What To Put Under Above Ground Pool: Best Options and Tips (2025)

When setting up an above-ground pool, ensuring a solid, safe, and durable base is crucial. The right base material not only supports the pool's structure but also enhances its longevity and your comfort. This article explores various materials and options to help you create the best foundation for your pool.

Importance of a Level Surface for Above Ground Pools

A level surface is essential for the stability and safety of an above-ground pool. An uneven surface can lead to several issues, including structural damage, uneven water distribution, and increased wear on the pool liner. Over time, these issues can compromise the pool's integrity, leading to costly repairs or even complete pool failure.

An uneven base can also create an uncomfortable swimming experience, as water tends to gather on one side, making it difficult to maintain balance. By ensuring your pool sits on a level surface, you prevent these problems, providing a safer and more enjoyable environment for swimmers.

Explore our Above Ground Pool Installation Guide.

Best Above Ground Pool Bases

Sand

Sand is a traditional and widely used material for creating a base under an above-ground pool. It is affordable, easy to level, and readily available. Sand provides good cushioning, which helps protect the pool liner from damage and ensures a comfortable surface for swimmers. Additionally, sand offers excellent drainage, which prevents water from accumulating around the pool and causing erosion.

Pros:

• Affordable and easy to find.
• Simple to level, creating a smooth surface.
• Provides good drainage to avoid water buildup.

Cons:

• Can shift over time, leading to uneven areas.
• Requires periodic maintenance to maintain an even surface

Foam Padding

Foam padding is a premium option for above-ground pool bases, offering superior cushioning and protection against punctures. This material provides an exceptionally comfortable surface, reducing the risk of injury and enhancing the overall swimming experience. Foam padding also offers better insulation than sand, helping to retain heat in the pool water, which can extend the swimming season.

Pros:

• Excellent cushioning for enhanced comfort.
• Superior protection against punctures and damage.
• Provides insulation, helping to keep pool water warmer.

Cons:

• More expensive than sand.
• Initial cost may be higher, but it offers long-term benefits.

Concrete Pads

Concrete pads are a solid and permanent option for an above-ground pool base, especially suitable for installations on hard surfaces. A concrete base provides extreme durability and stability, ensuring that your pool remains level and secure for many years. This type of base requires minimal maintenance once installed and can significantly extend the life of your pool.

Pros:

• Extremely durable and stable.
• Long-lasting with little to no maintenance required.
• Ideal for pools on hard surfaces.

Cons:

• Requires more effort and higher costs to install.
• Installation is more labor-intensive and time-consuming.
• Most oval pools are not compatible with a concrete pad due to the structure of the pool

Pre-cut Pool Pads

Pre-cut pool pads are a convenient and easy-to-install option, typically made from durable, puncture-resistant materials. These pads are designed to fit specific pool sizes, ensuring a perfect fit and providing excellent protection against punctures.

Though pre-cut pool pads come with a higher initial cost, they offer minimal maintenance and superior protection, making them a popular choice among pool owners looking for a hassle-free solution.

Tips on Above Ground Pool Base Preparation

Before installing your above-ground pool, it's essential to prepare the site properly to ensure a stable and long-lasting base.

1. Removing Grass, Rocks, and Debris: Clear the site of any grass, rocks, or debris. These can damage the pool liner or create an uneven surface. A clean, smooth area is crucial for maintaining the pool's integrity.
2. Leveling the Ground: Use a leveling tool to ensure the ground is flat. This can be done with a laser level, spirit level, or by using stakes and string. A level surface prevents the pool from leaning or shifting, which can cause structural issues.
3. Checking for Proper Drainage: Ensure the area has proper drainage to prevent water from accumulating around the pool base. This step helps avoid erosion and maintains the stability of the pool over time.

Impact on Above Ground Pool Longevity and Swimmer Comfort

The choice of base material significantly impacts both the longevity of your above-ground pool and the comfort of swimmers.

• Longevity: A well-prepared base supports the pool structure, reducing wear and tear on the liner and frame. Materials like concrete pads and foam padding offer long-lasting durability, which can extend the pool's lifespan.
• Swimmer Comfort: Smooth and cushioned base materials, such as foam padding, enhance the swimming experience by providing a comfortable surface. This cushioning also helps to prevent injuries and makes the pool safer for all users.

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What To Put Under Above Ground Pool - Frequently Asked Questions

• What is the best material to put under an above-ground pool?

  The best material depends on your budget and needs. Sand and foam padding are popular options, with foam providing superior protection and comfort.

• Can I put an above-ground pool directly on grass?

  It’s not recommended, as grass can cause the pool to become uneven and damage the liner. Removing the grass and using a proper base material is advisable.

• How thick should the sand base be for an above-ground pool?

  A sand base should be at least 2-3 inches thick to provide adequate cushioning and support.

• Are foam pads better than sand for an above-ground pool base?

  Foam pads are generally better than sand due to their superior cushioning, insulation, and puncture protection, though they are more expensive.

• Can I use a tarp under my above-ground pool?

  While a tarp can be used, it doesn’t offer the same level of protection or durability as other base materials like foam or sand.

• How do I ensure proper drainage around my above-ground pool?

  Proper drainage can be ensured by grading the area around the pool base and possibly adding a layer of gravel beneath the base material to help water flow away from the pool.