Do you have to put anything under an above ground pool?
James Craig
Published Jan 14, 2026
The best solution is to dig down about ten centimetres and cover the surface with a ground cloth, which is used to protect the pool. After clearing the ground of excess soil, rocks, roots and any other debris that could damage the base of the pool over time, you can fill the hole you have made with sand.
What is the best thing to put under a above ground pool?
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.
Should I put anything under my above ground pool?
Above Ground Pool Design
The typical vinyl liner above ground pool is actually designed to be installed directly onto the ground without any added protection for the pool liner. This is perfectly acceptable if the ground is prepared in a way that will prevent damage from occurring to the vinyl pool liner.
Do I need pad under above ground pool?
Above-ground pools should be placed on pool floor padding for two important reasons: Installation of padding underneath the swimming pool liner protects it from stones, roots, or other sharp debris that might cut the pool liner and cause a leak.
How do I prepare my yard for an above ground pool?
Preparing a Spot for Your New Above Ground Pool
- MARK THE AREA.
- REMOVE THE TURF.
- HAVE SAND DELIVERED.
- CHECK LOCAL FENCING LAWS.
- STAKES & STRINGS.
- GETTING LEVEL GROUND.
- PAVER PLACEMENT.
- BRING IN THE SAND.
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.
Can you put above ground 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.
What is the best thing to put under a pool?
Concrete is probably the best option since it is usually 100% level and smooth. Also, grass can't grow through concrete and animals and bugs can't damage or burrow through it either. Grass or dirt is also another great option, as long as it has been properly leveled and you've killed off the grass first.
Can you put carpet under above ground 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.
Are above ground pools worth it?
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 you put a pool on artificial grass?
Yes, you can place an inflatable pool on your artificial lawn without worry. After all, the grass will not discolour or die. However, the fibres will be flattened after having a heavy weight press down on them all summer. Brushing the fibres afterwards will return them to their upright position.
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.
Can you place an above ground pool on pavers?
Pavers must sit on solid earth, level and covered up with a solid layer of 3-4 inches of compacted stone dust inside the pool. This will make for a solid base and a professional pool bottom that will last the lifetime of the pool. Pools are heavy when water is in them. Make sure the pavers are on solid earth!
Is pool cove necessary?
Yes, every above ground pool needs pool cove. Pool cove is simply a berm or wedge that transitions the pool floor to the pool wall.
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.
Can you use dirt to level a pool?
You'll need to dig away these area in order to create level ground for the pool. Dig away soil instead of building up low patches. Always dig away slopes and high spots to make them level with lower areas, even if it takes more work.
Can I put an above ground pool on my patio?
Installing an above ground swimming pool on concrete is nice as long as the slab is level. Most backyard patio concrete slabs are poured off- level to allow rainwater to drain off of them. This makes it difficult to install an above ground pool on them.
Can you put a pool on a patio?
Yes, you can put an inflatable pool on a concrete slab, and is in fact one of the recommended inflatable pool terrains to use. If setting an inflatable pool on a concrete slab, it's recommended to use a ground cloth to protect the pool liner from wear and damage.
Can Intex pools be put on concrete?
Can I put my Intex Pool on the driveway or concrete patio? YES. As long as your driveway or patio is level, this is a great place for an Intex Pool.
How close to a house can you put an above ground pool?
There is a national standard that requires that all swimming pools must be at least 10 feet away from the house walls. As mentioned, this will protect electrical wiring from leaks, floods, and splashes.
How deep do you have to dig for an above ground pool?
Remove the dirt to a singe pile where you can cart it away later. Use larger shovels to remove much of the dirt if necessary and smaller shovels for more detailed work. Measure the depth of the hole you've created. The hole should be about two inches deep for best pool placement.
How much space do you need for an above ground pool?
Most above ground pools require an extra three feet of clearance on each side (or all the way around) to accommodate the supportive uprights. For example, an 18 food round swimming pool will require a total of 24 feet of space.