Gorilla Pad Questions

by Leana
(Sandwich, IL USA)

We are looking to put in a pool with a 7' deep end. The pool is 15' x 30'. We want to have a sand bottom but also use gorilla pad over the sand for added liner protection.

We have been told that Hayward was sold to another company awhile back and their quality has gone downhill. The salesman was recommending Sta-Rite. What is your recommendation on pump/filter and we are always looking to buy USA whenever possible?

We are pretty sold on something 2 speed, but don't really know what hp is best. This is hopefully going to be a Bermuda aluminum 54" pool and we haven't decided whether to bury it 2 ft yet or not, it depends on the cost.

One last thing, we are having an awful time in our area finding an installer to do a dig out for an expandable liner or any pool installer period that does installs on the side not just for a pool sales place. Do you know anyone that installs in 60548 zip code area, Sandwich, IL?

Thanks for any and all info.




Hi Leana. My biggest problem with the Gorilla Pad is getting it to lay smooth. It is always wrinkled up and never seems to go flat. I don't like putting anything on top of the sand because you will be creating so many footprints. It is impossible to work over top of the sand without making a mess of it.

I like to smooth the sand and hop out of the pool. All my liners get installed from outside the pool. I use this method on flat bottom pools as well as deep end pools.

Expandable Liner Installation

I also prefer the Sta-Rite pumps. I like the 3/4 and 1 1/2 HP combination. The filter you put with it is up to you, I like a sand filter but they are all good.

Above Ground Pool Filters