Do you have to put sand under a pool?

Author: Milo Effertz DDS  |  Last update: Thursday, May 5, 2022

Sand is the recommended base material upon which an aboveground pool should sit. Sand is used under an aboveground pool to protect the pool's vinyl liner from rocks and objects that could tear the liner. Also, sand under an aboveground pool acts as cushioning for its floor, making it more comfortable for feet.

What can I use instead of sand under my pool?

Here are some alternatives that we've discussed:
  • Old carpet could be nice, although it will get moldy over time, giving it about a year.
  • Cardboard boxes will work for a few weeks, until they fall apart.
  • A few old blankets could also work, but they won't last a year.

What is the best thing to put underneath a pool?

By far the best material to place under a swimming pool liner is Armor Shield or Gorilla Pad. These materials are breathable allowing moisture to escape and are extremely tough, keeping insects and moles from coming through and piercing the vinyl pool liner.

How do I level my ground for a pool without sand?

Pivot the plank around the pool area and level continually until you are pivoting 360 degrees without stopping. Next, you can spread a layer of crushed limestone over the pool area and seal it by wetting, tamping, and leveling it with your base. Now you can add your soil and limestone until it is flush.

How much sand do you need under a pool?

How Much Sand Do I Need for My Pool? The general rule is that there should be a two to three-inch base of sand under an above ground pool.

Should you put sand under above ground pool?

Can you put a pool on grass?

Yes, you can put above ground pools on artificial grass, but it is not without consequences. For one, the weight of the pool materials and the water will damage and flatten the blades of the artificial grass.

Should I put sand under my Intex pool?

For portable pools like the Intex Easy Set Pools, sand is not recommended. Although it's easy to put down and level and it may seem like an ideal material, it can easily erode and get partially washed away in heavy rain.

How do you prepare the ground for a pool?

Proper preparation of your level foundation will yield many summers of fun in the sun.
  1. Choose the best area of your yard to set up your pool. ...
  2. Mark the perimeter of the pool area. ...
  3. Remove all sod and other vegetation from the area. ...
  4. Determine the lowest point of the pool area. ...
  5. Create a wood level.

How do you prepare the ground for an Intex pool?

The Right Way: Mark the perimeter of your pool, and add 1 foot of extra space to all sides. Use a line level to measure at 12-36 points around the pool. Then use flat shovels or a sod cutter machine to remove turf and lower the high spots. Add a one inch layer of sand.

Can I use carpet padding under pool?

Traditional felt carpet padding is usually frowned upon as a pool padding material, according to the Pool Homeschool blog, but modern closed-cell foam carpet pads can work well. Those marketed as "memory foam" pads work for an above-ground pool sitting on concrete.

Can I put a pool on concrete?

The good news is, yes, you can install your above ground pool on concrete if a sand or soil base is not possible. However, there are a few do's and don't's to consider. The first thing to consider is that if you are planning to get an above ground pool other than a round shape, forget it.

How do I prevent moles under my pool?

There is no full-proof way to stop moles from traveling under an above-ground pool. Deep barriers, poisons, traps, and young cats may help kill moles, but if they are in the yard and want to get underneath, they will.

Can you install above ground pool without sand?

Sand is the recommended base material upon which an aboveground pool should sit. Sand is used under an aboveground pool to protect the pool's vinyl liner from rocks and objects that could tear the liner. Also, sand under an aboveground pool acts as cushioning for its floor, making it more comfortable for feet.

Can I put cardboard under pool?

If cutting costs without cutting corners is on your agenda, do yourself and the planet a favor by padding your pool with newspapers and cardboard. Both materials are readily available -- and free for the asking -- from recycling centers, store refuse containers or your own recycling bins.

Can I install Intex pool on grass?

Installing an above-ground pool on a natural grass lawn is not a good idea, particularly if you plan on taking down the pool for part of the year. There are several reasons why natural grass and above-ground pools do not mix well, but one of the most important is that the pool is going to kill the grass.

Do you have to dig for an above ground pool?

The pool needs to be installed on level ground, so if your site is sloped, you will need to dig out the area to make it level. This may take just a shovel, or you may need to get a Bobcat to adequately prepare the site.

How level does the ground need to be for a pool?

The ground under your pool should be flat and level. The ground must be compact and firm, so the pool should not be set up on mud, sand, or loose soil. Do not place your pool on a deck, balcony, or platform. They could collapse under the weight once you fill up your pool.

How do you know if ground is level for pool?

1. First off, check the ground to see if It's out of level within two inches from the shallow side to the deep side. How can you do this? Just start off by screwing two 2-by-4 boards together (next to each other) while ensuring that they're 1 or 2 feet longer than the overall diameter of your swimming pool.

How level does the ground have to be for an Intex pool?

Any more than two inches is unacceptable. Intex pools that are three inches off or more will not last and no one should be swimming in one. Not only does it look very bad, once the uneven wall starts to create the outward pressure one side it will eventually push the pool out of shape more and more.

How do I prepare the ground for above my pool?

Preparing a Spot for Your New Above Ground Pool
  1. MARK THE AREA.
  2. REMOVE THE TURF.
  3. HAVE SAND DELIVERED.
  4. CHECK LOCAL FENCING LAWS.
  5. STAKES & STRINGS.
  6. GETTING LEVEL GROUND.
  7. PAVER PLACEMENT.
  8. BRING IN THE SAND.

What goes under above ground pool?

The most common materials to use as a base for above ground pools include concrete pads, commercial pads, sand, solid foam, carpet padding, and flooring underlayment.

How do I level my lawn for a pool?

  1. STEP 1: Determine your location and remove any large rocks or debris. ...
  2. STEP 2: Place 2x4s on the site and place a level on top. ...
  3. STEP 3: Add or take away soil until the ground is level. ...
  4. STEP 4: Repeat the process until the entire area is flat. ...
  5. STEP 5: Rake any remaining rocks or debris and tamp the ground.

What happens if you don't level a pool?

The water will press with more force on one section of the pool than the others. This uneven weight distribution can buckle, twist or even collapse the pool wall, resulting in property damage and injury to anyone in or around the pool when it fails.

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