Metal Framed Pool Base

Can I put my metal framed pool on a cement pad instead of putting sand under it?

Hi

A concrete pad makes an excellent base for any kind of an above ground pool. Just make sure you put down some felt pad, indoor-outdoor carpeting, or pool pad under the pool. Putting the pool on just the concrete would make the bottom pretty hard on the feet.

The level of your pad is another concern. Check to make sure it's level before going to far with the project. Not all slabs are. Anywhere within an inch or so is fine.

Be careful also of any joints in the slab. These will show through the bottom of the pool. It's best to fill them in with a hard setting caulk or concrete filler.

Metal Frame Pool On Pavers

by Phyllis Jones
(Eustace, TX)

When I bought this pool I wanted to set it and not take it down this winter, however, we set it anxiously, and did not take our time! Over the course of the summer some of the legs have sank farther than others resulting in it becoming unlevel.

So I am going to take it down and take my time over the winter to prepare a permanent spot for it.

My question is, can I use 1ft x 1ft pavers to make a level concrete area for the pool to sit on? And if so, how many would it take to make an 18 ft area? And, what would be the proper way to set all that up so it's safe for the pool?

Hi Phyllis.

I would start by making a 18' x 18' square. That should give you plenty of room to set your 15' pool on. 18 x 18 equal 324 square feet. That would mean 324 1 foot square blocks.

I would level the ground and install a 2 x 4 or possibly a 2 x 6 frame. I would then bring in some mortar sand and level it off. You can then set the blocks to be level with the tops of the blocks.

If you set the fame up level and level all the blocks with the top of the frame you will have a level pad. Once the frame is set you can easily lay a 2 x 4 over top of the frame and move it along with you as you are setting the blocks, this keeps them all level.

There is a very important reason to frame you area. You need the sand to level the blocks and you need the frame to hold the sand in place, without it the sand will wash out.

Sand Base for 16' Intex Metal Pool

by Paulette
(Chicago, IL)

We just purchased a 16' Intex metal pool. Is it recommended that we put a sand base down. If we do, my only concern is that the legs of the pool will sink in and become unlevel. Also how much sand should we put down? It's a take down pool so are we going to have to level it out every year. Thanks for the info.

Hi Paulette.

About two tons of sand should be just fine. I use blocks under each upright. The top of the blocks should be level with the top of the sand.

I start by laser leveling the dirt to within an inch. I then add a couple of inches of sand. I water and pack the sand and then I smooth it out.

Once the pool is up I set blocks under the posts. I put the level on top of each block making them perfect. After doing this I never have to worry about a pool being out of level.

Best Base For Easy Set Pool On Deck

I purchased an Intex Easy Set pool that is 12' x 36". It does not have a metal frame but rather uses a ring of air to hold the pool up.

I want to place it on our wooden deck. Is that okay assuming it can handle the weight? Do I need to put a tarp down first? Is a 12 ft tarp adequate? Is a regular weight tarp adequate or should I be paying for a heavy duty one?

What would you suggest that I use as a base underneath if I want to add some cushion to it? The foam insulation? How much would I need. I am doing this on my own and I am a 55 year old woman so..... I only paid $100 for the pool so I don't want to spend more than that really to do this if that is possible.

Thank you so much.

Hi.

There is nothing wrong with setting the pool on the deck if, like you said, it is strong enough.

If the deck is smooth, and has no spaces between boards, a standard tarp would work just fine. I would go with the next size larger than twelve foot.

For a little cheap padding try finding a carpet remnant. Anything larger than 12' square would work. If a 12' width is all you can get, tape another foot on to it, it's pretty easy to do.

Indoor/outdoor carpeting is best, but any carpet would work.

Foam is fine also, but more expensive. It would also be the best solution if you have any spaces between the decking lumber.

You have many base options, check around town and see what you can get for cheap. Give it a try, if it does not work try something else next year.

Pad for Intex Pool

by Mike
(Louisiana)

I just finished leveling the ground for the 16ft Intex above ground pool I am installing. I used a sod cutter, removed all old roots/sticks, and put about a yard of filled sand and spread it out.

I wanted to put some type of liner, more than just a tarp, under the pool. I have read where plain ole foam board taped together would work? Is there a foam liner that is sold to fit?

If I do make the liner myself, how would I cut the foam board to fit around the support post, or, do I make sure the foam stays under the liner.

On the cove base, I saw these while browsing about the foam board, is the cove base necessary? And, does it go on the outside or inside of the pool?

Thanks!!

Hi Mike.

I would use the Happy Bottom floor padding.

Anything thicker than this is going to be hard to work with. An Intex pool is different than a steel wall pool and thicker foam could cause you problems. Using a thinner pad will give you a little soft cushion for the feet but avoid the headaches of using thick foam.

As for the cove, Soft Side Pools do not need it. That is just for steel wall pools and it goes inside the wall.

Pool is Filled but not Level

by Jodie
(United Kingdom)

We have a 12' by 48" round frame pool, we set it up and filled it up after replacing the sand from last year. Last year it was 1 inch unlevel but when we measured it today it is 1 inch and 3/4th out of level, none of the poles are tilting but one side of the liner appears to be pulling in a lot more.

Almost all the way around the pool it is a gradual slope but a couple of the legs suddenly go higher on one side and on the other end they have sunk into the sand a bit. We have tried removing some dirt from underneath the high legs but the tarp we laid down makes it difficult and we couldn't get any out. Does it need to be drained out and re leveled or will it be ok for the summer? It only gets used once or twice a week, not sure if that makes a difference.

Hi Jodie

You should be just fine as long as you keep an eye on it. If it gets worse consider draining.