Sand or Tarp For Pool Base

If the ground is already level, is a tarp okay to put under a 16 ft round x 48 in deep pool or should it have sand?



Hi. It's OK to use a tarp under the sand but not in place of it. A tarp will allow all the lumps and bumps of a dirt base to show through into the base of your pool. It will cause the bottom to be lumpy and uneven and therefore hard to clean.

The sand will smooth out making the bottom of your pool easier to clean and easier on the feet for walking on. The sand can also be used in the cove area. With just a tarp you still have to have a cove for the pool to be safe. The cove can be dirt, sand or foam, but it has to be there.



It's hard to beat a smooth sand base and a properly installed liner.

If, on the other hand, you are talking about a soft side pool, then I'm sure a tarp will be just fine. If you are not happy with that you can do something different for next year.