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

Author

Mia Kelly

Published Jan 18, 2026

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. 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.

How much sand do I need under my pool?

Volume = (width x length x depth) x 0.037

For a rectangular pool that's 18 feet long by 9 feet wide, you'd need at least 1 cubic yard of sand for your base.

How thick should the sand be under a pool?

Also, sand under an aboveground pool acts as cushioning for its floor, making it more comfortable for feet. The standard depth of sand that should be used under an aboveground pool's floor is 2 inches.

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

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.

What is the best sand to put under a pool?

What Type of Sand Should I Use? 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.

36 related questions found

What sand is best for leveling a pool?

The best sand to put under a pool is mason sand, sometimes called mortar sand. Mason sand is the perfect size and consistency for leveling pools with no impurities or large sharp edges to damage your pool liner.

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.

How do I calculate how much sand I need?

To determine how much sand, topsoil or stone you need to fill an area:

  1. Measure number of square feet in the area.
  2. # of square feet x depth in feet = # of cubic feet.
  3. # of cubic feet /divided by 27 = # of cubic yards.
  4. # of cubic yards x (unit weight in pounds / 2000) = # of tons needed.

How do you prepare the ground for a 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.

Can you put carpet padding under a pool?

Depending on how soft you want your pool floor to be, you may need two layers of carpet padding beneath it to be effective. Installation Tips: Make sure to use dense foam pads, not traditional rubber or felt fiber padding. Choose a pad that is described as "memory foam."

How do you compact sand for an above ground pool?

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.

Should I put sand under my above ground pool?

Avoid this common mistake – SAND

One of the most common mistakes that new Intex pool owners make is that they put sand under their pool. We understand why! It is easier to level, which is very important for your pool. However, sand easily washes away from under the pool during hard rain.

Can you use regular sand under a pool?

Yellow Mason Sand

It is extremely popular for recreational uses such as volleyball courts and beaches and in the development of swimming pools. We've found that many homeowners and contractors prefer to use mason sand for use with swimming pools.

How uneven can an above ground pool be?

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.

Can I put a pool on uneven ground?

Installing a pool on uneven ground creates a safety hazard. You'll end up with a shallow and a deep end, which can be dangerous to smaller children if they cannot touch the bottom.

Should I put pavers under pool legs?

Yes you DO want pavers under your legs. That will keep them from sinking. The pavers need to be level with the ground so they do not poke your liner. The ground prep is a lot of work BUT it will pay off in the end!

What is the easiest way to level 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.

How do you prepare the ground for an Intex pool?

To level ground for a pool, dig away slopes and high spots to make them level with lower areas. The ground must be. To level your inflatable intex pool, you may put blocks on the ground to have a level intex pool. The 3/4 will work, just make sure your ground is level and smooth.

How do you level a sloped yard for a pool?

Place stakes or sticks at areas that slope or are off-grade. 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.

What is best to put under a pool?

Below are some things that people put under their above ground pools to enhance comfort on the feet and to protect the pool liner.

  • 1) Pre-cut Pool Liner Pads.
  • 2) Foam Rolls designed to be used as Pool Pads for Pool Walls.
  • 3) Rigid Foam Insulation.
  • 4) Interlocking Foam Pads.
  • 5) Lay a Tarp on the Ground.

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.