Best surface for installing an above-ground pool?

Choose the area you want it in. The slopes will have to be dug out so they are the level of the lowest part of the ground that the pool will set in. It's a lot of digging in some areas. My son put in a huge above-ground pool and had to have a bobcat come in and dig out the hill and level it all.

Sand is the best foundation for an above ground pool. If the ground isn't level you will in time have problems as the water is a natural level. If you want your pool to last more than one season you'll want to prepare the area correctly by digging out the grass, putting down a good base of sand and leveling it. I'm sure you will find instructions on line for preparing the area for an above ground pool.

Most pool manufacturers recommend 3or4 inches of sand under them after you level first

Leveling the slope would probably be the least expensive way too.

Our property is pretty much even, but my husband had enough sand dropped to give at least a 6-inch base above ground. After using the laser level, there was an area that had to be raised approximately 8 inches to provide a stable base. The sand base was applied on top of the ground; not dug out. I should mention that he placed a ground cloth under the sand on the ground before starting to lay the base. He chose the depth of sand to prevent gophers/chipmunks from tunneling through (which we've experienced before) and undermining the sand. He built the sand base to extend beyond the pool by 12 inches all around, and built a collar to contain the sand. Once the sand was packed down, he cut another ground cloth to match the pool's width, and placed it down before placing the pool. Proper preparation will save you from having stones, gophers, etc., ruin your pool liner!

Thanks, Gary! I'll keep that quantity in mind.

True. I'm all about saving money!

All excellent advice! Especially nice to hear from someone who has done it already! Thank you, PJWise123.