Foam Coves

by Scott Peters
(Emmaus PA USA)

I'm replacing a liner on a 15x30 AGP. I'm using foam coves that clip into the bottom rail. I installed the coves in the afternoon sun on a 90 degree day.

That night I notice there were gaps about 1/16 or so between some of the coves. Should I tape the joints? I'll be putting sand about halfway on the coves and installing an Armour shield and taping the Armour shield to the cove.

Thanks, Scott Peters

Hi Scott.

I always tape the joints of foam cove. That takes care of any small gaps that will occur.

Clip on Foam Cove - When to Install

by Randy
(Freeport IL)

We are putting up a used 21" foot round pool. We are digging a deep center and plan on using an expandable liner.

I have the Clip on Foam Cove. It appears this product needs to clip into the bottom rail. If I clip into the bottom rail then the bottom of the cove will rest on the dirt. I plan on putting a 2" base of mason sand.

My question is do we clip on the cove and then put sand up to the cove ( covering 2" of the cove )? Or should we get the peel & stick type of cove and place that on top of the sand base?

Thanks in advance for your answer.

Hi Randy.

I install the preformed pool cove as soon as the wall is up and secure, and before I spread the sand.

The sand does go about half way the cove and that's fine.

I would not use the sticky back cove on top of the sand. That could easily cause you problems down the road if the sand shifts. Plus you would be losing the big advantage of using the cove, that of preventing sand wash out.

Sand or Earth For Pool Cove

by Shirley
(Milo, MO)

I do not want to go to the expense of buying preformed cove. Is it best to make this from sand or soil?

What in your opinion is the best bottom. Sand only, sand with styrofoam? If so what thickness should be used? I have heard to many complaints about the gorilla bottom.

Hi Shirley.

I use a small amount of dirt over the bottom rails and then cover that with a thick layer of sand to make the cove. Sand only is the way I build most of my pools, unless a customer requests a foam bottom. Styrofoam over a very thin layer of sand, or without sand if the ground is smooth, makes a nice bottom for the liner to sit on but it's time consuming and expensive. The correct use of sand will produce a nice pool bottom also.

Above Ground Swimming Pool Coving

by Jason
(Moberly, Mo.)

I have a 24 ft 52 inch above ground swimming pool. This is the first time I've put up a pool. I bought some 4 inch foam coving with the pool. The instructions for the pool said to build up a 6 - 8 inch cove around the base of the pool.

Do I need to put some sand on top of the foam coving to make it 6 inches or will the 4 inch foam be enough. My bottom seam of my liner won't quite reach my coving. What should I do?

Hi Jason.

You could do it either way, there is nothing wrong with putting sand over the foam but I usually don't. I just put down my normal two inches of sand and let it go about half way up the cove.

There is no exact perfect size for a pool cove and the preformed stuff is just fine as it is. There is also no exact placement for the liner seam, it falls where it falls and makes no difference. The only thing important about the bottom seam of a liner is that it is uniform all the way around. If it is six inches above the cove on one side and no where near touching on the other you may have problems.

A correctly installed liner will be smooth on the bottom, be wrinkle free, and have a uniform bottom seam falling somewhere near the cove area.

Above Ground Pool Liner Installation