Base for Above Ground Pool

by Fran
(Maryland)

I want to put a pad in the bottom of our pool this time to fight the super grass that keeps coming through our liner. Which one is better, happy bottom or gorilla pad?


Hi Fran. I prefer happy bottom over the gorilla pad. It lays smoother and is easier to work with. Be sure you have a very smooth base to work with before using the happy bottom. It is thin and when the weight of the water will compress it. If the base is uneven this will show through the happy bottom. Smooth compacted sand or concrete are the two best bases to work with.

AGP Base Material

by Bill
(Cape May Court House ,NJ)

Hi, I have been reading about people using Styrofoam as a base for an above ground pool. There are so many types, I'm not sure which one to use

I already purchased the foam cove base which looks like polypropylene foam which cost a arm and a leg in 4x8 sheets 1 inch thick.

Is there a special type that I can use? Seems like I can press in on the ones sold at Home Depots and it will leave an indentation.

thanks
Bill



Hi Bill. Any of the 4 x 8 sheets of foam make a nice base, it does not have to be the most expensive. The weight of the water compresses the foam so the indentations are very minimal. The base actually says smoother than the results you would obtain with sand or other types of pool pads.

Below are links to other pages written on the subject of foam for a pool base.

Pool Cove and Foam Pads

Gorilla Pad, Happy Bottom and Foam

Foam Under Vinyl Liner

Styrofoam For Above Ground Pool

The Best Above Ground Pool Base

Base For Above Ground Pool

Foam Pool Base

Pool Floor Pads

Pool Underlay