Do you have to put sand under an above ground pool?

Author: Pedro Bartoletti  |  Last update: Wednesday, June 15, 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.

Should I put anything under my above ground pool?

Concrete is a great material to put your inflatable pool on since it is usually 100% level. You will however need to put a material under your inflatable pool to protect the bottom of the pool from abrasions such as a tarp or flooring underlayment.

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

Foam can be used between the pool and the concrete, but it can also be used to level the ground. Solid foam can be placed directly over the grass to create a level surface upon which to place a pool. This foam, usually made of polyurethane or polystyrene, is usually expensive, which can be prohibitive for some.

What should I put under my above ground pool to level?

  1. 2.1 1) Pre-cut Pool Liner Pads.
  2. 2.2 2) Foam Rolls designed to be used as Pool Pads for Pool Walls.
  3. 2.3 3) Rigid Foam Insulation.
  4. 2.4 4) Interlocking Foam Pads.
  5. 2.5 5) Lay a Tarp on the Ground.
  6. 2.6 6) Old Carpet as an Above Ground Pool Pad.
  7. 2.7 7) Simply put the Inflatable Pool on Grass.
  8. 2.8 8) Sand.

Do you put sand under an above ground pool?

What is the easiest way to level a ground 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.

Can I put an above ground pool on grass?

While you could place your pool directly on top of your grass, that isn't the best idea. The grass isn't a firm base since it is alive and growing. Your pool can shift over time and settle into an unfavorable and potentially dangerous position.

How do you prepare the ground for an above ground 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.

How level does the ground need to be for an above ground pool?

An above ground pool needs to be setup on level ground. Manufactures typically state a pool should be level within an inch, while those who are OCD may try to do even better. An above ground pool that is off level by 3 inches or more is unsafe.

Do I need sand under my pool?

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.

How many inches of sand do you need for a pool?

The general rule is that there should be a two to three-inch base of sand under an above ground pool. If you know the dimensions of your pool area, then you can easily figure out how much sand you'll need for the base using a sand calculator.

What is the best thing to put under 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.

Can I put cardboard under above ground 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 you put carpet padding under a 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.

How do I start my above ground pool for the first time?

How to Open Your Above Ground Pool Like a Pro
  1. Pull the Cover Off the Pool. ...
  2. Prepare your Pool Cover for Storage. ...
  3. Fill the Pool with Water. ...
  4. Goodbye Winter Pool Plugs and Hello Skimmer Baskets. ...
  5. Re-Install Your Pump, Filter, and Equipment. ...
  6. Start Up Your Pump and Filter. ...
  7. Clean Up Duty. ...
  8. Shock The Pool.

Is it worth having an above ground pool?

An above-ground pool is, by far, the least expensive option for a pool. Kids love them, and built-in fencing and locking gate options make them safe. The main disadvantage of an above-ground pool is that it generally adds no value to your home.

Can I install an above ground pool myself?

If your space is level or can be made level with just a little excavating, you can easily put the pool up yourself. Otherwise, you will probably need a professional. Purchase one of our kits. We sell above ground pool kits for customers to install themselves.

Can you put above ground pool on dirt?

During excavation, you'll want to keep some of the excavated soil nearby so you can backfill around the pool once it's complete. But don't backfill until you've filled the pool with water. Most above-ground pools aren't designed to withstand pressure from the outside.

Can you put a pool on concrete?

Many wonder though if above ground pools are exclusively used over grass, sand, or soil only and if installing it over concrete is impossible (for fear of it getting punctured). The good news is, yes, you can install your above ground pool on concrete if a sand or soil base is not possible.

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.

Can I put a pool on uneven ground?

Less than an inch of unevenness is acceptable, but anything beyond that can lead to the leveling problem. Such a pool won't last for long, and you would need to bring it down and get it reinstalled by a professional. Leveling the surface first before assembling the pool is important.

Can you put a pool on a sloped yard?

The short answer is yes. By working with professional pool builders and landscapers, you can pursue pool installation even when you're dealing with a slope. However, you'll have to utilize some creativity in order to have the final result be aesthetically pleasing, functional, and safe.

Can you use sand to level ground for pool?

Ask for enough to create at least a 2-inch thick layer of sand across the entire area of your pool site, though if you end up with 6-inches or more this is totally fine. Once it's been delivered, use a rake to spread the sand evenly, then give everything a good water, and leave it to dry.

What kind of sand is needed for above ground pool?

Mason sand, sometimes called mortar sand, can normally be found at any sand/gravel yard or masonry supply yard. It is usually measured in yards. It is very fine and should not contain any rocks or pebbles. This will create a very smooth bottom and is the most popular method to use when installing an above ground pool.

Previous article
Can a swimming pool be tiled?
Next article
How often should you add algaecide to your pool?