What Is An Above Ground Pool Pad
An above ground pool pad is a piece of fabric or padding that protects your pool liner from tears, cuts, and punctures that can be caused by roots, grass, rocks, or other debris underneath.
Theyre usually pre-cut to fit specific sizes and shapes of pools. And you place them underneath for that extra layer of defense.
Pool pads are typically constructed from a synthetic geotextile material that feels a lot like felt. However, its a very durable material that will withstand rough textures.
Blue Wave Above Ground Pool Liner Pad
- Above ground pool liner pad only – Blue vinyl…
- Protects your liner from sharp objects
- Provides a layer of cushioning
The Blue Wave Above Ground Pool Liner Pad makes old foam floor padding obsolete. Unlike foam, which can be easily cut by grass, roots or rocks under your liner, this liner pad protects your liner from sharp objects and also adds a small layer of cushioning. Liner Pad is cut to size and seamed for your pool. No more cutting and taping as with foam. It comes in 9 different sizes to fit your pool.
Pros:
- Cut to size and seamed for your pool
- Well constructed and true to size
- Excellent for blocking grass growth and debris
Cons:
- Above ground pool liner pad only Blue vinyl liner sold separately
- Very thin material, more for blocking grass than cushioning
Top Tips For Choosing The Best Above Ground Pool Pad
Youre not going to find extreme variety when it comes to pool pads but there are a few important features to look for when making your purchase.
- Durability: The most important job of a pool pad is to protect your liner. Finding a pad thats well-constructed and durable is step number one.
- Permeability: A breathable pool pad is a happy pool pad. The tighter the weave on a pool pad, the more water condensation will be allowed to form, causing mold, mildew, and possibly corrosion on a steel frame pool.
- Cushioning: Cushioning is secondary to liner protection but is a great added bonus, especially if your above ground pool is situated on rocks or gravel. Most pool pads are fairly thin and wont be like walking on memory foam, but will be a bit of a buffer for sensitive feet.
- Ease-of-Use: An easy installation is not the number one priority when it comes to pool pads but it is a great bonus. Finding a pool pad that checks all of your boxes is the goal!
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What To Put Under An Above Ground Pool
Many pool owners opt for above ground pools because they are super easy to install and are less of a long-term commitment compared to inground pools. You simply need to set up the walls and floor of the pool, secure it, and fill the pool with water.
However, one thing to keep in mind with above ground pools is that they need something stable placed under the pool. Your yard is not the most stable foundation and can quickly shift when it rains. If the yard shifts, your swimming pool is at risk of getting damaged or spilling over. You could potentially put many different things under your above ground pool to stabilize it. So in this article, I will go over some of the main options and discuss the pros and cons are of each one.
How Do I Level My Ground For A Pool Without Digging
You can level your ground for a pool without digging by using a laser level. Place the laser level on the ground where you want the pool to be. Turn on the laser and adjust the level until the beam is level. Then, use a shovel or another tool to remove any high spots in the ground so that the level beam is flush with the ground.
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What Is The Best Material To Put Under An Above Ground Pool
There are several things you can put under an above ground pool for stability and longevity. Concrete pads, sand, foam, padding, and grass are all examples of popular choices.
But as far as the best material to put under your pool, thats fairly debatable.
If youre planning on keeping your pool around for many years, pouring a concrete base is a good idea.This material helps keep moisture from building up and eroding the metal parts of the pool.
In addition to that, though, a pool liner pad helps with further protecting the liner and giving the floor some cushion.
Gladon Happy Bottom Pool Pad 24 Ft Round
- Adds years of life to a pool and its liner
- Easy to install
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How To Buy The Best Above Ground Pool Pad
1. Size of the Pad
No matter how good a pool pad might be, it needs to fit your above ground pool to be helpful to you. Hence, the pad size is one of the most crucial factors you need to consider.
Most pool pads are pre-cut to fit specific pool sizes. For example, a 24-foot pad like the Rhino Pad Pool Liner Pad works for a 24-foot diameter above ground pool.
Besides the size, it is also essential to consider the shape of the pad. You can get pool pads in a circle, rectangle, oval, or square. Although it is always best to match the shape to your pool, it is not necessary because even a square pad can work well for round pools, provided you choose the correct size.
2. Material Quality
The primary purpose of a pool pad is to protect the delicate pool bottom, and so it needs to have a high-quality material to work well. The material you choose should be well-structured to ensure durability and also breathable to prevent mold and mildew.
Materials that are hard to penetrate, like polypropylene geotextile, are the best as they are guaranteed to offer maximum protection for the pool’s liner.
It is also crucial to make sure the weaving is not very tight, as this allows for the buildup of condensation, leading to the growth of mold and mildew.
3. Extra Cushioning
Although extra cushioning is not mandatory for a pool pad to work well, it is a good addition. If you are using the pool on rough surfaces such as over gravel or rocks, some extra cushioning can make a huge difference.
Rhino Pad 12 X 24 Oval Pool Liner Pad
- PROTECT YOUR LINER – This pool liner pad is made from a special cloth fiber that is thick and durable. Defend your liner against cuts and punctures from rocks, roots, nutgrass, glass and other harmful debris found on the ground. It will provide a flat base that gives an extra layer of armor for your swimming pool floor bottom prior to liner installation.
We love these Rhino Pads because theyre eco-friendly, durable, and easy to install. This one is cut specifically for 12 x 24 oval pools, but they do come in a variety of different sizes.
Use Rhino Pads to protect your pool liner against punctures and tears from anything on the ground underneath. This prolongs the life of your liner and provides a nice layer of cushion for the pool floor.
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Gorilla Pad Pool Floor Padding
When purchasing a new pool or replacing an old pool liner, putting something down on the pool bottom to protect the liner is a common quest. Most people wish to protect their investment and improve the quality of their pool. This is where pool floor padding and protection comes into play. We have touched on this subject many times in the past, but the questions keep coming. So I will explain what is best to put under a swimming pool liner during installation and why. Gorilla Pad may not be the best answer for many.
Gorilla Pad – NOT BEST Pool Liner Padding? Skip to the bottom to see the answer and why.
Pool Liner Protection
Protecting your new pool liner from damage is the biggest benefit Gorilla Pad or other types of pool liner flooring can offers. Bugs, beetles and other creatures like moles or groundhogs can wreak havoc under a swimming pool. It is an attractive hangout because it is moist under there and it attracts plants roots and bugs. This is not always an issue, but can be if you live in the right environment. Not to worry, there are things you can do to prevent this from becoming an issue in your backyard.
What is Gorilla Pad?
What Is The Best Pool Pad For Under A Liner?
Armor Shield > Gorilla Pad
Why Do I Need To Put Something Under My Pool
Above ground pools require a stable base because they are generally made of flimsy vinyl material. A flat, durable surface ensures that your pool will not tip over and spill vast amounts of water. The natural ground can shift over time, so even if you believe your swimming pool has a stable base, it may not be very stable in a few years.
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The 10 Best Above Ground Pool Pads
Of all the add-ons you might want or need for your above ground pool, a pool pad might not even make the list. This is not because theyre unimportant, but rather just maybe not something youd automatically think of.
This often overlooked accessory can do a lot of things for your pool and its swimmers you probably never knew. It provides a great barrier between the pool and the ground, protecting both the liner and your feet from sharp, pointy objects.
But once you start shopping around for one of these pads, youll quickly realize there are a LOT of choices. So, how do you decide?
There are a few factors to consider, and some qualities to look for. And weve put our list together of our top ten picks.
You probably cant go wrong with any of these, but do pay careful attention to the section titled 4 Considerations for Buying the Best Above Ground Pool Pad below. This will help steer you to the product that will best meet your needs for your particular pool.
What Kind Of Surface Does Your Pool Sit On
Some pool pads work best on concrete bases and some work really well on a grassy/rocky lawn. When reviewing the specifications for each pool pad, youll notice that some recommend only using the pad on top of a layer of sand. Think about how your pool is situated and what pool pad would work best in your backyard.
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Under Pool Mats: Why You Should Always Use One
A backyard swim pool is a big investment.
Both in terms of the upfront cost for the pool itself, but factor in the cleaning and maintenance equipment and the time spent looking after the pool , and your time and energy quickly begin to pile up.
Placing a mat under your pool, however, is one of the easiest and less time-intensive ways to ensure the longevity of your pool.
When you put the right mat under your above-ground pool, some pretty neat-o things happen:
Protect the pool liner.
The thin vinyl liner of the pool isnt just along the walls but runs on the bottom. A mat under your pool protects it from tears and rips from roots, rocks, and whatever else is on the ground.
Keep in mind that the fabric on the bottom of the pools can shift, whether because you want to pull it over a couple of inches closer to your deck, or from large bursts of physical activity in the pool .
A mat under the pool provides an added layer of protection to avoid punctures and rips.
Cuts down on mold.
Mold, algae, and mildew are your worst enemies as a pool owner. They can quickly blossom into unsightly patches of bacteria-ridden yellow and green clouds in your pool that also make the water unsafe to swim in.
Because of all the moisture in the areawe are talking about a pool, after all!mold is a constant threat, especially with the lack of air flow under your pool.
Keeps grass and insects at bay.
Even though weve somewhat tamed mother nature, shes relentless.
Easy on the feet.
Elephant Guard Armor Pool Pad
The Elephant Pad is made from a durable, tear-guard woven material that resists punctures or tears from rocks, glass, grass, or sticks that may surface in the sand under your pool. Its pre-cut to fit your pool, so theres no trimming or taping required.
Its also mold and mildew resistant so it will protect your pool from damage.
This pad is made to be super tough, so its great for terrain that you cant quite get smooth enough. However, this one is not made to cushion pool floors.
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What Kind Of Foam Can I Put Under A Pool
There are many options when it comes to padding under a pool. Sand, for example, is very affordable and easy to install. However, it does not offer smoothness and is vulnerable to rips. Moreover, it can be slippery when wet. A good alternative is plywood sheets.
For extra protection, you can use Gorilla Pad. It is a tough non-woven geo-textile. Its used in many non-pool applications. This product prevents grass from growing through the pool liner. It can be cut to size and seamed specifically for your pool.
Carpet padding is another good choice. Its inexpensive and easy to cut. However, make sure you choose a material that is designed for high traffic areas. You may have to use two layers. Remember to smooth out the padding before installing it. And make sure to use clean fill.
What Kind Of Climate Do You Live In
If youre a pool owner that lives in a wet or humid area, it might be worth considering a water-resistant or mold/mildew-resistant pool pad to go under your above ground pool. The moisture from the ground or heavy rains can wreak havoc on the felt-like material of a pool pad.
Make sure to look for above ground pool pads made from synthetic materials that specifically advertise mildew and water-resistance capabilities. This will extend the life of your pool pad and save you money in the long run.
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Elephant Above Ground Pool Liner Pad
- EASY INSTALLATION. Pre-cut to fit your size…
- Helps To Protect and Prevent Rocks, Roots, & Nut…
- One piece construction with no cutting, taping, or…
The Elephant Above Ground Pool Liner Pad is made of a durable, tear-guard weave that helps to protect your liner from punctures. It comes pre-cut to fit your size swimming pool, just place under your vinyl liner using a sand base. It comes in several sizes with built-in mold and mildew resistant inhibitors. The Elephant Pad is specifically for undergrowth protection, not for cushioning.
Pros:
- No cushioning provided. We recommend using a sand base with this product.
- May require some cutting to fit your pool exactly
Why You Need An Above Ground Pool Pad
Vinyl pool liners are pretty tough, but they can only withstand so much. And even though you might make every effort to remove anything sharp from the ground underneath, a sharp rock, root, or even glass will eventually make its way to the surface.
These items can puncture or tear your liner, causing it to spring a leak thats not so easy to fix. Liner pads provide an extra layer of defense against this situation. Theyre made from a tough fabric that will keep sharp objects at bay.
Not only that, but they also provide a little padding for your feet. Imagine if those sharp objects will poke through your pool how theyll feel on your feet!
Additionally, pool pads provide a vapor barrier that prevents a lot of the moisture that corrodes the metal on your pool.
It basically prolongs the life of your liner and makes swimming more comfortable.
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Swimming Pool Companies In Richmond Hill
Its a good time to be shopping around for swimming pool companies in Richmond Hill and communities that are north of the GTA. A swimming pool is clearly a major investment, and an equally major commitment, so you want to make sure to hire a company thats established, reliable and reputable. Seaway Pools & Hot Tubs has been designing and constructing swimming pools for 40 years. Weve gained an abundance of experience in planning, designing and building – and when we work for you, you can rest assured that youre in good company. We sell and install top quality products, our installations are at the highest standard, and our customer service is unparalleled.
Seaway Pools & Hot Tubs belongs to the Pool & Hot Tub Council of Canada. We follow their stated code of ethics, and provide a level of professionalism that our customers expect. We also sell a variety of products from the IPG Group including quality equipment and accessories. Our focus is always on providing the best quality products that are available in the market. We are also on board with Kafko Pool Products, national suppliers of residential vinyl lined swimming pools, and are members of the Kafko Pro Builder Network, a network of pool professionals across the country, all committed to being the best.
Seaway Pools & Hot Tubs is at your service. Were here to build long-lasting relationships with our customer, and ensure their satisfaction and happiness for many years to come.
