Sand or Earth For Pool Cove

by Shirley
(Milo, MO)

I do not want to go to the expense of buying preformed cove. Is it best to make this from sand or soil?

What in your opinion is the best bottom. Sand only, sand with styrofoam? If so what thickness should be used? I have heard to many complaints about the gorilla bottom.


Hi Shirley. I use a small amount of dirt over the bottom rails and then cover that with a thick layer of sand to make the cove. Sand only is the way I build most of my pools, unless a customer requests a foam bottom. Styrofoam over a very thin layer of sand, or without sand if the ground is smooth, makes a nice bottom for the liner to sit on but it's time consuming and expensive. The correct use of sand will produce a nice pool bottom also.