Best Swimming Pool Base

by Al
(Canada)

I'm about to set up a 24' round above ground pool. I read on your site about someone putting a 15' on Styrofoam, sticking out at least 6".

Can that be done on a 24'? Base plates, rails and all? Thanks




Hi Al. There is no reason this cannot be done. The Styrofoam will easily hold the pool.

The recommended way of doing this is to put the foam inside the pool and to use preformed pool cove.

Pool Cove and Foam Pads

But as I have said before, I have set up many above ground pool on top of sheets of foam. These were indoor display pools, but they held up just fine.

My problem with setting an entire pool on foam is the foam getting damaged on the outside. If you run the foam out beyond the pool by a foot or so, and protect it from animals and insects, you should be just fine. What I do not know is the long term effects of this method over the years. Indoors, for a couple of seasons, it works just fine.

I have no reason to believe it would not work fine outdoors. It might even be the answer to all of the winter damage that's been going on the last few years.

Find more advice on using foam on these pages.



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