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 pads are excellent to use as a base for your above ground pool, but you'll want to add another cushion between the two. Concrete is an abrasive material and will wear on the liner if it's in direct contact. Concrete is the best choice for a solid base because it is perfectly flat.
For your pool's base, you want sand that's very fine and free of any rocks or pebbles. This type of sand is referred to as mason sand, masonry sand, or sometimes mortar sand. While mason sand is the most popular choice, another option is concrete sand.
The folks at Intex are fairly clear that you should NOT put sand under your pool. The sand can easily wash away, causing voids under your pool and risking your pool leaning and even collapsing.
At the bare minimum, yes you should put a tarp underneath your Intex pool. Inflatable pools, Bestway and Summer Ways pools will also benefit from a tarp. What is this? Although a tarp will help protect your pool there are far better choices such as foam tiles or proper commercial under pool pads.
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.
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.
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.
The use of sand is one of the cheapest ways in which to level the ground without digging, and it is far easier to level the sand than it is to level the ground itself. Sand can be poured on the installation area, spread evenly around the region, and compacted down to create level ground.
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.
Underneath the liner is a sand or cementitious floor, troweled into place. The floor sidewalls come up to meet the walls, which are commonly 42” x 8 ft panels made of galvanized steel or thermoplastic. These walls are supported from behind so that they won't bow out against the weight of the water.
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.
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.
The Installation Process
The installation of an above ground pool can generally be completed by an experienced pool installation crew in about 4-6 hours.
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.
~ To sum it all up – choose a sunny location, away from trees but close to power and water. It should be visible from the house, and not encroaching any setbacks or easements that may exist. The soil should be fairly solid and compact-able (or you can lay down a new base).
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.
There is an easy way to do this. Screw two 2-by-4 boards together alongside each other so they are one or two feet longer than the diameter of your pool. Next, lay the attached boards on the ground where the pool will be and put a level on top. Slowly lift and lower one side of the 2-by-4s until it shows level.
First the sand should be compacted with a plate compactor, and then hand troweled to a smooth finish. If this is not done, the first time you get into the pool, your feet will sink into the sand creating divots in the sand which could lead to wrinkles in your liner, and ultimately shorten the lifespan of your liner.
It is commonly recommended by above ground pool manufacturers to have a 2" sand base inside the pool, under the liner. This will help protect your liner, and provide a soft floor that provides comfort while walking in your pool.