This video shows what not to expect from our installers.
Preparing To Install An Above Ground Swimming Pool:
(from http://blog.poolcenter.com/article.aspx?articleid=6170)Installing an above ground swimming pool is a relatively easy task to do. Depending on the size (Pools can range from 8 ft to 32ft or more in size) you can even assemble one on your own, although the assembly process is far easier if you have a mate or two to help you. Be sure to check with local codes to verify that a building permit is not needed, and to comply with any pool safety regulations that may be in place.
In general above ground pools are made up of galvanized panels that are simply bolted together and a plastic liner is then installed inside it. This type of simple construction means that the competent DIY person should already have most of the tools needed to carry out the task.
Before starting to install your swimming pool, you need to think carefully about its location as you may need a substantial area that is perfectly flat and level to place your pool on. Indeed if you do not have such an area, then leveling up such an area may take longer than building the pool! But you must insure that you do not skimp on this task, as if the surface the pool sits on is not perfectly level, you could find your pool collapsed due to an uneven water load.
Always remove the turf from the area that the pool will be sitting on, and if at all possible when leveling your site do not build it up to make it level, it is always far better to dig down to level the soil. If you build up the site with soil to level it then there is a very good chance that with the heavy weight of the water, that the above ground swimming pool will cause the ground to slump in the area that you have built up. Fill dirt settles, and what was perfectly level before adding water can become lopsided.
It is also advisable to put down a two-inch layer of sand to lay the pool on, as this will remove any remaining defects from the soil. Be sure to use graded sand that has no small pebbles in it. Alternatively, one could use a liner pad on the floor to cover imperfections, or to help protect the sand from divots caused by jumping in feet first.
Once this is done (And checked again to make sure it is all level) then you can begin to install your above ground pool.