Gorilla Pad Questions

by Leana
(Sandwich, IL USA)

We are looking to put in a pool with a 7' deep end. The pool is 15' x 30'. We want to have a sand bottom but also use gorilla pad over the sand for added liner protection.

We have been told that Hayward was sold to another company awhile back and their quality has gone downhill. The salesman was recommending Sta-Rite. What is your recommendation on pump/filter and we are always looking to buy USA whenever possible?

We are pretty sold on something 2 speed, but don't really know what hp is best. This is hopefully going to be a Bermuda aluminum 54" pool and we haven't decided whether to bury it 2 ft yet or not, it depends on the cost.

One last thing, we are having an awful time in our area finding an installer to do a dig out for an expandable liner or any pool installer period that does installs on the side not just for a pool sales place. Do you know anyone that installs in 60548 zip code area, Sandwich, IL?

Thanks for any and all info.

Hi Leana.

My biggest problem with the Gorilla Pad is getting it to lay smooth. It is always wrinkled up and never seems to go flat. I don't like putting anything on top of the sand because you will be creating so many footprints. It is impossible to work over top of the sand without making a mess of it.

I like to smooth the sand and hop out of the pool. All my liners get installed from outside the pool. I use this method on flat bottom pools as well as deep end pools.

Expandable Liner Installation

I also prefer the Sta-Rite pumps. I like the 3/4 and 1 1/2 HP combination. The filter you put with it is up to you, I like a sand filter but they are all good.

Above Ground Pool Filters

Foam and Gorilla Pad Pool Base

by Carl Sabatini
(Woolwich NJ)

I want to use Styrofoam on bottom of my 15x30 pool. I have a gorilla pad and the cove already.

What thickness Styrofoam should I use and can I put the foam over the gorilla pad so the liner will be smoother?

Hi Carl.

One inch foam would be just fine and make an ideal base. I agree with you about using it over the Gorilla pad, it would be much easier to keep smooth.

Below are links to additional reading about using foam for a base on an above ground pool.

Pool Cove and Foam Pads

Gorilla Pad, Happy Bottom and Foam

Styrofoam For Above Ground Pool

The Best Above Ground Pool Base

Base For Above Ground Pool

Foam Pool Base

Pool Floor Pads

Pool Underlay

Pool Padding

If I use the foam or gorilla padding underneath the pool do I still need to use sand?

Hi.

It is not necessary to use sand. The ground should be as smooth as possible however. The Gorilla pad is very thin and will allow every single bump or pebble to show through to the liner so I would use something thicker. Foam is a good choice and just requires level ground, not sand.

Sand and Gorilla Pad

by Tami
(61951)

I am installing an 18ft above ground round pool.
Can I put the sand down 2 inches thick and tamp it, plus make my 8 inch cove and then add my gorilla pad on top?

Should the gorilla pad be on bottom?

Hi Tami.

Be sure to look over these pool installation pages, they could be a big help to you.

Above Ground Swimming Pool Installation

Diamond Star Pool Installation

Above Ground Pool Liner Installation

Expandable Liner Installation

The two liner installation pages show how I install all overlap liners. I smooth the sand, and jump out of the pool. The liner gets installed from outside of the pool and the pool is full of water before anyone gets in it. The weight of the water packs the sand and footprints stay to a very minimum.

If you have an overlap liner and intend to install it in this manor then I would use the pad under the sand. That way you could smooth the sand and not be on it again until the pool is full.

If you have a beaded liner, or j-hook liner you will probably be inside the pool installing the liner. In that case it does not matter as much. I find the Gorilla pads a little difficult to get smoothed out and would much rather work with sand, but that is just what I am used to.

Anytime you know you have to be inside the pool when you install the liner do a super job of packing the sand. It is so easy to get a bottom full of foot prints if you don't.

You mentioned putting down two inches of sand. I hope you placed the pool frame on firm ground with the sand just inside the pool walls. This is really important. You should never build an above ground pool on sand.