What type of underlayment should I use for an above ground pool

poolunderlayment

I recently bought a non-inflatable, steel frame above ground pool (12 ft diameter, 3 ft depth). I want to set it up on a slab of concrete, but I have a couple of concerns about the wear on the bottom liner of my pool:

  • Joints in my concrete may stretch the liner to fill the joints (under water pressure)
  • Roughness of my concrete may scratch the liner

Are these valid concerns? If so, what type of underlayment should I use? I'm considering 1/2" thick foam insulation, but I'm not sure if that minds getting wet or not. Also, I'm not sure if I can put the legs of my pool on top of it without the legs tearing through over time.

Any suggestions?

Best Answer

Per request, I'll expand my comment into an answer:

as for the joints in the concrete, I'd use polymeric sand (typically used for locking pavers).

Then the key is to create some sort of smooth pad in between the concrete and the bottom of the pool. Some options:

  • roofing felt (tar paper).
  • Ice and Shield roofing membrane
  • rubber pond liner
  • epoxy (if it's not terribly rough, a few coats of epoxy concrete sealer might smooth it out)