Question
Hi Sean: I'd like to know how to level a dirt area to set up an above ground pool.
The dirt is hard packed so can't rake. Pool is 18' dia. and I need some way to
determine the area is level. Critical to pool set up. Any method with chalk line
and level or something ?              Thanks........ Glenn

Answer
Glenn:
First you need to kill all the grass using a weed killer. This is so you know it won't try to grow under the pool. Then you need to remove all the weeds and grass after it has died.

Now you need to level the pool pad.

You need to do what is called in grading terms, a "cut and fill" operation. That is you take the soil from the high side and fill the low side so the space is balanced and requires no additional soil to be brought in or removed (saves you money).

The best way for a home owner to do this is first to acquire a 3' or 4' level and then duct tape it to an 8' long 2x4. You must check that the 2x4 is straight first ( I use the level concrete floors at Home Depot or Lowes to check this) Now once you have taped the level to the board you have an 8' level to use.

Now examine the space you plan for the pool to go. Set the level on the ground and see how level it really is. If it is not level you need to get a shovel and start taking dirt from the high side and pitching it to the low side trying to keep a level surface. It is probably a good idea to turn all the soil in the area over with a shovel so that you loosen the top 6" of soil making it easy to rake later.
You also must make the pad at least 12 inches wider than the pool all the way around. If you are pitching even a little bit of soil to the low side you are creating a 'fill' area. This area must be compacted or it will settle differently than the other side that is in 'cut'. You may compact it using a vibratory plate compactor which you can rent at a local tool rental place. The other solution is to do only a 'cut' operation and do not fill at all. Simply cut on the high side, dispose of any dirt and keep cutting till the pad is level. This is actually the best method but may require you to get rid of excess soil or build a wall to hold back the soil outside the pool pad on the high side. These things can cost lots of money.

After you have gotten the area generally level and the surface soil loosened you can start to rake. Then take the shovel and chop up dirt 'clods' and rake it all out to remove rocks, etc.
Continue to check for level as you do this, raking soil where it is needed, walking it in, and breaking up the larger chunks,

Finally, when it is all done, when the pad is relatively flat, or less than 1 to 3 inches of change across the pad, if you want a very nice finish, you may want to purchase some construction sand *about a pick up truck load) and apply a 1" setting bed of sand to the area.  You can then use the same 8 foot 2x4 to 'screed' the sand by pulling it across the surface making a very nice even setting bed.
The sand makes a soft and favorable walking surface and is less likely to puncture the liner of your pool. Some people do a lot more sand to be certain. You definitely want to be sure all rocks , twigs, roots etc are all gone.
It might still be a good idea to run a plate compactor across this entire area before filling the pool.

Now you are ready for the pool.
For more detail check this web site:
http://www.backyardcitypools.com/swimming-pools/AG-Basic-Pool-Installation-Guide...

Oh, lastyly...dont forget to check your local laws about any required fencing...may above ground pools require yards to be fenced just like any other pool if you live in a metropolitan area.

Good Luck.
Sean J Murphy, LA,ISA, LEED AP
Please check out my blogs and articles on landscape topics like this on my websites.
http://www.seanjmurphy.com
http://amenityarchitects.com