7 Best Above-Ground Pool Pads (very Durable)

You should never place an above ground pool on the bare lawn. Otherwise, after some time the lawn will rot and your garden can then smell quite unpleasant. You should put a pool ground sheet underneath if you want to avoid this. The pool carpet pad protects the bottom of the pool from dirt and sharp objects.

The pool floor mat also provides protection from smaller roots and rocks that can cause cracks or holes. In addition, most pool floor tarps allow you to stand without slipping. Thus, provided that you climb out of the pool, no wet grass will surprise you.

In addition, some pool underlays act as heat insulators. Therefore, you are always on the safe side with a pool ground sheet. For this reason, this product should also be one of your pool basics.

In this article, you will get a lot of information about pool carpet pads. Before that, we will present you our top recommended pool ground covers.

The Best Above-Ground Pool Pads

Buying criteria for pool carpet pad

For pool ground sheets, there are some aspects you should consider. We present these pool carpet pad buying criteria below.

• Size: in any case, the size of the pool carpet pad should be adjusted to the size of the pool. The product can effectively protect the pool from the ground and the ground from the pool only under these circumstances.
• Shape: Pool ground tarps are not only available in various sizes, but likewise in numerous different shapes from which you can choose a suitable model. Accordingly, you can adapt the pool carpet pad to your pool not only in size, but also in shape.
  In the wide range of various manufacturers are represented round, oval, angular or elongated models, so you can certainly find the right dimensions and shape for your pool.
• Texture and material: before you decide on a particular variant, you should take a closer look at the texture of the pool bottom cover. Some manufacturers offer, in addition to the three common materials PE tarpaulin, foam and styrodur, as well as special tiles that you glue to the substrate.
  However, these are significantly more expensive compared to the previous three models. In addition, these tiles are not only more complex to install, but when removed, adhesive residue remains on the substrate.
• Brands: Some pool underlays come from well-known manufacturers and are precisely matched to individual types of pools from the suppliers. Other models can be used universally. You can find useful information about this in the product description.
• Price: There is no blanket answer regarding the price of a pool ground sheet. After all, you can buy pool pads in different price ranges. How expensive a pool carpet pad is in the end depends on its size and on the material composition. Therefore, in low price ranges of about 10 euros you can buy such a product, but equally you can choose more expensive and higher quality models with a much higher price.

The different types of pool carpet pad

There are different variants of a pool bottom sheet. You can view them below.

Styrodur

In the field of pool underlayments, the material Styrodur is a very popular material. Therefore, this can be found in the assortment of the various manufacturers for the most part.

Styrodur is filled with air during processing into a high-quality pool bottom cover. In this way, it is given an even and very good surface. Accordingly, variants made of Styrodur are also particularly suitable for lawns that are not always completely even.

Small irregularities are satisfactorily compensated for by the even nature of the Styrodur pool carpet pad. Thus, the pool stands straight and level on the pool bottom sheet.

In addition to the even nature, Styrodur also brings other advantages from which you can benefit. Since the material is very robust and stable and also filled with air, the material still offers these properties: Styrodur is also insensitive to water and pressure stable.

Therefore, when the bathing fun is over, you can simply shake off or wipe off the pool pad. There is no need to worry about water damaging the product in the long run.

If you are interested in high-quality insulation when using your pool and want a comfortable water temperature without giving off heat to the cold ground, the material Styrodur is very suitable. After all, Styrodur has high-quality insulating properties, so your pool water will stay warm and will not lose any of this heat.

However, many choose not to use Styrodur as a material. This is because the production of this material is associated with higher costs. Consequently, buying Styrodur also comes with a higher cost.

Polyethylene (PE)

Pool bottom tarpaulins made of PE tarpaulin (polyethylene) are much cheaper compared to pool pads made of Styrodur. PE tarpaulin material has some advantages and it is very popular among consumers when it comes to buying it.

PE tarpaulin material also offers very water-repellent properties, but it completely adapts to the surface with a flexible and thin texture. Therefore, before setting up the pad and the pool, you need to make sure that the ground is level.

Pool bottom tarps made of polyethylene are easy to handle and lightweight. In addition, this material is UV-resistant and can withstand temperatures between +80 and -80° C. As a result, you can winter the pool in your garden without hesitation. A heat wave with higher outdoor temperatures will then also not be a problem.

In addition, pool pads made of polyethylene are very durable and do not mold. In addition, some variants have an antibacterial coating. Polyethylene underlays are easy to recycle and have no plasticizers.

Foam

Foam is also very popular as a material for a pool bottom cover. An important reason for this is its non-slip nature. Models for this are often expandable sheets that you can put together like a puzzle and expand as you wish.

What are the advantages of a pool carpet pad?

A pop-up pool needs a pool cover from above to protect the bathing water from contamination by insects and leaves. From below, an above ground pool also needs a pool carpet pad.

The pool bottom cover protects the sensitive pool liner from the ground. As a result, bacteria and mold will find less surface to attack and your pool will remain hygienically clean for several years.

The pool carpet pad also helps to save energy. The pool water, which is heated by a photovoltaic system or by solar radiation, stays warm longer thanks to the insulating effect of the pool bottom sheet. Thus, the evaporation cold coming from the ground can not rise so easily.

However, one point is particularly important. Without a pool carpet pad, if the liner is damaged, you will lose the warranty claim from the manufacturer – even if the damage was merely accidental.

• Non-slip surface around the pool
• Compensation of uneven floors/grounds
• Protection of the ground/subsoil
• Protection of the pool from roots, stones and other sharp objects
• Protection of the pool from mold, bacteria, and debris
• Quick installation
• Easy cleaning
• Available in many different sizes
• Suitable for winter storage without any problems
• Prevents roots from growing right next to or under the pool
• Important for maintaining the pool warranty
• Less dirt and grass gets into the water
• Provides safety

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about pool pads answered

Why does the pool need a ground sheet?

It is definitely worth buying a pool carpet pad. These tarps and mats made of durable plastics have several advantages at once:

The pool bottom is protected from damage by roots, stones and other sharp objects with a pool carpet pad.

The underside of the pool remains clean. As a result, you will have less work with cleaning during dismantling.

You increase the comfort of walking in the pool thanks to the cushioning carpet pad.

Filters and ladders also stand firmly and cleanly on a pool carpet pad.

Note: Pool bottom liners are often not included in the scope of delivery. Before buying, you should therefore look at the article description of the pool and, if necessary, order a pool bottom cover separately.

Thereby a pool bottom sheet is always worthwhile, because even small holes and cracks on the pool bottom cause constant water loss. If these cracks and holes become larger over time, the pleasure of swimming may soon be over.

How is the installation of the pool carpet pad done?

You can only benefit from the advantages of a pool ground sheet if you perform a proper installation. If you pay attention to some aspects during the purchase, it will have a positive effect on the installation and use. It is also of great importance to perform each step properly and thoroughly.

• First, prepare the ground under the pool base. Remove and level stones, roots and other irregularities. If you wish, you can concrete a base plate.
• Now lay out the pool bottom sheet. On the prepared base, lay out the pool carpet pad according to the manufacturer’s instructions and then fasten it.
• After that, place the pool on the tarp and lay out the inner liner.
• Then let in small amounts of water and smooth the liner.
• After that, fill the pool completely and test the water quality.

You should think about cleaning in addition to installation because the pool liner should be larger than the pool. You can easily clean it with a vacuum cleaner because of the nature of the material. You can just as easily wipe and sweep the pool ground sheet after installation.

How to clean the pool carpet pad?

In order to be able to use the pool carpet pad for several seasons, you should clean it thoroughly at the end of the pool season with household cleaning agents. The ideal way to do this is to dismantle the pool.

You should also check not only the pool, but also the pool bottom cover for holes and other damages. In this way you will ensure its protective function next year as well.

As a rule, you can use the pool bottom cover several times. The prerequisite for this is that there are no signs of weathering and the dirt can be removed.

When should you replace the pool carpet pad?

If even after cleaning the pool bottom cover becomes porous, heavily contaminated or already starting to mold, there is nothing you can do. In such cases, unfortunately, only the way to the garbage helps.

If you then want to reuse the pool bottom cover in the next season, this is no longer sustainable and may even be hazardous to your health. Therefore, a replacement of the pool bottom cover is indispensable.

Conclusion

A good pool ground cover will protect your pool floor from holes and cracks, and it will maintain the pool’s warranty. There are different qualities, prices and materials available.

When choosing the right pool bottom cover, the main thing you should pay attention to is the size of your pool and likewise whether your pool is on a concrete floor or on a lawn. Then it will be easier for you to find a suitable product.

If you are now well informed about pool ground covers, then you should take a closer look at our top pool underlays right away, so that you can see particularly recommended models right away without having to search for them for a long time.