If you have decided to build an above-ground pool in your backyard- you should also get a fair share of knowledge about the installation process. While many professional pool installers recommend you to install your pool directly on top of the grass surface, the grass isn’t a firm and strong base. If you plan to take down the pool after a period of time, installing the pool over natural grass isn’t a good idea.
You need to consider the surface on which you will place your pool. It is very important to have a stable base under your pool. In this article, we will discuss some of the available options for you and their advantages and disadvantages briefly. So, without further delay let’s get going-
In a rush? Check the table for a solution quickly as a wink
| Material | When you should put under above ground pool |
|---|---|
| Carpet | Good protection against sharp objects. Easily available in any super shop. However, you need to put two or 3 layers of it. |
| Foam tiles | Soft and easy to relocate. Total protection against sticks and stones. The interlocking feature helps give it shape. |
| Sand | Inexpensive and easy to lay but not the best option |
| Flooring underlayment | Costs just a couple of dollars. Easy to reshape and work with. You can find it almost everywhere. Thinner than foam tiles. Resistant to molds and mildew. |
| Ground Cloth | Cheap protection against pool and ground pool liner damage. Reshaping is very easy. Installation takes just a few minutes. |
| Pool Pad | Tough material builds for maximum protection. Thin outer layer. Easy to cut sizes. A pre-cut design is available. Resistant to pests, grass, rocks, roots, dirt, water, etc. Mold protection. |
Above Ground Pool On Artificial Grass
Artificial grass generally performs better compared to natural grass around a swimming pool. Turfs can withstand any pool chemical which will quickly kill the natural grass. Moreover, if you properly install the turf it will also provide a drainage system, that is sometimes better compared to the drainage provided by natural grass.
Wait, there’s more, you don’t need to worry about mud slipping into the house and no wet blades of grass to clean every time your children run through the back door. Artificial grass is less slippery compared to traditional lawn grass.
Above Ground Pool On Natural Grass
Placing an above-ground pool on natural grass might not be the best idea out there. There are many reasons that explain why natural grass and above-ground pool do not mix well. If you intended to do so, remember the pool will kill the grass. Even if you keep the pool for a short length of time, the grass underneath the pool will die.
It would be good for you to take the pool down over winter, so the grass will come back over time, especially with re-seeding. There is a chance that natural grass will look good again as the weather will be warming up over time, and you will be eager to bring the pool out again, and the endless cycle continues. Apart from this, it is hard to maintain the natural grass around the pool. Since natural lawn grass gets muddy when wet, mud slipping into the house can be a safety issue. They can be quite slippery.
Risk Factors Of Installing A Pool On Grass
One of the obstacles you will face while placing an above-ground pool is that you need to determine whether the surface is appropriate for the job and can withstand the massive weight of the pool. Remember, placing a massive weight over almost any surface for a lengthy time can cause potential damage to the ground.
Another thing is, it is also important to check the place where you place the pool. Even a gentle slope causing discrepancy can shorten the lifespan of your pool and cause the lower wall to fall. If you are planning to install an artificial grass lawn, we suggest you rely on your turf installer.
Materials To Put Under The Above Ground Pool On Grass
Deciding what to put under your pool is a hard decision for the newbies. But hey, we are here, aren’t we? Here is the list of materials you can use under your pool with the best of both worlds. So, let us begin.
Installing an above-ground pool is the best way to enjoy some pool time in your backyard. However, you would need to know how to set up an above-ground pool on the unlevel ground before you start looking for above-ground pools. It is crucial because your pool won’t last a week if your ground is not leveled to provide complete support.
Concrete pads
If you ask us which option will be the best to put under your above-ground pool, we would recommend Concrete pads. Most professional pool installers would suggest the same. It is a reliable material and also a stable base for your above-ground pool.
Advantages
- Concrete pads ensure your pool will not move around
- Best pad against nutgrass
- Good pad for the above-ground pool as it is flat and level.
Disadvantages
- As the concrete pad is hard it will damage the pool liner
- Very expensive
Commercial pads
If you have installed concrete pads for your above-ground pool, you will need to put another layer of padding over it and that is commercial pads. They are the best for this business and they offer varieties of benefits and features to your pool.
Advantages
- They are available in pre-cut sizes so you don’t have to cut them to fit in your pool.
- Made with breathable material.
- Allows the moisture to escape instead of trapping it under the pool.
Disadvantages
- Very expensive
Solid foams
Solid foam is the perfect alternative to concrete pads to use under your above-ground pool. They can be easily installed on top of the grass. Moreover, they can sit very well on top of concrete pads without sliding. They are made from polystyrene and polyurethane material.
Advantages
- Very easy to cut and shape
- Available in a variety of thicknesses and sizes
- Provides the best cushioning for above-ground pool
Disadvantages
- Very expensive
Foam Tiles
Foam tiles offer a layer of thick padding that can last as long as you please. Turns out, insects, grass, or sharp debris can’t penetrate the foam, making it a perfect under-pool protector. You won’t need to worry about any external threats ever again.
Additionally, the foam tiles interlock with each other to create the perfect bonding. Installation time is now half, plus your bottom will feel nice and smooth.
Advantages
- Very durable, can’t be penetrated by grass, insects or any sharp debris
- Creates a stable base for your pool.
Disadvantages
- Expensive
Old Carpet
Old carpets can also aid in your pool protection. Now you don’t have to wonder about what To Put Under Above Ground Pool On Grass. Carpets are breathable, have excellent protection, and the old ones are free.
However, they aren’t as soft as tiles, and you will have a hard time cutting them to shape. If you can haste, why not use an old carpet?
Advantages
- They are very economical
- High availability
- They are very breathable
Disadvantages
- It doesn’t give as much cushion
- You will need more than one layer to fit perfectly.
Ground Cloth
Ground cloths are tarps that come well-equipped with a pool. Having a fine protective outer layer, ground cloths work great against abrasions and punctures.
But, the ones that come out of the box aren’t always good for the ground. Concrete floors should be the only things you should use them on.
Advantages
- Provides added protection from twigs, rocks, and other items that can damage your pool liner.
Disadvantages
- Can not be used with other materials apart from concrete floors.
Flooring Underlayment
Flooring underlayment or padding is kinda like the floor foam, but better. It comes in rolls, so you need to cut them in shape. Padding comes in a variety of shapes, sizes, and, yes, colors.
When it comes to features, the paddings help minimize the overall cost as it is cheap and highly durable.
Advantages
- It is inexpensive
- Protects pool liner from abrasive concrete
- Very durable
Disadvantages
- Minimal cushion
Carpet padding
Carpet paddings are a thicker version of flooring underlayment. However, these paddings hardly resist any fungus, so you need to clean them regularly.
You can use it during pool parties or when the number of people exceeds the normal count. They provide one of the best protection for a pool’s underpart.
Advantages
- They are not expensive compared to other materials listed above
- They are easy to find.
Disadvantages
- You will need more than one layer to create a stable base.
Sand
The sand base is probably the cheapest of them all. You don’t have to reshape, remodel, or make any extra charges to the sand. Turns out, the sand will blend into your pool, creating a tough seal underneath.
Advantages
- Very inexpensive
- You can easily level and clean the sand, saving you a lot of money.
Disadvantages
- They are not ideal to be placed on solid foam pads or commercial pads.
Places to Install a Pool Above Ground Underlayment
Placing the pool underlayment is a tough job if you don’t have a good idea about the material. For example, carpets and ground cloths work best on concrete, pavers, and dry ground. Whereas sand, flooring underlayment on anything you through at them. But everything has its service life, and you need to place everything properly to get the best of it.
| Materials | Suitable placement |
|---|---|
| Foam tiles | Concrete, Grass, Dry soil, pavers. |
| Carpet | Concrete. |
| Ground Cloth | Concrete, Grass, Dry soil. |
| Sand | Concrete, Grass, Dry soil, pavers. |
| Foam underlayment | Any surface you like. |
| Carpet padding | Concrete, Grass, Dry soil. |
Things to Check before Selecting Underlayment for your Pool
To find the best underlayment for your pool, you need to see some features. They are breathability, puncture resistance, thickness, feel, and cost. Some may want an easy solution to install, but to get something better, putting in some effort won’t hurt.
Breathability
A breathable material will help prevent molds and fungus. Some fungi can cause nasty reactions to the skin, and you can need special treatment for those sores.
Puncture resistant
The key reason you get a pool under covering it is puncture and abrasion resistance. Your pet, insects, or even your kids can puncture your thousand-dollar pool.
So choose a thick under covering before it’s too late. You can also try out the ones that feel soft to the touch.
Pricing
Pricing is another key factor for the majority of people. Materials like carpet and paddings will cost a lot of money but are totally worth it.
You will give the best of both worlds, which is durability and super protection. No fungus, punctures, or abrasion can harm your beloved pool in any way.
However, you can use old carpets or sand in place them.
Frequently Asked Questions
What to put under paddling pools?
You can put anything under the pool, but make sure it is thick enough for the job. Additionally, make sure that the material is breathable, has the proper strength, and can function well. That’s it. Sand, carpet, padding, ground cloths, etc., are some examples you can use.
Should I put a trap under my Intex pool?
Yes. Trap provides an extra layer of protection under the pool and increases the service life of the Intex pool. You can also use floor underlayments if you don’t have a trap. Sand and old carpets are good too.
What is the best material to put under an above-ground pool?
Frankly speaking, the best material to put under an above-ground pool is floor padding or carpet padding. If price is a concern for you, try using old carpets or the ground cloth that comes along with the pool.
What do you put around the base of an above-ground pool?
Once you have the underpart covered up, no, it is time for covering the parts around the base. It’s not a must, but it adds extra protection for sure. Use a thick floor padding around the base and leave it there. Your pool base part will be a hundred percent safe from scratches or abrasions.
How to prevent grass from growing under the pool?
Nutgrass is a type of grass that will grow under your pool. Only a concrete pad will guarantee no nutgrass damage to your pool, but that is expensive. You can remove all the root mass attached to the grass while preparing the ground for installation.
Secondly, you can purchase a granular nutgrass killer. since, nutgrass can remain dormant under your pool, better to kill them using this.
Another thing you can do is purchase a liner guard and lay it down through the pool liner, but it will marginally prevent nutgrass from making it through.
Endnote
Now it’s time to say goodbye. But hey, you learned about what to put under the pool for maximum protection. A quick recap, try using floor padding as it’s the overall best. You can also use old carpets, ground cloths, or tarps. But make sure the thing is tough, durable, and Of course, breathable.
If you have any suggestions, don’t hesitate to knock us. We will post something on it too. Bye. Have a good day.