Where To Put An Intex Pool
Before deciding on what to put under your above ground pool, you need to decide on where to put your Intex pool. Popular options are grass, concrete, pavers, gravel, dirt and on decks.Concrete is probably the best option since it is usually 100% level and smooth. Also, grass cant grow through concrete and animals and bugs cant damage or burrow through it either.
Grass or dirt is also another great option, as long as it has been properly leveled and youve killed off the grass first.
You could put your pool on pavers, however the weight of the pool may compress the pavers and move them out of shape. Which will mean youll need to fix them when you remove your pool.
How Much Sand Do You Need To Build A Pool
Its hard to beat the refreshing feeling of jumping into a pool in the middle of summer. But, the expenses with building a pool can add up very quickly. Building a pool of your own is one way of bringing that feeling home and getting to enjoy a dip whenever you want, while saving some money in the process.
If you decide to do part of the work in constructing a pool yourself, there are several materials you cannot substitute. Before taking the plunge, its important to keep in mind that sand is necessary when building an above ground pool. Thankfully, you can factor in how much sand youll need and how much it will ultimately cost you, by using a sand calculator.
What Can I Use For Padding Under An Above
by Tony Guerra / in Hobbies
Above ground swimming pools are less expensive propositions than in-ground pools when choosing a back garden pool. Of course, an above ground swimming pool needs to be properly sited on whatever surface it’s put on. For example, you may have a concrete slab on which you plan to place your above ground pool. An above ground pool on a concrete slab, though, will need to have padding beneath the pool floor if sand isn’t an option.
Also Check: When To Run Pool Pump
Trapped Moisture Is A Big Enemy With Above Ground Pools
A few decades ago, it was a common practice for people to put Visqueen or plastic sheeting down just underneath an above ground pool liner. This would often cause the inside of the wall of the pool to start and eventually rust out.
This is because a vinyl pool liner will transfer moisture or sweat moisture through it when theres a temperature difference.
In a normal situation, the moisture that transfers under the liner will just move away and into the earth and eventually dry or move away from the pool bottom. If something like plastic is placed under the liner though, this moisture can get trapped and have nowhere to go.
Eventually, the moisture will make its way over to where the ground meets the pool wall, and some of it will hang out against the metal wall. If this moisture cannot go anywhere, it will stay next to the pool wall and will soon get past any protective coating the wall has. Once the coating is lifted by the excessive moisture, the metal wall will begin to corrode. This is not at all good.
Intex Pool Ground Cloth
Intex is one of the leading makers of backyard swimming pools.
The Intex Ultra XTR is my top-ranked above-ground pool on the market right now .
For Intex pools that dont ship with a ground cloth, they offer a pool base that is designed to work under their above-ground pools. This cloth has a surface area of 15.5 sq feet, which works for 8-15ft round pools.
Priced at around $30 , the Intex Pool cloth does not provide padding, it is strictly a mat to protect the bottom of the pool.
You May Like: Tankless Pool Water Heater
Intex Pool Padding Installation Tips
The following are some general tips for installing padding underneath your Intex pool, regardless of the type you choose:
Pool Installation: What To Put Under Above Ground Pool On Grass
Trust me when I tell you that you shouldnt leave grass under your above ground swimming pool. And there are many ways of dealing with this, such using a grass killer and using padding.
Therefore, today I want to give you some great padding so you can know what to put under above ground pool on grass.
Recommended Reading: Remove Metal From Pool Water
Foam Rolls Designed To Be Used As Pool Pads For Pool Walls
These rolls of 1/8-inch thick closed-cell foam are intended to be used on the side walls of above ground pools. But some people put them under the pool as a pool liner pad too.
This particular roll is called Gorilla Guard by Blue Wave. Because it comes in a roll and not precut to size youll have to cut it to suit your pool size.
I wonder if the foam that goes under laminate flooring would work?
What To Put Under Above Ground Pool On Grass: A Sand Bed
You can use sand to stabilize the ground or grass, smoothing out uneven parts of the surface. There is a critical thing that you will need to follow to ensure that it turns out as intended. Thats, you will need to place a lot of sand on the grass or surface.
Without a doubt, there is a risk of getting sand all over the grass, but dont fret it will come in handy to mask the nasty smell from those offering of your neighbors cat.
Then, sprinkle water on top of the sand bed while rolling or tamping. Finally, place your groundsheet on top of the bed to prevent the growth of grass. Roll out this sheet to fit your above ground pool.
After that, you can position or inflate the pool itself.
Also Check: Swimming Pool Acid Wash Cost
Once Metal Begins To Corrode It Doesnt Stop
I dont want to be too scientific here, but I will mention that most things are in a state of either building up or breaking down. This is the main dynamic of everything at least on earth.
When it comes to steel and aluminum the rate that they can break down can be greatly increased if there is constant moisture present.
Better quality above ground pool walls are coated to help prevent the beginning of corrosion caused by moisture. This coating can only protect for so long. If the wall is exposed to moisture long enough, then it can penetrate the coating and the metal wall will start corroding.
Its important to note here that once corrosion begins, it doesnt stop. You can slow the rate of corrosion down by keeping the metal dry, but it will still be at an elevated rate of breaking down through oxidation.
This is why its important to not allow an above ground pool to begin corroding in the first place.
What Is An Above
An above-ground pool pad is a specialized piece of fabric thats designed to protect your pool liner from punctures caused by rocks, roots, or grass. A pool pad is placed underneath your pool liner, under the entire pool and adds an extra barrier of protection against bugs, debris, or anything else that might damage the liner, causing a leak.
Pool pads are constructed from a geotextile material, usually a polypropylene blend that looks and feels like felt. This isnt the felt your kids use in arts and crafts, however. Its an extremely durable material woven to withstand punctures, weed growth, strong roots, and even glass, with the goal of extending the lifespan of your pool liner as much as possible.
Also Check: Swimming Pool Tile Sealer
Here Are 4 Ideas Of What To Put Under Intex Above Ground Pools
There are a handful of things you can put under your Intex pool to make sure that it lasts longer, but we only recommend the following materials to put under your Intex pool. Keep in mind that Intex pools vary in size. See our article on Intex Pool Sizes to learn about all the different pools available.
The Intex Ground Cloth
The Intex Ground Cloth is included with most Intex Pool sets. It provides added protection for the pool bottom from rocks, twigs, or other items that could potentially puncture the liner. However, even though Intex Pools, in general, receive good reviews from the owners, the Ground Cloth is generally described as a sub-standard item and is too thin to provide much real protection. This is why many Intex Pool owners decide to opt for another option.
- Durable ground cover sheet for above-ground pools
- Provide added protection for pool bottom
- Measures 15.5-foot square fits 8-foot,10-foot, 12-foot,and 15-foot pools use with Easy Set or frame pools
Third-Party Pool Pads
There are many companies that manufacture alternatives to the Intex Ground Cloth that provide more thickness and therefore more protection for your liner. Make sure you choose the right size for your pool. If your pool is 15 diameter, then choose the 15 diameter pad. There is no benefit to having a larger pad than the pool, and in fact, the excess can be cumbersome to manage and you will just have to cut it off anyway.
Best Above Ground Pool Pad: 7 Pads Reviewed For 2021
- |December 20, 2019
Above-ground pools are an inexpensive and easy way to enjoy the summer with your family at home. With a reasonable price tag, easy setup, and simple operation, they are a great option for anyone looking to cool off in the summer .
Once youve set up your walls, placed the liner, and filled it up with water, youre good to go, right? Not quite. Above-ground pool liners are finicky creatures that need a little help and protection from the sharp objects of the world. This is where above-ground pool pads come in.
Laying a pool pad down before you place your liner is one of the best ways to protect your above-ground pool. These handy little accessories will save you time, money, and extend the life of your liner.
Skip to:
You May Like: Liquid Pool Heater
Above Ground Pool Installation Items
The following are links to various sections on our website ThePoolFactory.com where you can select pool liner installation items based off your above ground pool size.
Pool Cove is foam that easily peels and sticks to the inside base of the pool wall. The foam pool cove is 3-3/4 inches high and must be installed on top of 3 inches of sand. This will give you a total height of about 7 inches, the recommended height to support the liner and eliminate stress at the seam of the pool liner.
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.
Also Check: Chlorine Pool Calculator
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.
Pouring A Concrete Pad Specifically For An Above Ground Pool Versus Installing One On An Existing Slab
Deciding to pour a concrete slab for your future above ground pool is a nice decision. With a pool on concrete, you dont have to worry about nutgrass, moles, or any earth dynamics causing issues. There are a couple of drawbacks to it, but for the most part, its a solid way to go.
Most thinking about installing their pools on concrete are doing so because they have some kind of existing patio or slab in the yard. Using an existing concrete slab is often problematic though.
Unless youre a concrete person, you may not realize that most concrete patios or outdoor slabs of any kind are considerably off level. This is because any outdoor hard ground surface needs to have a gradual drop-off to allow rainwater to drain off of it.
When most people look at their existing concrete slab, it looks level. Ive had more than a few people call me out to build their above ground on an existing slab. When I talk to them, I explain how most slabs or patios are too off-level to install a pool on, but they will assure me that they checked and the concrete slab in their backyard is level.
When I get to their house to build the pool, Ill pull out my laser level and show them that the deck that they insisted was perfectly level, is off quite a bit.
Read Also: Chlorine Shock Dose Calculator Hot Tub
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 youll need for the base using a sand calculator.
On GIGA Calculators sand calculator, note whether your pool area is rectangular or circular and write in the dimensions. Then, itll compute the volume and weight of the sand you need. You can even figure out how much the sand will cost you using the calculator if you know its price per tonjust add that right in, too.
With these numbers in mind, youll be able to better plan and budget for your pool project.
Installing An Above Ground Pool On Sand In 5 Steps
You can set up a steel frame or above ground pool on the lawn but you will have to take a lot of precautions and accept the fact that you do run the risk of damage.After , use a lawnmower to cut your grass as short as it can go in the area where the pool will be installed.
You May Like: Acid Washing Pool Cost
Why Do You Need To Put Anything Under Your Pool
Temporary above-ground pools like Intex, Summer Waves, Bestway, or Coleman all have one thing in common. They have a thin vinyl liner that is susceptible to punctures if installed incorrectly. Roots, stones, pebbles, and anything else on the ground below the pool are potential sources of leak-causing punctures.
For this reason, it is important to not put your temporary pool directly on the grass, dirt, or concrete.
No matter what style of Intex Pool you are installing, this decision can make a big difference in how long your pool will last.
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. For this reason, Intex VOIDS THE WARRANTY if you in fact had sand under the pool! Please read the warranty carefully to avoid this problem.
