How Much Foam

by Rachell
(West Virginia)

We are installing a 30ft round pool with a j hook liner. We have very rocky dirt so we are planning on using some limestone sand to level it out a bit more and to help keep the rock from coming through. We are unsure of the next step. The pool store recommended 2 inches of masonry sand under the liner. We were debating using foam though. Does that mean we need to use 2 inches of foam? The foam boards are like $34 each for a 2x8. That would be way over our price range. Would 1 inch boards cause our liner to stretch too much since it's a j hook and can't be adjusted? We are so lost!!!!

Hi Rachell,

I would look very hard for 4' x 8' sheets, it would be cheaper that way. One inch is fine if you have a a well packed and smooth sand base under it.

As far as the thickness and liner issues, I would much rather the liner be a little tight than a little loose. It is much easier to stretch the liner with a little hot sunshine than it is to shrink a liner.