Can You Safely Place A Tarp Under A Pool?

When considering whether to use a protective barrier under your swimming pool, it’s important to choose the right materials to ensure the longevity and safety of your pool liner. Ideally, the best materials for this purpose are Armor Shield or Gorilla Pad. These specialized materials offer several benefits. First, they are designed to be breathable, allowing excess moisture to escape from beneath the pool. This is crucial because trapped moisture can lead to mold or other issues over time. Second, both Armor Shield and Gorilla Pad are exceptionally durable, effectively preventing insects and moles from burrowing through and potentially damaging the vinyl pool liner. In summary, placing a breathable and robust protective layer like Armor Shield or Gorilla Pad under your pool is a wise choice to safeguard your pool liner and maintain its quality over time. (Note: The original publication date of October 15, 2013, appears to be irrelevant to this topic and can be omitted.)

Is it possible to utilize a tarp as a ground cover for your pool? Using a tarp can indeed serve as a protective barrier against grass and other potential intrusions through the pool liner. However, it’s important to note that solely relying on a tarp may not provide a perfectly smooth pool floor. Rocks and unevenness in the ground underneath may still be noticeable. To enhance the pool’s comfort and stability, it’s advisable to apply a layer of sand as a final smoothing step before laying down the tarp. This additional layer will create a more comfortable and level surface for your pool, ensuring a better swimming experience.

When it comes to choosing the ideal foundation for your above-ground pool, there are a few key options to consider. We highly recommend installing either a concrete or gravel foundation, supplemented with a specialized pool pad. These foundations provide stability and durability to support the weight of your pool. The addition of a pool pad enhances comfort and safety for swimmers while protecting the pool liner from potential damage. This guidance is as of August 24, 2022, and remains relevant for creating a strong and lasting base for your above-ground pool.