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.
Mole Damage To Above Ground Pool
We have moles in the yard. It appears that they have gotten under out pool liner in one spot. What can happen to the pool, or liner, with these tunnels that have sunk in?
Is there anything we can do so this does not keep happening?
When moles get under an above ground pool and make a tunnel, the sand drops down, the liner drops down and you have an indentation in the liner with nothing under it. That means the slightest amount of pressure from a sharp object will cause the liner to burst open, usually draining the pool very quickly.
When these holes occur it’s best to drain the pool and put a piece of steel over the hole, redo the sand and refill the pool. It’s not easy, but if you can do this while leaving a little water in the pool you are better off. A completely drained pool will cause the liner to shrink and shift.
If you just do the repair you will then want to get rid of the mole. If getting rid of moles is not going to be possible, you may want a more permanent solution, like putting the pool on a pad of concrete.
A less expensive, and less effective, solution is to use a layer of something like Gorilla Pad, carpet or Styrofoam under the liner.
Backyard Design Ideas On A Budgetwhat Can I Put Under Above Ground Pool Legs
You have several options to put underneath your above ground pool. Of course, you can always opt to use nothing, but that will likely result in more damage to the base of your pool and its legs as you use it over time.
Setting up an above ground pool that lasts with the right supports will help you get more for your money and make your pool last longer.
The list below includes the best materials to put under above ground pool legs:
- A Tarp Unfortunately, many new above ground pool users think a tarp is all they need to set their pool in place. While a tarp is fine, you need more than a thin layer of waterproof plastic between your pool and the ground.
- Foam Tiles and Under Pool Pads You should put either foam tiles or an under-pool pad below your pool. However, it isnt going to do much for the legs.
- A Sand Pad Sand is an acceptable option for some pools. Regrettably, if you splash a lot or live in a damp climate, the sand will trap moisture, and you can end up with fungal, bacterial, or even algal growth under your pool. Notably, you should still put a pad under the body of your pool if you go this route, and I suggest adding pavers or blocks beneath the legs as well.
- Wood A standard wooden block wont hold up under an above ground pool leg for very long, and you should never use a pressboard or particleboard. Fortunately, you can use pressure-treated woodblocks. This option is the minimum support you should place under a pool.
Also Check: Sustain Pool
Rhino Pad 12 X 24 Oval Pool Liner Pad
This liner pad is made from a water-resistant synthetic polyester felt that both protects the liner in your pool and creates a nice cushion to walk on.
Its pre-cut for an 18 round pool and is easy to install, requiring no cutting or taping. These types of pool pads also provide a barrier to reduce heat loss in the water by insulating it from the cool ground.
How Many Inches Of Sand Do You Need For A Pool
In general, youll need about two or three inches of compacted washed sand to install a pool correctly. But thats only the case for above-ground pools with a circumference of over six feet. And you can figure out exactly how much sand you need if you know the precise dimensions of your basin.
TIPYou can use a sand calculator to determine how much you need for each project.
Also Check: Building Your Own In Ground Pool
What Kind Of Sand Do You Use Under A Pool Liner
sandsandtypessandpool linersandpool
. Similarly, you may ask, can I use play sand under my pool liner?
The correct name for the sand to use under an above ground pool is washed mortar sand. The bags of play sand sold at Home Depot have to fine of sand, to much dust and to many rocks. It is best to avoid this type of sand.
Also Know, can I use a tarp under my pool? It’s OK to use a tarp under the sand but not in place of it. A tarp will allow all the lumps and bumps of a dirt base to show through into the base of your pool. With just a tarp you still have to have a cove for the pool to be safe. The cove can be dirt, sand or foam, but it has to be there.
In this manner, what is the best material to put under an above ground pool?
Mason sand or stone dust base material is used most often. Mason sand, also known as pool sand, will create a very smooth bottom layer and is the most popular choice.
How much sand should I put under my pool?
Type and VolumeAn average 18-foot round aboveground swimming pool requires about 3 tons or 2.5 cubic yards of sand to provide a 2-inch base. The cost for a cubic yard of masonry sand varies, but $48 is about average.
Blue Wave Round Pool Liner Pad
Blue Wave is another popular maker of swimming pools and pool-related accessories. Whether you are looking for a winter pool cover, an above-ground pool ladder, or a solar pool cover to cut down on energy costs over the summer, Blue Wave makes good stuff.
The Blue Wave Round Pool Liner Pad is different from the usual tarp or foam padding alternatives in that it is cut to size for your round above-ground pool. Designed to extend just beyond the edges of your pool, it has enough stretch to cover the full area of the bottom of your swim pool.
Under pool mats are often glorified tarps or foam padding which can be a pain in the butt to cut to size for your specific pool, but the Blue Wave pad provides a little bit of padding as well as protection to the bottom liner of your pool.
The pool mat is made of a heavy-duty felt that is puncture-resistant and is available in a huge array of sizes, from 18-ft pools all the way up to the largest round above-ground pools on the market at 33-ft.
Recommended Reading: Screens To Hide Pool Equipment
What Do You Put Under Your Above Ground Pool Legs
4.2/5onpoolabove ground poolplaceonpoolon
Similarly one may ask, what do you put under Pool legs?
If the pool has support legs that need to be supported, as most frame pools do, use concrete or wood blocks under each one. I use my laser transit on each one of these so that they are all perfectly level. The result is a level pool with a soft bottom, free of lumps, bumps and rocks.
Beside above, do you have to put a tarp under an above ground pool? It’s OK to use a tarp under the sand but not in place of it. A tarp will allow all the lumps and bumps of a dirt base to show through into the base of your pool. With just a tarp you still have to have a cove for the pool to be safe. The cove can be dirt, sand or foam, but it has to be there.
Subsequently, one may also ask, do I have to put sand under my pool?
Mostly it is to provide a smooth level base under the liner of an above ground pool. While it works, it is not the best option. The sand would act as a barrier that would take in any water or moisture as opposed to all of that liquid going into the soil underneath the pool, potentially not killing your grass.
What is a gorilla pad for pool?
Gorilla Pads are pre-cut floor pads designed to protect and cushion the bottom of above ground pools. Unlike old pool foam padding, which can be easily be cut or pierced by grass, roots, or rocks under your above ground pool liner, Gorilla Bottom pool floor padding is impervious to almost any sharp object.
How To Put Pavers Under Pool Legs
Putting pavers under your above ground pool legs is a fairly straightforward process. You begin by leveling the ground.
Dont add topsoil and tamp it down, but instead remove any unevenness until you have a solid, level base. I recommend using a level or laser level to ensure everything is as precise as possible.
Next, you will need to mark out the location of each leg and dig down so you can place the blocks beneath. A standard shovel or hand trowel should be just fine for this job.
You can opt to lay an entire foundation if you prefer. However, if you choose this route, ensure that the pavers are perfectly level. Any edges that stick up will scratch and puncture your pool liner under pressure.
Youll want to add some gravel or sand in the holes if youre not already using a sand or gravel bed under the pool. You can skip this step if you prefer, but it will help keep the paver level.
After that, double-check the pavers to ensure they are all level with the ground and each other. Laser levels are the best for this part of the process.
Once you have your pavers in place, you can build the pool up from there.
Recommended Reading: How To Heat Above Ground Swimming Pool
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
What Is An Above Ground Pool Pad For If You Have A Big Above Ground Pool
I honestly thought that a pool floor pad for big above ground pools was to protect the pool liner and stop it from getting rips or tears from stuff under the pool.
For little pools like mine tossed on the yard this is true, but Chad from the Above Ground Pros YouTube channel said this isnt the case for large, properly installed above ground pools.
In the video below he said in about 25 years of working on pools he has only seen about 2 tears in the pool liner caused by something coming up from underneath the pool.
Therefore, in his expert opinion, if youve got a good base layer of smooth sand laid down then your above ground pool pad is more for comfort on your feet than actually protecting the pool liner.
This is of course if you have done the work to build a flat, smooth base for your pool. A professional like Chad isnt just slapping an expensive pool down on rough ground like I do.
I hope this article has given your some ideas on what you can put under your above ground pool or inflatable pool.
Remember it is always a good idea to read the manufacturers instructions to see what they recommend so you dont void any warranties .
Up Next:
Read Also: Black Hose Trick Pool
What Is The Best Above Ground Pool Pad
The best above ground pool pad for you depends a lot on the type of pool you have and what its sitting on. However, our pick for a great all-around pad is the Rhino Guard Pad.
This pad is really tough and does a good job at protecting the liner from damage. But its also soft and cushioning for the feet.
Additionally, this pad is mold and mildew resistant.
What To Put Under An Inflatable Pool On Concrete
Concrete is a great material to put your inflatable pool on since it is usually 100% level. You will however need to put a material under your inflatable pool to protect the bottom of the pool from abrasions such as a tarp or flooring underlayment.
Concrete is also a very hard surface and will feel much nice on your feet if you use something with padding such as carpet underlay or foam.
Recommended Reading: Vdara Cabanas
Sand Or Vermiculite For My Above Ground Pool
Above ground swimming pools are generally less expensive and more for the budget-minded consumer. Adding sand to the bottom is usually preferred as it is less expensive. Using vermic instead of sand is going to cost about $1,000 $1,500 instead of the $300 for the sand, but if you want the best surface for your vinyl liner, then the option is well worth it.
Old Carpet A Free Option
This is another good material that will help you decide. We really like this solution since it can be FREE if you can find someone disposing of their old carpet. Just put the carpet down under the pool, with the plush side up. The carpet provides good protection from the stones and pebbles that could cause a tear in the liner, but it does not provide as much cushion and uniform surface for cleaning as the foam tiles do.
Recommended Reading: Is Mandalay Bay Pool Open
The Benefits Of Stones Apart From Just Aesthetics
These stones offer much more than just a beautiful landscape around your pool. They also offer much in terms of functionality and practicality. Crushed stone acts as a shield preventing your above ground pool from sustaining damage caused by natural elements like water and air.
The crushed stone layer acts as a barrier that prevents rainwater from seeping underneath the ground near the pool area that can cause damage to the base. It also protects the wall against debris and dirt and allows for faster dissipation of water that prevents oxidation which can lead to rust damage if left unchecked.
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!
Also Check: Vdara Cabana
How To Install An Overlap Liner For Your Above Ground Pool
Overlap Liners are the most economical choice in above ground liner. just as the name suggests the liner literally overlaps/drapes over the side of your pool wall and is then secured by the pool’s top rails. This is the kind of liner you’ll end up with with you’re looking to install an above ground pool with a deep end.
This guide is meant to provide additional resources gathered over the years from Royal Swimming Pools installation team. It does not replace your manufacturers liner installation instructions. Refer to them first.
IMPORTANT! Before opening your liner box, check the label to confirm that the liner is the proper size and pattern. If it is incorrect, DO NOT open the box. Contact your supplier immediately.
There are several steps that are the same regardless of the size or shape liner you have. Before installing your liner, the pool needs to be built to where only the small stabilizer rails and top plates are installed. Having the top plates loosely installed with a single screw will make adjusting the liner quicker. The wide top rails are not needed yet. All uprights should be installed, and you should double check the roundness of the pool by taking cross measurements in several places.
PRO TIP: Give yourself plenty of time. This can be done in as little as an hour, or weve seen it take as long as 4 hours depending on the liners fit and how much help you have.
