Above-Ground Pool, Pea gravel is made up of crushed rock and stone, which can be used as a base for an above ground pool. However, this type of material can be rough and uncomfortable for bare feet if you put your pool directly above it. You might want to consider using play sand as your pool’s base instead of gravel if you plan on having children in the pool often.
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Can You Put An Above Ground Pool on Gravel?
A lot of people ask if they can put an above ground pool on gravel instead of concrete. The answer is yes, you can! But is this a good idea?
The main reason that most people ask about this is that it’s relatively cheaper to do it this way. It’s also easier to install and remove the pool if necessary.
But there are some drawbacks that you should know about before making your decision:
- Gravel may be abrasive against the pool walls
- It’s not as sturdy as other options
- The pokey pebbles could potentially wear through the liner
- The ground will shift over time and cause cracks in your pool wall and floor
- It may change the shape of your pool over time, affecting its stability
You can put your new above ground pool on gravel, but there are some things you need to know before doing so. The first thing that you need to consider is the type of gravel that you will use for your pool.
You’ll also need to make sure that the gravel is level. If it’s not level, it won’t work well and will also be unsightly. You should also make sure that you have enough area around the pool so that you can get in and out of the water safely. This means that if your yard isn’t level, then you’ll need to put in some extra effort to correct it first.
Next, make sure that there are no large rocks or other items around that could crack the bottom of your pool. You don’t want any sudden surprises like this because they can cost hundreds if not thousands of dollars in repairs.
Above-Ground Pool building
Above-Ground Pool building on gravel, keep in mind that this can be hard on liners over time due to the shifting and settling of the ground beneath them. For this reason, gravel alone may not be enough for an above ground pool.
You might want to consider using rubber matting, pool foam padding, or gorilla pads underneath the liner instead of just gravel so that there’s less wear and tear over time on your new investment! You can also build a wooden deck over the pea gravel to avoid sharp objects like rocks or roots puncturing the liner.
Check with your installer about how far down into the ground you should go with your gravel base. In some cases, if you go too shallow with the gravel, you could cause problems for your pool later on when it comes time to seal around the liner edge.
What Can You Use Instead of Gravel For Above Level Ground Pool?
If you decide against putting your new above ground swimming pool on gravel because of the abovementioned issues, then other options are available for you.
The material you choose will determine how long your pool lasts and how easy it is to maintain.
There are a few alternatives to using gravel. Here are some of our favorites:
Sand
Sand is one of the most popular options for pool bottoms. It’s easy to install, comfortable underfoot, and it’s relatively inexpensive. You can install sand by yourself, but if you have a large pool, you may want to hire a professional.
A Pool Deck
If your yard has rocky soil or other problems with drainage, then building a deck under the pool may be a better option than trying to cover it with sand or gravel. This also adds stability so that during heavy rainstorms, there won’t be as much risk of flooding around the sides of the pool itself.
Pavers
Pavers are a great option for the area around the pool because they’re durable, easy to install and come in a variety of colors and styles. They can also be used as a transition between your decking and grass, which makes them versatile.
Concrete Patio
Concrete is probably your best bet because it’s usually perfectly level, smooth, and will not be damaged by animals or bugs. Also, grass won’t grow over it and damage it over time.
If you want something more permanent than the other options, consider installing a concrete patio with an above ground pool deck in your yard. This can be done by pouring concrete over the top of the pool area or by pouring it into a concrete pool deck mold instead of around the edge of the pool itself. This will create an attractive patio area around your above-ground pool that will last for years!
Rubber Mulch
Rubber mulch is a great option for above ground pool decks. It’s soft on your feet, can be cut to fit any size area, and is easy to install and maintain. The surface of rubber mulch has a non-skid texture, which makes it more comfortable on bare feet than other types of materials. If you have kids or pets, this will help keep them safe around the pool area.
Choosing the right material to put under your above-ground pool is important for a number of reasons:
- To keep your feet comfortable
- To prevent erosion or shifting of the ground under your pool
- To prevent puncture
- To reduce the impact of heavy rains and storms
- To help control the growth of algae and bacteria on the bottom of your pool
- To provide a stable foundation for your pool deck
- To prevent water from leaking and causing damage to your backyard
- For appearance and aesthetics
Final Thoughts
For the above ground pool owner wondering if they can put their pool on gravel, the answer is yes, but we don’t recommend it for the reasons we’ve outlined above.
When done correctly, putting an above ground pool on gravel is possible. However, it takes a lot of extra work and planning on your part to do it right. There are much safer and cost-effective alternative materials you can use under your above-ground pool.
