The Best Above Ground Pool Base

I bought a new above ground pool and don’t know what way I should go with the install. I'm getting a lot of different answers and warm weather is coming
My pool is going over a driveway that is made of crushed sea shells. What would you suggest?
gorilla bottom
happy pad-soft foam
sand
I even heard I could use foam insulation board

I was thinking of gorilla pad with happy pad for a soft bottom without the sand but I don’t know...can you help? Thanks Jon



Hi Jon. I prefer sand but only if it is good quality and not to large. Sand is the easiest way to get the bottom of the pool nice and smooth. If enough time is taken in the preparation, I also like the 1” or 1 1/2” Styrofoam 4x8 sheets. I did this with one of my own pools and it made the perfect pool base.

The problem with Gorilla bottom and happy pads are keeping them smooth while you are installing the liner. That, and they are so thin, every little imperfection in the ground shows through. If you go with the foam be sure to visit In The Swim and get the preformed pool cove.

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