What is the best thing to put under a swimming pool?
Rachel Ellis
Published Jan 06, 2026
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 should I put under my above ground pool?
Things You Can Put Under Your Pool
- Concrete Pads.
- Commercial Pads.
- Sand.
- Solid Foam.
- Carpet Padding.
- Flooring Underlayment.
What can I put under the legs of my pool?
It is best to put a 1ft-by-1ft concrete block paver under each leg of your above ground pool. These blocks can take the pressure and they don't get mold, insects, or other forms of deterioration issues. By properly supporting the pool legs, you won't damage the legs over time and have to dig them out to remove later.
What do you put at the bottom of a pool?
The two most common materials for the bottom of your pool are vermiculite and grout. Whichever material you choose, you'll apply it right on top of the soil with a round-edged pool trowel, and then the liner goes on top of it.
Should I put a tarp under my pool?
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.
29 related questions foundWhat do you put under an outdoor 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.
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!
Should you put sand under a 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.
Can I put plywood under my above ground pool?
It's costly to buy enough plywood to place directly beneath the entire pool. You also create the risk of a wood splinter puncturing the pool liner. Instead, measure the size of the pool's leg supports and cut plywood pieces that can sit directly under the legs.
Can I use carpet padding under 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.
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.
What is the easiest way to level a ground for a pool?
- STEP 1: Determine your location and remove any large rocks or debris. ...
- STEP 2: Place 2x4s on the site and place a level on top. ...
- STEP 3: Add or take away soil until the ground is level. ...
- STEP 4: Repeat the process until the entire area is flat. ...
- STEP 5: Rake any remaining rocks or debris and tamp the ground.
Should I put sand under my Intex pool?
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.
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 sand to put under 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.
Can you put an Intex 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!
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.
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 goes under a pool liner?
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.
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.