The “SOD cutter” is no longer at my house. I had to build up half the pool a total of 6” at the part that was the most uneven. My plan is to rent a “ground packer”, level the ground, add the sand, pack the sand, water, and level again.

I will take your advice and run the drain just below ground level. Good point to taper the drain hose toward the center of the pool too.

Tomorrow I will start posting pictures of my progress.