Best sand for above ground pool base

Aboveground swimming pools offer a way to own a nice swimming pool without breaking the bank. Installing an aboveground swimming pool is also a less intimidating task than installing an in-ground pool. Of course, properly installing an aboveground swimming pool still requires some work, including digging a shallow hole to accommodate the pool's floor. Once the hole for an aboveground pool's floor is dug, it's typically padded with a layer of sand before the pool is installed.

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Sand Depth

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. The standard depth of sand that should be used under an aboveground pool's floor is 2 inches.

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Other Padding

In many cases, aboveground pool owners will also install some sort of felt-like or rubberized padding over an aboveground pool's sand base. Additional padding above the sand used will help to further protect an aboveground pool's liner floor from possible rips and tears. At the time of publication, the price for padding for a typical 18 foot round aboveground pool is about $80. Always check the instructions that came with the aboveground pool before installing any sort of additional padding, though.

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Type and Volume

Use masonry sand as the base material for an aboveground swimming pool. Ensure that any sand you use is free of debris such as twigs, rocks or anything else that might puncture, rip or tear a pool's vinyl liner. An 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.

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Consideration

Order the sand for your pool's base by the yard, not by weight. Sand can retain moisture and if you buy it by the ton and it's damp, you won't be buying enough sand for your aboveground pool's base. Add the sand for an aboveground pool's base at the pool's center and spread it outward from there. Lastly, smooth out the sand you've laid down to serve as your pool floor's padding before placing the pool's liner over it.

It is commonly recommended by above ground pool manufacturers to have a 2" sand base inside the pool, under the liner. 

This will help protect your liner, and provide a soft floor that provides comfort while walking in your pool. Always use masonry sand, which is a washed sand, free of rocks and debris. This is widely available for delivery from earthworks, and landscaping centers. 

For reference, we have provided a chart of sand requirements for common pool sizes below but for extra installation tips for above ground pools using a sand base see this link! 

The actual amount used in the pool may vary depending on the excavation and liner type used. See the base order of operations image below the sand chart. 

View our guide on the 17 steps to installing your Round Above Ground Pool here. 

Didn't find the answer you were looking for? You can always contact us at [email protected] or choose the category below to see our most frequently asked questions for that topic:

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.

What You Can Put Under Your Above Ground Pool

Concrete Slab

A popular stabilizing option for above ground pools is poured concrete. They last a very long time and are completely flat and very durable. However, they can be pretty rough on softer materials and wear out the pool liner over time. So I recommend placing another layer in between the pool and the concrete.

Pros

• Can be made perfectly flat
• A permanent option
• Your pool will not move around because it is very stable

Cons

• Will wear down the pool’s liner over time
• A second material is needed between the liner and the concrete
• Can be costly to install concrete.

Sand

Sand is another material that can be used to stabilize your above ground pool. The weight of the pool will push down on the sand, making a relatively firm base. Unlike concrete pads, sand will wear away over time and become unreliable in heavy rain.

Pros

• A very cheap option
• Much easier to install than concrete
• Another layer is not needed because the sand will not wear out the pool liner

Cons

• Heavy rain can shift the sand and destabilize the pool
• Animals may burrow in the sand, causing hollow areas that can collapse under the pool’s weight
• Having sand in your yard can be messy

Pre-Cut Pool Pad

A pool pad is a material designed specifically to place under your above ground pool. They are generally used on a concrete slab. The pool pads can be cut to perfectly fit your pool’s base. Pre-cut pool pads are made of a super durable material and will not trap moisture.

Pros

• Made of tough material that can withstand harsh weather and chemicals
• The material will not trap water because it is breathable
• Will come pre-cut so it will be made to fit your pool perfectly
• Works perfectly with concrete slabs

Cons

• A very expensive option
• Only really compatible with concrete slabs

Foam

Using foam as a base for your above ground pool is another great option. The lightweight material provides a solid amount of support. Foam can usually be purchased at most hardware stores as interlocking tiles, so it is easy to install. I recommend using foam tiles on a concrete slab or another stable and flat surface.

Pros

• Won’t wear down the pool liner
• Very easy to install
• The thick foam won’t move around on flat surfaces and provides an excellent base for your pool

Cons

• Depending on the thickness and quality, it can be expensive
• Not easy to cut to size
• Material is not breathable, so water will get trapped between the pool and the foam

Carpet

Carpet is an economical option that you can easily find for cheap or even free. Although it is not as protective as a pre-cut pool pad or foam tiles, it does protect against possible threats that could tear the liner. I generally recommend using two or three carpet layers because it is not very thick material.

Pros

• Very cheap option (can even be free)
• It is breathable so it will not trap water in between the pool and the carpet
• Easy to find because it is not a pool-specific option
• Provides decent protection against sharp objects

Cons

• Not as protective or stable as other options
• Does not have much cushion, so you will need to use more than one layer
• Difficult to cut to size

Nothing (Natural Ground)

Using the natural ground as the base for your above ground pool is possible, but not a great idea. Not having any base can be unstable, and the pool can shift and even spill over. If you opt to not use concrete or at least sand as a primary base for your above ground pool, I recommend at least using a pool pad or foam tiles and using the most stable area of the yard possible. Additionally, make sure that you kill the grass before placing the pool on the ground.

Pros

• Doesn’t cost anything to install
• Can be very stable for the short term if the yard is firm

Cons

• The natural ground will shift over time which can pose a dangerous situation with your pool
• Debris and other sharp objects on the ground can wear out the pool’s liner
• If it rains, puddles can form under your pool’s vinyl liner

Frequently Asked Questions

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.

What is the most durable thing to put under an above ground pool?

Each option has its pros and cons depending on what you care about most. But the most durable option would be a concrete slab with a pre-cut pool pad. This combination offers the most protection and stability, but keep in mind that it is not very cost-effective.

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Bottom Line

Above ground pools are a great and cheaper alternative to installing an inground pool. They can be super easy to maintain as well. As long as your yard has a generally flat area, you should be able to install an above ground pool. But to ensure the safety of your above ground pool, make sure you place the pool on a stable surface. Once you have set up your above ground pool with a durable material underneath it, you can enjoy your pool for the rest of the season and years to come!

For more tips, head over to my recommendations for the best above ground pools and guides on how to level the ground below your pool, how to set up an above ground pool, and what size above ground pool to choose.

Do you have any questions about above ground pools? Feel free to reach out; I am always happy to help!

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