Hi! I bought a pool last year, I think its about 14', its not one of those super nice ones with the deck attached or anything, just one of those 400 dollar ones from wal*mart... but I could never get it to stay up.. I think it was just not level enough last year, it would stay up fine for a couple of days and then the side would come down and the water would drain... I finally gave up and wish to re-attempt it this year... (wish me luck) I want to do it right this time and am completely lost as to how to level the ground the right way (myself, if I can) and be able to swim all summer long... I am lucky in the sense I have no rocks to worry about, maybe only a few roots...
Any helpful tips hints or anything else would be great, and greatly appreciated... thanks for your time...

First, I would stake out a 15-16' square. Then, use a metal rake to loosen the top layer of soil within the square. You can rent a roller which is basically a large drum on a handle. You fill this with water and then roll it along the ground to tamp and level. Finally I would add a layer of sand, about 1".

You might also go into a local pool store and see if you can pick their brains. You can get the sand from them.

Hi,
As an owner of a 15ftx30ft above ground pool, and did the installation myself, I can suggest something here.
Do you have any friends who are Engineers? I use a tripod, called a Level, with Rod (called a Level Rod).
Setting up the tripod was easy, then sighting through the tripod, took readings on the Level rod held by my wife. Every "station" of readings had to be within 1/4 inch.!
The pool installation manuals said not to have more than 1/4 inch variance all around the pool base. That means the ground had to be dug up, in some places, making it more level with the remaining ground.
I do agree with the previous answer in using sand. If you have roots above ground, they will eventually tear a hole in the water liner! Put down at least 6 iinches of sand (maybe 4 inches) all around where the liner will sit on the sand. Best of luck.