Pool Sand Questions

by Mac
(Binghamton NY)

Intex Pool Base

I have one of those Intex pools. Can I put that on patio paver stone with out sand?

Hi Mac.

I don't see a problem with that. Make sure your patio pavers are level and as flat as possible. Setting the blocks on a thin base of sand makes leveling them fairly easy. You should also have the blocks contained in a 2 x 6 wood framework. If you set this frame level, and set the blocks at the same height as the frame, it should turn out pretty good.

I would add a layer of something over the blocks before setting the pool. Indoor, outdoor carpet is perfect. Carpet felt works good also. At the very least I would cover the blocks with a layer or two of plastic before setting the pool up.

How Much Sand For Pool

by David Saulnier
(Ottawa, Ontario, Canada)

How deep should the sand be in the center of the pool area. My whole backyard is presently sand, but well compacted, and I imagine I'll haul in some fresh stuff once everything is leveled, but I'd like to know how much to budget for ($ and muscle).

Hi David.

I'd move in enough sand for a two inch base and a six inch cove. For a 24' pool that amounts to about five tons of sand. I move all of the sand to the center of the pool area after the bottom rails are level. I then put the wall up and assemble the uprights and top rails. Then I spread the sand.

How Much Sand?

How many tons of sand do I need for a pool that is 24' X 4' above ground?

Hi.

That question is discussed on this page.

Sand for an Above Ground Pool

A 24' pool needs about 3 yards or 5 tons.

As you move along with your installation these pages might be helpful also.

Above Ground Pool Liner Installation

Above Ground Swimming Pool Installation

What Type of Sand for Pool

by April
(Shreveport, LA)

We recently purchased an above ground pool, 30' round . Can river sand be used as my base? It tells you in instructions use brick sand.

I am asking due to where I work I am able to get river sand for free. I priced brick sand and its 44 dollars a yard. I am looking at my options on saving money but also want to do it right so we don't have no future problems down the road such as cave in.

If I can save money that would be great but I will buy brick if that is better, but heck, if I can save a couple hundred dollars that would be great too. Any suggestions would be great.

Hi April.

The nice thing about brick sand, or mortar sand as we call it, is that it is clean, washed and free of any rocks or stones. Sand from a sand lot is so much nicer to use. It should be delivered damp which makes it much easier to work with than dry sand. A good quality sand is easier to move, smooth out and broom to a perfectly flat base.

River sand is usually part sand, part dirt with rocks and stones thrown in. It can be screened to clean out any rocks. It can also be watered to clean it. If the sand contains a large quantity of dirt it could easily turn to mud during the washing process, making it impossible to work with.

My suggestion would be to take a close look at booth types of sand, keeping in mind my comments, and see which you think would be easiest to work with and provide the best base for your liner.

Pool Sand

I asked for mason sand at the local quarry, and after putting it down it looks more like beach sand? They gave me regular sand!

Will this damage my liner? Should I put something down before my liner?

Hi.

If the sand is too fine or too course it could damage the liner. Sand that is too fine, like silica sand, will put little pin holes in the liner. The sand acts like little needles when the weight of the water is on the liner.

Sand that is too course will act like putting the liner on a bed of rocks. It will not take the vacuum or cleaner long to wear holes threw the tops of the bumps. If you are not sure, it is best to cover the sand with plastic or pool cushion.

All-purpose Sand

by James
(TN)

What kind of sand do I use for an above ground pool? I was researching it and they sell “all purpose“ sand from Lowe’s. Would this be OK for underneath the pool liner?

Hi James

I use a washed mortar sand from a sand and gravel company. I have never seen anything in bags that would work. Our Home Depot stores carry large canvas bags of mortar sand. They are large and have to be loaded in a truck with a fork lift. Having the sand delivered is usually the best option.