Proper Base For Above Ground Pool

by Elizabeth Batchelor
(Orange, Texas, USA)

After the ground is level, then sand on top and packed with a plate compactor. My question is would foam board go next and that is all or after foam board to I need a tarp or happy bottom or gorilla pad? Very confused.

Cissy



Hi Cissy. I'm not sure if you are installing a soft sided pool, a frame pool or a steel wall pool, as they are all a bit different.

For a soft side or a frame pool you could probably stop after packing the sand. At least that is what I would do. They pool will then be just fine being installed on top of the packed sand.

For a steel wall pool I would do it much different. It would go something like this.

Above Ground Swimming Pool Installation

The sand is piled in the center of the pool after the frame is set and leveled. Then the wall is put up and secured. The sand is then spread and smoothed. I seldom put anything over the sand. I prefer smoothing the sand and jumping out of the pool. All my liners are installed from the outside of the pool, leaving the sand smooth and free of footprints. This page shows a liner being installed from outside of the pool, like I do most of mine, with or without a deep end.

Expandable Liner Installation