What To Put Under Above Ground Pool Legs

Hundreds of thousands of above ground pools are sold each year, and they’ve only become more popular thanks to social distancing recommendations.

In 2007, people bought over 204,000 above ground pools, and by this year, many people found themselves on a waiting list to receive one as materials ran out.

When you finally get yours, what should you put under above ground pool legs? I’ll share the information you need to stabilize that new pool.

It is best to put a 1ft-by-1ft concrete block paver under each leg of your above ground pool. These blocks can take the pressure and they don’t get mold, insects, or other forms of deterioration issues. By properly supporting the pool legs, you won’t damage the legs over time and have to dig them out to remove later.

What Can I Put Under Above Ground Pool Legs

You have several options to put underneath your above ground pool. Of course, you can always opt to use nothing, but that will likely result in more damage to the base of your pool and its legs as you use it over time.

Setting up an above ground pool that lasts with the right supports will help you get more for your money and make your pool last longer.

The list below includes the best materials to put under above ground pool legs:

• A Tarp – Unfortunately, many new above ground pool users think a tarp is all they need to set their pool in place. While a tarp is fine, you need more than a thin layer of waterproof plastic between your pool and the ground.

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• Foam Tiles and Under Pool Pads – You should put either foam tiles or an under-pool pad below your pool. However, it isn’t going to do much for the legs.

• A Sand Pad – Sand is an acceptable option for some pools. Regrettably, if you splash a lot or live in a damp climate, the sand will trap moisture, and you can end up with fungal, bacterial, or even algal growth under your pool. Notably, you should still put a pad under the body of your pool if you go this route, and I suggest adding pavers or blocks beneath the legs as well.

• Wood – A standard wooden block won’t hold up under an above ground pool leg for very long, and you should never use a pressboard or particleboard. Fortunately, you can use pressure-treated woodblocks. This option is the minimum support you should place under a pool.

• Bricks – Brick are solid and can take the weight from your pool well. However, it’s important to use sealed bricks, so erosion from water doesn’t begin to break them down.

• Pavers – This is the best choice for placing under above ground pool legs. Pavers are sturdy, not prone to wear from weather, and they are easy to find. It’s worth the time and effort to support your pool with these.

How To Put Pavers Under Pool Legs

Putting pavers under your above ground pool legs is a fairly straightforward process. You begin by leveling the ground.

Don’t add topsoil and tamp it down, but instead remove any unevenness until you have a solid, level base. I recommend using a level or laser level to ensure everything is as precise as possible.

Next, you will need to mark out the location of each leg and dig down so you can place the blocks beneath. A standard shovel or hand trowel should be just fine for this job.

You can opt to lay an entire foundation if you prefer. However, if you choose this route, ensure that the pavers are perfectly level. Any edges that stick up will scratch and puncture your pool liner under pressure.

You’ll want to add some gravel or sand in the holes if you’re not already using a sand or gravel bed under the pool. You can skip this step if you prefer, but it will help keep the paver level.

After that, double-check the pavers to ensure they are all level with the ground and each other. Laser levels are the best for this part of the process.

Once you have your pavers in place, you can build the pool up from there.

What Size Pavers Under Intex Pool Legs

There are a lot of options for pavers. While it is perfectly acceptable to get fancy and use a bigger, thicker, or more intricate paver, a basic model will support above ground pool legs.

Get a set of one-foot by one-foot square pavers that are at least two inches thick.

Putting Bricks Under Pool Legs

Standard bricks are not recommended for placing under your above ground pool legs. Because bricks are smaller and more prone to weathering, they are not the best option.

The only exception to this rule is when you plan to pave the entire area in brick before placing your pool.

Pressure Treated Wood Under Intex Pool Legs

Intex pool legs or U-bars won’t sit perfectly on a paver the way their above ground pool legs should. As a result, pressure-treated wood can be a good option for this style.

It would be best to cut 16x2x8 sections of the boards. If you pick them up from a home improvement shop, then you can typically have them cut on-site before you leave, which will save you a lot of measuring and time.

Once you have your boards home, treat these pieces the same as pavers for a different style leg—Mark out where each wooden block will go.

Whether you use a sand pad, gravel, or dirt, dig down and place the blocks under where the legs will sit. Finally, place a pool pad or other liner on the ground and then set your pool up on top of everything.

Helpful Tips To Know About What To Put Under Above Ground Pool Legs

Using an above ground pool is not like a typical disposable kiddie pool. It requires more preparation and effort to do right.

However, once you have put in the proper supports, you’ll find you can enjoy your pool all season with no trouble.

Here are more helpful tips to know about what to put under above ground pool legs.

• Using pavers or other suitable supports under your above ground pool legs is good for more than just leveling it properly. If you plan to resell or recycle it later and upgrade or use the space differently, this will help preserve your pool.

• Sand and gravel can shift over time, which is why it makes a poor base for a pool when left alone. However, as a base with pavers or pressure-treated wood to level and hold the legs, this is still a great option.

• Gravel can poke holes in your pool liner if you don’t place a pad on top.

Final Thoughts

If you want to enjoy your above ground pool all season worry-free, it’s crucial to set it up with blocks under the legs. Doing this prevents sinkage.

Moreover, it helps keep your pool level, so it doesn’t overflow on one side. Not only will this look awful, but it can cause problems with water retention.

An off-kilter pool is difficult to use, and you may have to go back later to drain it and put in supports anyhow. Skip the headaches and install a new pool with the supports you need so you don’t have to dig legs out of the dirt and reassemble it later.

Plus, you’ll save money on your water bill when you don’t need to drain and refill the pool.