It doesn't really matter how much time and effort you put into perfecting the ground underneath your pool. With mother nature ever at work, that weed-free soil that's pounded to perfection will grow grass and thistles over time. And as you wade and step over the pool liner, more dirt is disrupted, revealing rocks and rubble buried just under the surface.
Because all of these intrusive elements can make for an uncomfortable foot feel and may even risk damaging your pool liner, it's important that you look into buying a pool pad. The best above ground pool pads work to provide a cushy step and prevent a variety of elements from puncturing pool liners.
Why You Need an Above Ground Pool Pad
An above ground pool pad is one of those things you think you probably won't need until you actually need it. So it's important to know what these babies can do before you dismiss the idea and decide to set-up your pool without one.
Here's why you might want to invest in the best above ground floor pad for your set-up if you want to keep your pool in top condition for the years to come.
Pool Protection
If you're familiar with the process of setting up an above ground pool, you'll know that it involves a lot of weed removal and earth flattening. Once you've decided the best place to set your above ground pool, you're going to have to get rid of any vegetation on the surface of the ground - including the finest grass and weeds. Rocks also have to get tossed out to guarantee that you're setting up on nice, flat earth.
Once that's done, you can throw your above ground pool vinyl liner over the pool walls to create the basin for water to stay in. But because a liner can lose integrity with wear and tear, and because that earth underneath won't always stay weed-free, you risk puncturing the liner and damaging your pool.
There's also the fact that constant walking over the above ground pool liner could disrupt the floor underneath and cause buried rocks to come to the surface. The best above ground pool floor pad adds an extra layer of protection to prevent puncture damage to your liner. This doesn't only extend the lifespan of your above ground pool, but also helps to maintain your warranty.
Cushy Comfort
Ever tried walking across a flat above ground pool liner? Not exactly the most comfortable feel. Liners are made from a thick vinyl like material that can be uncomfortable with nothing but plain earth or concrete underneath.
In fact, stepping on a rock through an above ground pool liner doesn't always guarantee that you'll rip a hole through the material. But it's almost certain that you might hurt your foot. And that's one of the main reasons why pool owners choose to buy pool pads. They add a layer of cushy comfort underneath the above ground swimming pool surface, allowing a more comfortable step.
In some cases, manufacturers even go as far as making their pool pads out of padded material to completely blot out the feel of the ground underneath and add a slight bounce to every step you take on the surface.
Growth Suppression
Even in the driest conditions deprived completely of sunlight and water, little weeds and grass can grow. That's why you might find yourself feeling some growth underneath pool liners after a few months of installing your above ground swimming pool. To keep that growth at bay, some pool owners get a sand base added before the liner to suppress the proliferation of weeds and roots.
But that's also something a pool pad can do. The thick material rests on the earth to make it harder for intrusive elements to grow. So while protection is an important part of the pool pad agenda, it also works to prevent the problem in the first place.
How to Choose the Best Pool Pad
Yes, you guessed it. Just like every other above ground swimming pool accessory on the market, pool pads are available in a wide array of choices. And that's one of the reasons why pool owners have such a tough time choosing the right one. Which one would be the best fit for your needs and standards? Take time to consider these factors.
Size and Shape
Above ground swimming pool pads are pre-cut to specific sizes, making it easier for buyers to figure out which one to get for their above ground pools. As a rule however, it's important that you choose a liner that's either the exact size as your pool or slightly larger. Never buy a pad that's smaller since this can leave exposed ground around the edges where weeds and grass might grow.
As to shape, most above ground swimming pool pads are round to match the traditional round above ground pool design. But although most choices are plain round, there are some manufacturers that sell rectangular and oval shaped pads to match the many different pool designs out there. In case your pool has a distinct shape that's different from the usual, pool pads can be cut to the appropriate shape.
Floor Quality
What kind of floor does your above ground swimming pool sit on? Some pool owners choose to install over dirt, while others set up their above ground pools on concrete floor. With that, it's important to note that some manufacturers design their pool pads to work on specific types of pool floor.
Again, the specifics are different from pad to pad which is why it's important that you read through the product descriptions to find out whether it would be a fit for your space. Some above ground swimming pool pads are specifically designed for concrete, while others require a sand base.
Ease of Installation
If you're in the middle of the above ground pool liner replacement process and you want to get it done DIY-style, then it's important that you choose a pool pad that's designed for easy installation. For the most part, all of the options you'll find are pre-cut to size. This provides you a single sheet that doesn't require any scissors or adhesive to properly install. The challenge with these pre-cut sheets however is that they can be tricky to get to lay down perfectly flat since they behave like a large fabric.
There are other choices however like interlocking tiles that can be easy to install if you consider the fact that they're lightweight. What's nice about these tiles is that you can keep adding pieces to match your pool's shape and size. They also add an obvious layer of cushioning which geotextile sheets might not be able to provide.
The downside however is that you might have to cut the edges to perfectly fit your above ground swimming pool's footprint, and that you might need to secure the pieces together once you're done laying them out. A foam pool pad is also more prone to mold and mildew, so you might want to consider layering a pool pad sheet over the tiles before you throw on your pool liner.
Thickness and Cushioning
Here's another important consideration that will directly affect your experience with your chosen pool pad. Needless to say, pool pad designs come in a range of thickness ratings to cater to varying tastes. Some are also pad styles that are made from thick, foam material that provides a more comfortable foot feel and better protection against sharp objects.
Obviously, thicker a pool pad is less likely to sustain damage after extended months or even years of use. But if you've got a sand base underneath your above ground pool and you like how it feels underfoot, then you might benefit from a slightly thinner pool pad material.
Durability and Puncture Resistance
Since it's going to stay in contact with the ground underneath for months or years, a pool pad needs to be durable. Pebbles, rocks, and a rough concrete surface can easily cause friction, wear, and tear over time. That's why any old fabric or tarp might not d the job of a floor pad.
To make their pads more resistant to puncture damage, manufacturers employ a wide range of materials. Some use a geotextile material that feels like felt. This choice is almost completely impervious to tears, making it especially effective against puncturing and other forms of damage. Then there are other manufacturers that use more of a padded foam material for both durability and feel.
Moisture Resistance and Climate Considerations
Surprisingly, not all pool pads are designed to be moisture resistant. And while you might be thinking that shouldn't be a problem since a pad isn't going to be in contact with water anyway, that should actually be one of your biggest concerns. As temperatures change in and around your above ground swimming pool, condensation may occur along the underside of your pool liner, causing water to pool underneath. And let's not forget about rain.
If your pool pad isn't moisture resistant, you run the risk of that small amount of water pooling for an extended period of time. This can cause one of two problems, the first being mold and mildew growth, and the second being rust development along the pool framework.
If you live in an area where rainy season can get harsh, then you might want to steer clear of porous fabric pool pad material since they can absorb water and stay wet for a longer period of time. That said, you might want to consider a pool pad that's more 'breathable' if you anticipate that rain and condensation might be a problem.
A permeable pool pad allows water to evaporate more quickly, preventing it from pooling on the pad's surface underneath the pool floor and causing mold and mildew or from absorbing into the material and sticking around for too long.
Temperature Regulation
If you have a heater installed, then you probably already know that temperature maintenance requires some real guesswork. That's mostly because of heat loss that happens when the cold from the ground underneath saps the heat of your water.
For pool owners who want to be able to maintain above ground swimming pool warmth without having to run their heater so often (or for pool owners who want to maintain heat without a heater installed), then a pool pad might be of some assistance. Some manufacturers design their pad in such a way that they prevent convective heat loss, allowing water to retain heat more effectively.
Steps and Tips for Installing a Pool Pad
Installing the pool pad is about as easy as it looks. Once you have your pool walls set-up, all you need to do is unfurl the pool pad and see to it that it lays flat across the bottom. When that's done, you can toss over your pool liner over the pad and push through with the rest of the above ground swimming pool installation process. But if you want to make sure your pool pad is properly laid out, there are a few techniques you can try:
Add Pool Coves
A pool cove is designed to create a slope between the ground and your pool walls. This doesn't only protect your pool liner but also ensures that the pad doesn't move out of place. Pool coves can be purchased separately, and sit on top of your pool pad for added durability and resilience.
We recommend the Peel and Stick Above Ground Pool Cove from Blue Wave.
Spray With Water
You'll notice that no amount of pulling and tugging the edges of your above ground pool pad will stretch it out perfectly against your pool floor. That's why some manufacturers recommend spraying their pool pad with water to get it to lay out as flat as possible.
Once your pad is laid out, take a hose and spray it down from the inside going out. This should iron out any kinks on the surface of the pad. Leave it to dry before you place the liner to guarantee that there isn't any excess water trapped underneath.
Double Up
If you really want that soft, cushy underfoot feel, then you can double up the pool pad layers. This should thicken the material and prevent rocks and roots from pushing through the liner. You can also try using two pool pads with different materials so you can improve both protection and feel.
Some pool owners use interlocking foam pad tiles underneath their geotextile pool pad to get the best of both worlds. Just make sure you secure the two materials together to make sure the pad doesn't move around as you step on the surface of your pool liner.
The 6 Best Above Ground Pool Pads
1. Liner Life Pre-Cut Swimming Pool Liner Pad
The Liner Life Pool Liner Pad is often considered the best above ground pool bottom pad and is made from premium polyester geotextile material that feels like a thick felt fabric. The ultra-durable choice touts excellent resilience against all sorts of damage and prevents rocks and other sharp objects from puncturing the pool liner material. The thick, heavy pad sits flat against the ground and stunts the growth of weeds, roots, and other intrusive elements to keep your above ground pool substantially protected against potential damages.
Coming in a wide range of pool sizes, the Liner Life pool pad doesn't require scissors, tape, or other adhesives for proper set up. This makes it incredibly easy to install, letting even the average pool owner get the job done without the need for a professional. Just toss the liner over your sand base, and you're ready to finish up with your liner.
2. GLI Round Armor Shield Floor Pad
Another candidate for the best above ground pool liner pad, the GLI Round Armor Shield Floor Liner Pad is made from a similar polyester geotextile material blend as the Liner Life Pool Pad. It touts excellent resistance against puncture damage that keeps rocks and other sharp objects from damaging your vinyl liner. But aside from that, this pool pad also comes with efficient convective heat loss protection that prevents water from cooling down so you can give your water heater a break more often.
Pre-cut to the perfect size for your above ground pool, the GLI Round Armor Shield Floor Pad is especially easy to install, laying almost perfectly flat compared to other pads. Its black color also helps prevent light from penetrating into the ground beneath, making it harder for things like weeds, grass, and roots to thrive so you can enjoy a smoother step for many months to come.
3. Elephant Guard Armor Shield Padding
Another pre-cut pool pad, the Elephant Guard Armor Shield Padding is a rugged pool pad that uses geotextile for lasting performance. The sheet requires a sand base for proper installation, which also helps to improve the feel of your pool liner underfoot. Its heavy material presses down on the ground underneath your pool, ensuring that weeds, roots, and other elements are kept from growing into your vinyl liner.
But what really gives the Elephant Guard Armor Shield an edge over other choices is the fact that it comes with a warranty. And not just any warranty at that. This pad touts a 15-year replacement warranty that makes a strong statement regarding the manufacturer's confidence in their product's durability. So if you were looking for something that felt a little more like an investment, this pool pad might be it.
4. Blue Wave Gorilla Floor Padding
While most above ground pool pads come in the quintessential round shape, the Blue Wave brand makes their line of pads a little more extensive by adding oval and rectangular shapes to their selection. The durable material uses geotextile and is said to be almost impervious to rocks, pebbles, roots, and other sharp objects. Its one-piece construction is easy to install and requires no adhesives, measuring, or cutting.
Effectively preventing underfoot growth, the Gorilla Floor Padding also helps eliminate the risk of footprints forming in your sand base. This helps guarantee a smooth ground surface for a longer period of time, reducing the presence of divots and dips at the base of your pool.
5. Stalwart Foam Mat Floor Tiles
While they're not advertised for above ground pools per se, the Stalwar Foam Mat Floor Tiles have received a bunch of positive reviews for that exact purpose. These thick tiles feature a shock-absorbing feel and a layer of cushioning that's ideal if you've got a bunch of rowdy pool guests. The interlocking design means you can put padding on a pool of virtually any size, although some cutting and measuring might be required.
Lightweight and water resistant, these tiles can be easy to install especially since you don't need to try so hard to get them to lay flat on the ground before you throw on your pool liner. Once your above ground pool vinyl liner is in place, these Stalward Foam Mat Floor TIles also offer an extra cushy step that most geotextile material pads aren't able to provide.
6. BalanceFrom EVA Foam Interlocking Tiles
Designed for gyms and outdoor use, these heavy duty tiles have found an interesting place in the above ground pool niche as a viable pool pad to protect pool liners. The ultra-thick material uses moisture resistant EVA foam, perfect for use in harsh conditions like those found around an outdoor pool. Considered one of the best choices for pool owners who want to combine liner protection and comfort, these above ground pool pads work wonders to provide a cushy feel.
The tile itself comes in a range of thickness ratings to match your specific needs. With options as much as an inch thick, this pool pad provides excellent protection for your liner against rocks and other sharp objects that could come out over time. Do keep in mind though that since they are extra thick, they can also be tough to cut into the proper shape. But once that's done, you got yourself a pool pad that just might last a lifetime.
Frequently Asked Questions:
1. What is the best material to put under an above ground pool?
That really depends on what you're looking for. If you like a cushy feel, then foam might be a better choice. But if you like the feel of your sand base and you want the added benefit of heat loss protection, then geotextile might be the way to go.
2. Are pool liner pads worth it?
Absolutely! Not only do they protect your pool liner, they also improve the overall swimming experience. In certain seasons, a pool pad might also enhance your pool's resistance to weather-related damage. It's really a small price to pay when you consider all the benefits they provide.
3. What do I put under my Intex pool?
Most people put EVA foam tiles under their Intex pool. Then there are others who use pool pads and tarps. Intex sells a range of sheets and pads that they designed specifically to be placed under their line of above ground pools.
An Added Layer of Protection
The best way to keep your above ground pool in proper order would be to invest in all the necessities instead of shelling out on decorative accessories that don't really play a vital part. Sure, you won't really see a pool pad once you have your liner in place. But even then, a pad is an important investment that protects your pool in more ways than one.
The best above ground pool pads should improve underfoot feel, prevent grass, root, and weed growth, and protect your liner from various forms of damage. And while there are a ton of pad choices out there, you can be sure to find the best one for your pool by knowing all the details.
