Creating Our Backyard Oasis: Our Above Ground Pool Journey Begins

For the past couple of summers, we've been promising our kids that "maybe next year" we'd finally get an above ground pool. Every year we'd browse pool options, talk about where we'd put it, and imagine long summer days splashing around in the backyard. Well, this year, we finally bit the bullet and took the plunge—literally!

Here's what we started with- a large area, dead/dying grass.

We purchased an Intex 12' x 30" above ground pool, and I can honestly say that it has transformed our backyard and our summer. What started as a simple pool purchase quickly turned into a full-blown DIY backyard oasis project, complete with landscaping plans, hardscaping ideas, pool accessories, and plenty of lessons learned along the way.

If you've been considering adding a small above ground pool to your backyard, you're in the right place. Over the next several weeks, I'll be sharing our experience—from setup and maintenance to decorating our pool area and creating a fun family-friendly retreat right at home. Along the way, I'll be sharing the things we did right, the mistakes we made, and the tips I wish someone had told us before we got started.

Because trust me... there were definitely a few headaches (and maybe a few tears).

This area was originally our firepit area, and the grass was mostly dead in this spot.

Lesson #1: Choosing the Right Location Matters More Than You Think

If there's one thing I want you to take away from this post, it's this:

Don't rush the site preparation.

When we first chose our pool location, we thought we had found the perfect spot. It was close to the house, convenient for supervision, and fit nicely within our backyard layout.

There was just one problem.

The area was much more sloped than it appeared.

At first, we thought we could simply add a little sand and level things out. Nope.

After measuring and re-measuring, we discovered we needed to dig down the high side of the pool area by nearly five inches to create a truly level base. Five inches may not sound like much, but when you're digging out a 12-foot circle by hand, it feels like a mountain.

Leveling took forever.

And here's the thing: you absolutely cannot skip this step. Above ground pools need a level surface. Not "mostly level." Not "close enough." Level.

If you try to shortcut the process, you'll likely end up draining the pool, taking everything apart, and starting over. Ask me how I know.

Leveling the pool literally took days to complete because of how sloped our yard is. My husband and son worked together to get this area totally leveled.

How We Prepared the Pool Base

Once we finally got the ground level, we moved on to creating a solid foundation for the pool.

Here's what worked for us:

Removed all grass and roots from the pool footprint
Leveled the ground thoroughly
Added a thin layer of sand to help smooth out minor imperfections
Installed pavers beneath each pool leg for additional support
Added a felt pool pad over the entire area before setting up the liner

The sand helped create a smoother surface, but it's important not to rely on sand for leveling. The actual leveling should happen by digging down the high spots, not by building up low spots.

The pavers have been one of the best decisions we made. Each pool leg sits on a solid, stable surface rather than sinking into the ground over time. These are 12x12 pavers, purchased from Home Depot.

The felt pad was another worthwhile investment. It adds a layer of protection between the liner and the ground, helping reduce the risk of punctures and making the pool floor feel softer underfoot. We purchased this felt pad from Amazon.

Don't Forget This Important Step During Filling

Here's another tip I wish someone had emphasized before we started filling the pool.

As the water goes in, keep an eye on the pool legs.

Seriously.

Walk around the pool frequently and gently pull the legs outward into their proper position as the pool fills. The increasing weight of the water will naturally tension the frame, but sometimes the legs need a little help finding their correct placement.

Taking a few minutes to do this while filling can save you from uneven pressure on the frame and help ensure everything is sitting exactly where it should.

It's one of those little details that doesn't seem important until you realize how much water is actually going into that pool.

It doesn't look like much here, but this was the beginning of our little pool area journey. We're so pleased with the progress we've made, and I can't wait to share more!

The Beginning of Our Backyard Oasis

Now that the pool is up and running, we're turning our attention to the fun part: transforming the surrounding space into a backyard retreat our family can enjoy all summer long.

We're adding a paver pool-entry area, landscaping, lighting, pool accessories, and budget-friendly upgrades that make a big impact without breaking the bank.

If you've ever dreamed of creating your own backyard oasis, I hope you'll follow along with this series. I'll be sharing everything we've learned—including what worked, what didn't, and how we're making the most of our family's favorite summer investment.

Next up: I'll be sharing how we're designing the space around the pool, including our budget-friendly landscaping plans, paver projects, and the simple upgrades that are helping our backyard feel like a mini vacation destination.

Stay tuned!