Foam Base on Patio Blocks

by Mike D.
(Westchester, NY)

I have a new 15' round pool to install and I would like to put it on a new patio made of 8" x 16" concrete blocks. The patio is flat
and level. The base of the patio has been compacted many times with a tamping machine and it feels solid and strong.

My question is what pool base to use? I'm starting out with a good flat surface, do I go foam or sand. I'm concerned about settling over time so I thought foam might save some weight, over sand, but the foam boards will have a number of seams to tape and can move or separate over time. I also have preformed coves and a gorilla pad.

Thanks, Mike D



Hi Mike. I would use the Gorilla pad first and lay the foam sheets over that. If you lay the sheets so they fit together tight, using only factory cuts for the main pool area, and lots of duck tape, they should not separate. All of your cuts should be around the outer edge against the pool wall. This area can then be stuffed with all of your left over foam scraps if needed. Install the cove on top of the foam and it covers all of the rough edges.

For installing over the foam I prefer the preformed pool cove with the sticky back, not the hard plastic back meant to slip into the bottom track. Use plenty of tape, on all seams and anywhere else you think it is needed.