Sand for Above Ground Pool

by Diane Charland
(Winchendon, Ma)

What type of sand do I use under the liner of my pool, beach sand or a clay sand mix???


Hi Diane. The correct name for the sand to use under an above ground pool is washed mortar sand. This is very similar to masonry sand, sometimes it's the same and sometimes a little less course, which is good.

The bags of play sand sold at Home Depot have to fine of sand, to much dust and to many rocks. It is best to avoid this type of sand. Mortar sand can usually be found at sand and rock companies, building supply companies and sometimes block companies. Some Home Depots also carry this sand in large burlap bags, I'm not sure the amount but they are large and heavy. Since this sand is used for mixing the mud for most block construction it is pretty easy to find. Washed mortar sand should be wet when you get it. It is much easier to work with this way.

Here are a few more pages regarding different pool bases.


Pool Cove and Foam Pads

Gorilla Pad, Happy Bottom and Foam

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

Sand for an Above Ground Pool

I am putting up a 18'x33' pool and I'm not sure how much sand to get.



Hi. I would use about 5 yards of washed mortar sand. This would equal about eight tons.

How much sand you will actually use depends on if you are using a preformed foam cove and if you are using a ground shield of some type.

A pool I built a few days ago was ordered over the internet and came with coving and a pool pad. This resulted in me using a lot less sand than I would normally use. Most of my pools get installed without the pre-formed cove and with no ground shield.

The photos of the 21' x 43' Oval Pool Installation might help you with your pool. They show just how the sand is placed in the pool and when it is spread out.



Sand
by: Anonymous

How much sand should i use for a 24' round above ground pool? Not sure if pool comes with cove or not.


Hi. A 24' pool uses between 4-5 tons of sand.