What should I put under the legs of my above ground pool?
Mia Kelly
Published Jan 24, 2026
Pavers – This is the best choice for placing under above ground pool legs. Pavers are sturdy, not prone to wear from weather, and they are easy to find. It's worth the time and effort to support your pool with these.
What is the best thing to put underneath an above ground 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.
What do you put under the legs of an Intex pool?
You SHOULD put a wood block or concrete paver under each leg. The paver should be at least 1ft x 1ft in size and should be level with the ground.
What is the best material to put under a pool?
Pool Floor Padding
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.
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!
29 related questions foundWhat causes above ground pool collapse?
Pool Collapse – An above ground pool collapse is often caused by the results of ice damage, but it can also happen when there is too much snow accumulated on top of the pool and the frame cannot handle the weight.
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.
What 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.
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.
Are pool liner pads worth it?
Not only does it provide cushioning, but it also creates a more even surface and protects your pool liner from damage. Use the liner guard for the ultimate protection from sharp and foreign objects.
Should you put a tarp under an above ground pool?
Materials like Visqueen, tarps, and pearlite can trap moisture and eventually cause the pool's wall to corrode. Any material that can trap moisture should not go under a pool liner.
How many bags of vermiculite do I need?
The ratio is 2 bags of Vermiculite to 1 bag of cement. The Vermiculite and cement go into the mixer and then you'll add about two and a half 5-gallon buckets of water, until you reach an oatmeal consistency that you can trowel easily. Leave it in the mixer for about 20-30 seconds and that should do it.
Is a thicker pool liner better?
A thicker inground pool vinyl liner will be able to withstand more impact and is more resistant to punctures.
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 do you 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.
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.
Will a pool collapse with too much water?
The quick answer is no. You don't need to drain your pool, as there is no risk to your pool by it being full. The only thing you lose with a pool filled to the rim is your skimmer's surface cleaning action. Overall, it still draws water and the equipment is just fine.
Can you leave a cement pool empty?
Concrete Pools
Once water is removed (and subsequently, the interior hydrostatic pressure), if there's an influx of groundwater, it will push the pool up and out of place. As a general rule, you shouldn't keep any pool empty for longer than it needs to be.
When should I replace my above ground pool?
Here are some signs that you need a new above ground pool: Your Pool is More than 10 Years Old – If your pool is 10 years old or older and you are having problems with it, it could be time to look for a replacement.
Can I put pavers under above ground pool?
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!
Do you need a sand base for above ground 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.