Above-ground pools are a terrific addition to the garden in hot weather. With one of the popular brands of Intex Pools, it is easy for any family to have a pool of their own rather than think it is just a luxury.
One thing that many Intex pool owners often overlook is what to place beneath their pool. Any above-ground pool needs a layer of protection, a level surface, and also, depending on what grass species you have, you need to care for your lawn.
In our guide, you can learn more about the more common things what to put under above ground pool. By the end, you’ll see a range of surfaces from an Intex Ground Cloth, Third-Party Pool Pads, Interlocking Foam Tiles, and more. After going through all these, you will know the best base for above ground pool. (Read Alternatives To Sand Under Pool)
Should I Put Something Under My Inflatable Pool?
Smaller inflatable pools or a kiddie pool may be okay without tarps if there is nothing on the grass underneath. However, large swimming pools such as Intex pools are different as they hold much more water and can easily rupture if there are any sharp objects beneath them.
Any homeowner will want to get their pool set up as quickly as possible; however, first, there are things to think about.
No matter the brand of above-ground pools you have or are interested in, be it Intex, Summer Waves, Bestway, or others, they all suffer the same potential flaw.
Their thin vinyl liner can get punctures if installed incorrectly.
Because of this, you shouldn’t put your temporary pool directly on grass, dirt, or hard surface like concrete. Instead, you need the right material beneath your pool to offer good protection and stability.
Intex Ground Cloth
If you bought an Intex inflatable pool or even Summer Waves, the specific ground cloth is almost certainly already included in the package.
It provides additional protection for the pool from rocks, twigs, or other potentially harmful materials that may puncture the pool liner.
However, despite reviews, you’ll find the ground cloth isn’t the best quality to deliver added protection on its own.
Most Intex pool owners opt to use another item for what to put under a pool bottom for ground cover.
If you are on a tight budget, then the Intex Ground Cloth can be used by itself as long as you are careful and look to get the right material later.
One mistake not to make is to think you have a suitable material for under your inflatable pool as sand.
Putting a layer of sand beneath your pool may appear to be a suitable option. However, it is a common mistake many people make.
Sand is easy to level, so it can be easy to prepare your base for your pool. However, once it rains, or you spill water, sand easily washes away and can leave your pool on a slope, or it can expose the sharp objects you were trying to hide.
Intex itself recommends that you avoid using sand under your pool at all costs and won’t be responsible for any Intex pool damage if you use sand.
Can I Put A Pool On Grass?
Installing an above-ground pool in a natural grass area is not an option, especially when the water needs to be removed during the summer.
Natural grass and above-ground swimming pools do not mix for assorted reasons, one of which is that the pool will destroy the grass.
You must first pick where to put an above-ground pool before deciding what to put underneath it. Kiddie Pools may be ok as these don’t contain as much water and can easily be moved to another area. (Find the Best Above Ground Pool)
Grass, concrete, pavers, dirt, a patio, and decks are the most popular areas.
Can You Set Up An Intex Pool On Grass?
Select the ideal location for an Intex pool installation: Select a grassy lawn space in your backyard that offers a flat, level surface and has excellent water drainage for when you need to drain your pool.
Inflatable pools may appear light compared to larger pools, but the weight of the pool isn’t what kills the grass.
Pools deprive the grass of the oxygen, sunlight, and water it requires to thrive. When an inflatable pool is kept in one location, sunlight, air, and water cannot reach the grass beneath the pool.
Emptying the pool and hanging it to dry after each use will help your lawn last longer, but if that’s too time-consuming, at least move it every 12 to 24 hours.
If you’re using bleach to clean your above-ground pool, dilute it in a gallon of room-temperature water with 1/2 cup bleach. Allow to air dry after rinsing well with clean water.
How Do I Protect My Grass Under My Pool?
Swimming pools commonly cause brown patches on lawns. An above-ground pool will block the sun and damage the grass beneath them.
It is possible to reduce the damage by putting a huge tarp underneath the pool and transferring it as needed during the season.
When deciding the material to use under the inflatable pool, there are things to consider.
Any materials used must be
- Breathable
- Durable and resistant to damage
- Easy to Use
- Cheap
If you want to keep your above-ground pool free of mildew and bacteria, you’ll need breathable material. Mildew and germs thrive in a wet and moist atmosphere.
Using a good material feels better when barefoot around your pool. Some people don’t mind but use a thicker material or two materials for a better feel. (Learn How To Keep Frogs Out Of Pool)
A carpet is a cheap option, but it isn’t ideal and won’t offer full protection. Artificial grass can help, but the pool weight will cause the blades to lay flat, and you’ll need to fix this.
Here are the better materials to use under above-ground pools.
Third-Party Pool Pads
There are several alternatives to the Intex Ground Cloth; some are nice and are more resistant and efficient, allowing them to preserve your liner better, while others are pretty poor.
Foremost, ensure that your pool is a specific size. For example, pick a 20-foot diameter pad, if your pool is 20′ in diameter.
If you think a large pad is better, using a larger pad than your pool doesn’t offer additional benefits, and can make things harder to manage and become unsightly.
Interlocking Foam Tiles
This is a popular material for use beneath inflatable pools. However, it’s vital to remember that if you don’t have any padding, you’ll be able to feel every texture of the ground, rocks, and dirt under your feet inside the pool.
“Should the pool legs be positioned on the foam tiles?” is a question many people have.
The pool legs must be set on wood blocks or concrete pavers, not on the ground. This will prevent the liner from being overworked and the legs sinking into your yard.
All you have to do now is figure out how many squares you’ll need for the bottom of the pool.
The best thing about foam tiles is they are simple to place and manage regardless of pool size. From a kids’ pool to an
Intex pool for adults, installing is the same, and it just needs more tiles.
If you have an above-ground pool and want the best material to put under your inflatable pool, then Interlocking Foam Tiles are your best bet.
Carpet Padding
Carpet padding is a flexible foam sheet you get on rolls from the hardware store. It also makes an ideal flooring underlayment. You have most likely seen it when laid beneath laminate flooring and a subfloor or a carpet.
It is a cheap option, although it has things going against it. It offers minimal protection, and you will need multiple layers for protection against rocks on the ground under your feet.
Fix Your Grass
When you have an above-ground pool set up in your yard, they smother the grass underneath from necessary sunlight, water, and air.
The grass will perish if a pool is left in one location for an extended period. Keeping your inflatable pool from harming the grass can be as simple as moving it daily or putting a barrier underneath it.
Move Pool Daily to Save Grass
The most straightforward approach to protect your grass from your inflatable pool is to drain it, store it, then move it the next day. So the same grass area doesn’t suffocate by the sun for too long.
The best technique to keep your lawn healthy is to move the pool every 12 to 24 hours. The grass will suffer if the inflatable pool is left in place for longer than one or two days.
Grass, as with other plants, need some things to survive:
- Sunlight
- Water
- Air
An inflatable pool smothering your lawn prevents it from receiving any of its three basic needs. To defend itself, the grass will go dormant. Grass can go dormant in as little as 24 hours after being covered, so moving your pool quickly is essential.
Taking down and moving the pool daily may be simple for little inflatable pools, but it can be a hassle for medium and large inflatable pools.
Moving a large inflatable pool every day is probably out of the question. However, larger inflatable pools have more alternatives for safeguarding the grass.
You won’t want to deflate and move a medium or big inflatable pool every 12 to 24 hours. Even larger pools should not be left in the same area for more than a week or two.
Repair Inflatable Pool Damaged Grass
If you can’t move your pool every 12-24 hours and can’t put one item suggested above underneath it, you’ll have damaged grass by the season’s end.
The grassy area must be repaired to avoid leaving a big, dead, brown spot where your pool sat.
Repair Dormant Grass
The good news is, most lawns will remain dormant for three to four weeks without harm. Following these techniques can revive grass that has been covered for two weeks or less:
Water the grass immediately and a few inches deep because it has been depleted of both water and oxygen. (Learn How To Vacuum Above Ground Pool)
Because dormant grass grows slowly, many people believe it does not need to be mowed. However, mowing the grass will help it grow back.
Leave grass clippings on the lawn to naturally fertilize the regrowth. Using store-bought fertilizer will not wake up the lawn, and the blades will return faster than the roots.
After watering, weeding, mowing, and fertilizing, decrease foot traffic to protect the grass and allow it to repair.
If you don’t have time to restore the dormant grass correctly, watering it will keep it alive until you repair it properly. Watering is still the most crucial phase.
Repair Dead Grass
Don’t worry if you remove your inflatable pool and find your grass is dead.
Fixing dead grass is remarkably similar to repairing dormant grass, with one exception: introducing new seeds. So yes, you must reseed the area because the grass is dead and will not regrow.
Here are the steps:
- Water
- Pull weeds
- Mow your grass
- Fertilize with organic matter, lawn food, or turf builder
- Reduce foot traffic
- Overseed
Because dormant grass does not require store-bought fertilizer or seeds, the steps for repairing dead grass are different. You will need compost, organic matter, lawn food, or turf builder to regrow dead grass.
