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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.