Base Sand vs. Filter Sand

by Sarah
(Ilinois)

We are getting ready to install our above ground pool. A friend gave us 1 ton of free sand to use for our base. Once we got it home, I noticed it's labeled "Filter Sand."

Will this work for the base, or will we have to buy official "masonry" sand? Thanks!



Hi Sarah. I would go with a fresh clean batch of masonry sand. There are several advantages to doing this. The sand will be clean, no debris to cause a lumpy base under the liner. You would have a better chance of having the correct amount if it was ordered new.

The most important reason for new sand is that filter sand may be to fine for under a pool liner. If the filter sand is silica sand, most often used in filters, I wound definitely not use it. Silica sand is very fine and acts like small needles on the liner. I have seen this type of sand poke hundreds of pin holes in a new liner in a very short period of time.

When you start using your sand be sure to pile it in the center of pool like shown on this page.


Above Ground Swimming Pool Installation

You would then build the pool around the sand. The sand should only be used as a cushion for the liner to rest on, not the entire pool.