Best Base For Above Ground Pool

We are going to be installing a 21 ft above ground pool and were wondering what the best base for underneath the pool is, in your opinion. Sand or foam?


Hi. A lot has been written on this site about the best base for an above ground pool. You could probably learn a lot by reading these pages.

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

My preference is sand with Styrofoam coming in second. Using sand works out best for my type of installations where the sand is spread and smoothed and the liners installed from outside of the pool. Stretching liners into place, using the pools existing framework, leaves the sand nice and smooth. This puts the liners into place without wrinkles and leaves no footprints in the sand.

The foam is fine, but it is more expensive and time consuming. Plus you would need to buy the preformed pool cove also which is another expense. Either way is fine, however, if done correctly.