause liner damage without a pad.

Crushed Stone: Angular fill packs tightly with good drainage. Levels well but not as stable as sand. May shift and settle over time.

Dirt: Native soil is prone to settling and poor drainage. Best used only for top 4-6 inches over gravel or sand base.

Sand is the preferred base fill material for most above ground pool pads, as it compacts to a firm, level finish that won‘t readily erode or shift. Use a thickness of 4-6 inches after compacting.

Fill Material Comparison

*Average cost per cubic yard (delivered)

Installing the Protective Pool Pad

On top of your leveled base, add a protective liner pad:

Foam panels – Interlocking tiles create a seamless cushion. Most expensive option but reusable.

Carpet scraps – Provides padding at low cost if you have extra on hand. Use several overlapping layers.

Underlayment – Affordable foam sheets available at home stores. Tape seams.

Cut pads to fit your pool footprint plus 12-18 inches surrounding. This prevents the liner from making direct contact with the ground. For rounded pools, make curved cuts for a tight fit.

Unroll and smooth out the pad material, removing any bumps or wrinkles. Use duct tape to seal seams between sections. Having a helper make this easier.

Pool Pad Size Guidelines

*Measure your pool wall diameter and add 12-18 inches.

Pool Pad Installation Costs

*Material only based on average retail pricing

Expect basic pads to run $150 – $350 for most above ground pool sizes. Foam panel systems cost 2-3 times more but provide maximum protection.

Compacting Soil for Stability

After leveling your base material, use a hand tamper or plate compactor to consolidate the soil. This prevents settling later that could twist or warp the pool structure.

Compact in layers no more than 4-6 inches deep until the pad feels firm and solid. Test by walking across the pad in various areas to identify any soft spots. Re-level as needed.

The optimal density for soil supporting a pool is 90-95% per standard Proctor compaction tests. Compressing the earth this much requires power equipment like a gas-powered plate compactor.

Maintaining Level and Re-Leveling Tips

Settling and shifting of the earth can occur after pool installation, causing one side to slope. Check for level periodically, especially after the first year.

Identify the low side and carefully lift that area by tamping more fill underneath. You may need to detach part of the pool edge to access the base.

Small adjustments of only 1/4-1/2 inch are often all that‘s required to re-level the pool. A car jack placed under the pool wall can help "jack up" the sunken area gradually.

Natural freezing and thawing cycles can cause pool pads to become uneven over winter. Recheck for flatness each spring.

The Bottom Line

A flat, durable pool pad minimizes stress on the pool frame and prevents liner damage that leads to leaks. Protecting the liner with foam, carpet, or underlayment pads provides an added layer of insurance.

While leveling and preparing the base takes work upfront, the effort pays off in greater safety, stability and longevity for your above ground pool. Carefully following the proper grading, compaction, and installation techniques results in a perfectly level pool pad that maintains its integrity for years.