A raised pool is the perfect place to relax on a warm day. But before you can enjoy swimming, there are a few things to consider, such as: B. what to put under your above ground pool.
You can place it on a prepared natural surface or use one of these materials:
- natural soil
- concrete slabs
- sand or stone dust
- commercial pads
- firm foam
- carpet padding
- base for floors
- intex floor cloth
However, some materials may not work with certain above ground pools. Make sure you buy the perfect one for your model.
This post will walk you through each of these materials, explaining what they are and where they best apply. Let's start.
What materials can you put under an above ground pool?
1) natural soil
Natural soil is the most common and the easiest to prepare if you have a flat landscape. It is also the cheapest. Installing your above ground pool directly above ground is simple, straightforward and at no additional cost.
One problem with relying on such a foundation is that keeping pool water can push the bottom down and move it. If water gets under the pool, it could cause the ground to shift, lose its flatness and endanger your pool.
However, if you choose to go this route, you need to make sure the site is level and the surface is free of rocks, grass, roots, and debris that could puncture a vinyl pool or trees that could fill your pool with debris.
If the surface is sloppy you can take your shovel and try to level it or use another type of base material to level it. If there is dirt in the area, you can remove it until the surface is clean.
Don't forget to smooth the surface with a rake or shovel to give it an acceptable smoothness for vinyl pool flooring.
2) concrete slabs
Another base material that you can use for your above ground pool is a series of concrete slabs. They are solid and easy to keep straight.
However, since concrete is an abrasive material, hitting it directly will wear away the coating. That is why it is best to add a pillow between the two.
Most people consider concrete slabs because they provide a solid foundation that is perfectly level and stable and will not allow the pool to shift over time.
When installing concrete slabs, all you need to do is mark the area and remove any grass and dirt you find. Level the site with a rake and treat with a herbicide to protect the base from aggressive grasses that may grow in the future.
Try to keep the raised area above the natural bottom line to allow enough water to drain away that may collect around the pool.
3) arena
The next material that you can use under an above ground pool is sand. It is cheap and requires less effort to install. One of the best types of sand for above ground pools is wall sand. A smooth undercoat is formed.
It requires you to water it well and press it down to compact the particles before smoothing it with the back of a broom.
If you place it correctly, a sandy soil will not have major problems. However, you cannot consider it the best option.
Unlike a solid concrete base, sand contains particles that can move when the water in the pool moves. The movement may be minimal, but over time it will create a significant difference in flatness.
However, the installation is simple and effortless. All you need is to remove all sharp objects and dirt from the site. Make the top surface higher than the standard base and fill in any low spots to make it level.
Rake it smooth and then add the sand. Thin it out and use a push broom or other compaction tool to make it firm.
4) Steinstaub
You can also use stone flour. It is a material made from crushed rocks and gravel until they are turned into powder. Creates a hard cementitious base that is perfect for any pool liner.
However, having a sharp pebble puncture the liner can cause problems for the life of your pool. That is why I recommend putting a protective layer between the pool liner and the stone dust.
Installation is not complicated. All you have to do is clear the area of dirt, twigs, and other sharp objects that could damage your pool.
Level the floor if it's a bit sloppy. Add the stone dust and smooth it out. Compact it and you can build your above ground pool.
5) Aftermarket pads
You can also use aftermarket pads, a great option, especially if you use them in conjunction with a concrete base. Do you remember that I mentioned that the cement and the lining of the pool should not come into contact?
So! One of the materials you can use in between is aftermarket pool pads. The best part is that you can also use them on the natural flat ground.
It gets even better; can be precutaftermarket pad, or you can get an estimate and have it cut to fit your pool using your pool walls as a guide.
Most people prefer this material because it is extremely strong, highly durable, and resistant to various weather elements.
The material is also breathable and allows moisture to escape from the ground. However, it is an expensive option. Also, it's not that thick, you may need to divide it into two layers.
6) Interlocking foam pads
Another widely used material issolid interlocking foam, a perfect way to make the bottom of your pool as smooth as possible. Most people like it because of its different thickness. Allows you to wear it as a single thick layer instead of multiple thin layers.
In addition, the materials do not slip on abrasive concrete. However, after placing it, you need to trim it.
The thicker the shape, the more difficult it will be to cut out. And one more thing, this material can be expensive.
7) Carpet Upholstery
there's alsocarpet padding, an option that is being reclassified for its ease of installation and availability; Installation can take a few minutes and you can get it at almost any hardware store.
However, the carpet padding is not that thick. For that, it's always better to put more than two layers on top to give it a softer, more cushiony feel.
Instead of felt fiber, it is better to use dense foam for laying tips. I also advise against rubber; Moisture could collect underneath, causing other problems later.
8) Underlayment for floors
Here is a budget option, the base of the floor. It is an inexpensive material that you can put on a concrete base. Provides the protection needed to protect your pool liner from the abrasive surface of concrete.
However, it is relatively thin. It doesn't offer much padding. If you need a softer surface, it is best to lay down several layers.
9) Intex Floor Cloth
Last but not least is theintex floor cloththat comes with some Intex Easy-Set pools. And since you can buy it separately, you can still use it with your pool. It is compatible with Intex, Summer Waves, Bestway and Kiddie above ground pools.
The cloth offers additional protection against punctures and abrasions. It can be used on natural soil, stone dust or concrete. It is inexpensive and allows you to cut it to size. Installation requires minimal effort.
How to choose what to put in an Intex pool
Here are the things to consider when choosing the best material to use under your above ground pool:
Breathability:A breathable material allows moisture to escape from under the pool, reducing the chances of mold growth.
puncture resistance:The use of all these materials provides the necessary protection against abrasion and punctures. The material must be strong enough to keep the ground level flat while still providing critical protection.
Thickness and feel:I'm sure almost every pool owner wants something that feels comfortable on their feet. Therefore, it is best to choose a material that gives you exactly that. It has to be thick or something that combines two materials.
Ease of Installation – I think, like me, you'll want something that you can install with the least amount of hassle. Choose a material that you can easily place on the installation site.
Cost:All of the above options have different prices. Some are cheap and some are quite expensive. Others require a prepared concrete base. You should consider your budget before investing in any of these materials.
Related questions
Why is it important to choose the right material to install under the above ground pool?
The best material protects the pool liner from punctures and pebble abrasion. It also keeps the bottom breathable, helping trapped moisture escape. In this way, it helps prevent the growth of mold and mildew. In addition, it protects your swim from grass damage and keeps the bottom soft and comfortable.