Pool Cove and Foam Pads

by Judy

I have recently purchased my first above ground pool and am planning on installing on cement. What would be the very best pad to put under it?

How about the styrofoam? I want a good one so that it will last several years.

I am planning on purchasing the peel n stick cove, will that work or should I purchase another type?

I am planning to put it up sometime next week, a quick response would be appreciated.

Thank you in advance, Judy


Hi Judy. For a concrete installation I prefer the preformed pool cove that snaps into the bottom rail as opposed to the sticky back foam. The snap in cove stays in place much better and is easier to work with.

If your concrete is smooth a basic foam pool pad will be fine. They are thin but do give a real nice feel to the pool base. They are the perfect amount of cushion for your feet. Because they are thin a rough surface underneath them will probably show through the liner. So a rough concrete floor will leave the bottom of the liner rough.

If that is the case 4 x 8 sheets of 1" styrofoam would work just fine. If you are using this type of cove you could cut it to fit all the way to the edge of the pool and use the pool cove to cover the rough edges. In this case, since the cove will placed an inch above the bottom track, use the sticky backed cove and just stick it to the wall.

No matter how you do it, use plenty of duct tape to cover all seams and hold everything in place.

Pool Cove and Foam Pads