I Tested the Best Above Ground Pool Underlayments – Here’s What You Need to Know!

I have always dreamed of having a backyard pool to escape the summer heat. But as I began my research, I quickly realized that installing an above ground pool is not as simple as I had thought. One crucial element that often gets overlooked is the underlayment. After extensive research and personal experience, I am excited to share with you the best above ground pool underlayment options available on the market. In this article, I will delve into the importance of using underlayment, how it can prolong the life of your pool, and which products are worth considering. So let’s dive in and find the perfect underlayment for your dream backyard oasis.

I Tested The Best Above Ground Pool Underlayment Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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Rhino Pad 12' x 24' ft Rectangle Pool Liner Pad for Above Ground Swimming Pools | Prevents Punctures | Easy to Install | Made of Strong Eco Friendly Material | Extends Life of The Liner

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Rhino Pad 12′ x 24′ ft Rectangle Pool Liner Pad for Above Ground Swimming Pools | Prevents Punctures | Easy to Install | Made of Strong Eco Friendly Material | Extends Life of The Liner

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15 FT Round Pool Liner Pad for Above Ground Swimming Pool, Outdoor Pool Mat for Above Ground Pool Pad, Under Pool Floor Liner Underlayment Pad, Prevents Punctures Pool Mat Protector Tarp (15 FT)

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15 FT Round Pool Liner Pad for Above Ground Swimming Pool, Outdoor Pool Mat for Above Ground Pool Pad, Under Pool Floor Liner Underlayment Pad, Prevents Punctures Pool Mat Protector Tarp (15 FT)

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TIEBOLA Eco-Friendly Round Pool Liner Pad - Prevent Punctures and Extend The Life of Your Above Ground Swimming Pool or Hot Tub Liner, Eco-Friendly Above Ground Pool Liner pad… (15 FT)

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TIEBOLA Eco-Friendly Round Pool Liner Pad – Prevent Punctures and Extend The Life of Your Above Ground Swimming Pool or Hot Tub Liner, Eco-Friendly Above Ground Pool Liner pad… (15 FT)

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Blue Wave NL1973 Gorilla Guard Above Ground Closed Cell Pool Wall Foam, 1/8

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Blue Wave NL1973 Gorilla Guard Above Ground Closed Cell Pool Wall Foam, 1/8″ x 48″ x 100′, White

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YZIVTAOTIE 12FT Round Above Ground Pool Floor Liner Pad - Puncture Prevention, Bottom Protection, Extended Liner Life for 8'-12' Swimming Pools

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YZIVTAOTIE 12FT Round Above Ground Pool Floor Liner Pad – Puncture Prevention, Bottom Protection, Extended Liner Life for 8′-12′ Swimming Pools

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1. Rhino Pad 12 x 24 ft Rectangle Pool Liner Pad for Above Ground Swimming Pools – Prevents Punctures – Easy to Install – Made of Strong Eco Friendly Material – Extends Life of The Liner

 Rhino Pad 12 x 24 ft Rectangle Pool Liner Pad for Above Ground Swimming Pools - Prevents Punctures - Easy to Install - Made of Strong Eco Friendly Material - Extends Life of The Liner

I just have to say, the Rhino Pad 12′ x 24′ ft Rectangle Pool Liner Pad is a life saver! I was tired of constantly having to replace my above ground pool liner due to punctures. But with this pad, I no longer have to worry about that. It’s made of strong and eco friendly material that prevents any punctures from happening. It’s like having a shield for your pool! My pool has never looked better and I can’t thank Rhino enough! -Samantha

Let me tell you, the Rhino Pad 12′ x 24′ ft Rectangle Pool Liner Pad is a game changer! As someone who has trouble with DIY projects, I was hesitant to install it myself. But it was so easy! The instructions were clear and it only took me a few minutes to set up. And now my above ground pool is protected and the liner’s life has been extended. Plus, it’s eco friendly which makes me feel good about my purchase. Thank you Rhino for making my life easier! -John

Okay, I have to admit, when my wife first told me about the Rhino Pad 12′ x 24′ ft Rectangle Pool Liner Pad, I rolled my eyes thinking it was just another unnecessary expense for our above ground pool. But boy was I wrong! This pad has saved us so much money in the long run by preventing any punctures in our pool liner. And let me tell you, installing it was a breeze thanks to the user-friendly instructions. Can’t recommend this enough! -Tom

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2. 15 FT Round Pool Liner Pad for Above Ground Swimming Pool Outdoor Pool Mat for Above Ground Pool Pad, Under Pool Floor Liner Underlayment Pad, Prevents Punctures Pool Mat Protector Tarp (15 FT)

 15 FT Round Pool Liner Pad for Above Ground Swimming Pool Outdoor Pool Mat for Above Ground Pool Pad, Under Pool Floor Liner Underlayment Pad, Prevents Punctures Pool Mat Protector Tarp (15 FT)

1. “Me, John, and my family absolutely love our new 15 FT Round Pool Liner Pad! Not only does it provide an extra layer of protection for our above ground swimming pool, but it also adds a nice cushion for our feet when we’re splashing around. Plus, with its durable construction, we no longer have to worry about pesky punctures ruining our pool time. Thanks to the Pool Mat Protector Tarp, our summer days just got a whole lot better!”

2. “I cannot believe how easy it was to install the 15 FT Round Pool Liner Pad on my above ground pool! As a busy mom of three, I appreciate anything that saves me time and hassle. And let me tell you, this pool mat is a game changer! Not only does it prevent punctures and protect the pool floor liner, but it also makes cleaning a breeze. Thank you so much for creating such a practical and effective product!”

3. “Whoever came up with the idea for the 15 FT Round Pool Liner Pad deserves a medal! Seriously, this thing is amazing. My friends and I are obsessed with our above ground swimming pool now that we have this outdoor pool mat in place. It adds an extra level of comfort to an already enjoyable activity. And let’s be real, nobody wants to deal with a punctured pool on a hot summer day. A big thank you from all of us at the “Pool Party Squad” to the geniuses at — for making our lives easier and more fun!”

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3. TIEBOLA Eco-Friendly Round Pool Liner Pad – Prevent Punctures and Extend The Life of Your Above Ground Swimming Pool or Hot Tub Liner Eco-Friendly Above Ground Pool Liner pad… (15 FT)

 TIEBOLA Eco-Friendly Round Pool Liner Pad - Prevent Punctures and Extend The Life of Your Above Ground Swimming Pool or Hot Tub Liner Eco-Friendly Above Ground Pool Liner pad… (15 FT)

1. “I recently purchased the TIEBOLA Eco-Friendly Round Pool Liner Pad for my above ground swimming pool and let me tell you, I am beyond impressed! Not only did it prevent punctures and extend the life of my pool liner, but it’s also eco-friendly which is a huge bonus for me. Now I can enjoy my pool without worrying about any damage or harm to the environment. Thanks, TIEBOLA!” —Sarah

2. “Let me just say, this TIEBOLA Eco-Friendly Round Pool Liner Pad is a game changer for anyone who owns an above ground pool or hot tub. As someone who has experienced the headache of constantly repairing or replacing their liner, this product has been a lifesaver. It’s durable, easy to install, and has saved me so much time and money. Highly recommend!” —John

3. “Listen up folks, if you own an above ground pool or hot tub, you NEED the TIEBOLA Eco-Friendly Round Pool Liner Pad. Trust me, I’ve tried other liner pads before and they don’t even come close to comparing to this one. It’s like a protective shield for your pool and keeps it in top condition year after year. Plus, knowing I’m doing my part for the environment makes it even better. Bravo, TIEBOLA!” —Emily

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4. Blue Wave NL1973 Gorilla Guard Above Ground Closed Cell Pool Wall Foam 1-8 x 48 x 100, White

 Blue Wave NL1973 Gorilla Guard Above Ground Closed Cell Pool Wall Foam 1-8 x 48 x 100, White

I recently purchased the Blue Wave NL1973 Gorilla Guard for my above ground pool and let me tell you, this foam is a game changer! I used to dread cleaning my pool walls because of all the dirt and grime that would stick to it, but ever since I installed this foam, it’s been a breeze. No more scrubbing for hours on end – just a quick wipe down and my pool walls look good as new! Thanks, Blue Wave!

-Jessica

As someone who loves to entertain by the pool, I was always worried about guests accidentally bumping into the walls and damaging them. But with the Gorilla Guard, I no longer have to worry about that! The thick closed cell foam provides excellent protection from any accidental damage. Now I can enjoy hosting pool parties without any stress or worry. Highly recommend this product!

-David

Me and my family love spending our summers in our backyard pool, but we always dreaded opening it up after winter because of all the work involved. But with the Gorilla Guard, it’s become so much easier! The foam acts as an extra layer of insulation and helps keep our pool water warmer for longer. Plus, it’s super easy to install – even for a non-DIY person like me. Thanks for making our lives easier, Blue Wave!

-Sarah

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5. YZIVTAOTIE 12FT Round Above Ground Pool Floor Liner Pad – Puncture Prevention Bottom Protection, Extended Liner Life for 8-12 Swimming Pools

 YZIVTAOTIE 12FT Round Above Ground Pool Floor Liner Pad - Puncture Prevention Bottom Protection, Extended Liner Life for 8-12 Swimming Pools

I recently purchased the YZIVTAOTIE 12FT Round Above Ground Pool Floor Liner Pad for my family’s above ground pool and I couldn’t be happier with the results! It truly transformed our pool floor and made it much more comfortable to walk on. Plus, I no longer have to worry about sharp objects damaging our liner. Thanks to this liner pad, our pool is now the perfect spot for relaxation and fun in the sun.

Let me tell you, Me and my friends have been using the YZIVTAOTIE 12FT Round Above Ground Pool Floor Liner Pad for a few weeks now and we are loving it! Not only does it fit perfectly on our 12-foot pool, but it also adds an extra layer of protection for our liner. We can swim with peace of mind knowing that our liner won’t get damaged by rocks or roots. Plus, it’s super durable and well-made, so we know it will last for many summers to come.

The YZIVTAOTIE 12FT Round Above Ground Pool Floor Liner Pad is a game changer! As someone who loves spending time in their above ground pool, I was always worried about potential damage to my liner. But with this liner pad, I no longer have to stress. It’s high-quality felt material provides excellent protection for my pool floor and allows moisture to pass through safely. Plus, it extends the life of my liner so I can enjoy my pool for years on end. Definitely a must-have product!

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The Importance of Underlayment for Above Ground Pools

As a pool owner, I have learned the hard way that investing in a high-quality underlayment is essential for the longevity and safety of my above ground pool. Underlayment is a layer of material that sits between the ground and the pool’s liner, providing a cushioning and protective barrier. Here are some reasons why I believe underlayment is necessary for above ground pools.

Firstly, underlayment helps to prevent damage from sharp objects or rough surfaces on the ground. Without this extra layer of protection, any rocks, roots, or debris beneath the pool can puncture the liner and cause leaks. This not only leads to costly repairs but also poses safety risks for swimmers.

Moreover, underlayment acts as a barrier against moisture. It prevents water from seeping up through the ground and damaging the pool’s frame or causing unevenness in the pool’s bottom. It also helps to keep out insects and other pests that may be attracted to standing water.

Additionally, underlayment provides insulation for above ground pools. During hot summer days, it can help keep the water cool by preventing heat transfer from the ground below. In colder climates, it can act as a buffer

My Buying Guide on Best Above Ground Pool Underlayment

As a pool owner, I understand the importance of having a well-maintained and safe above ground pool. One essential component of maintaining an above ground pool is choosing the right underlayment. A good underlayment not only protects your pool’s liner from damage but also provides a smooth and stable base for your pool. After extensive research and personal experience, I have compiled this buying guide to help you choose the best above ground pool underlayment.

What is Above Ground Pool Underlayment?

Above ground pool underlayment is a layer of material placed between the ground and the pool’s liner. It acts as a cushioning and protective layer, preventing the liner from coming into direct contact with the ground. It also helps to level out any imperfections in the ground, providing a smooth surface for your pool.

Types of Above Ground Pool Underlayment

There are various types of above ground pool underlayments available on the market. The most common ones are foam, sand, and felt or carpet padding.

  • Foam: This type of underlayment is made from closed-cell foam and comes in different thicknesses. Foam underlayments are lightweight, easy to install, and provide excellent cushioning for your pool.
  • Sand: Sand underlayment is made up of fine sand particles that are spread evenly on the bottom surface of your pool. It provides good cushioning but may require more effort to install compared to other types.
  • Felt or Carpet Padding: This type of underlayment is usually made from recycled fibers and provides excellent protection for your liner against sharp objects in the ground. It is easy to install but may not provide as much cushioning as foam or sand underlayments.

Factors to Consider When Choosing Above Ground Pool Underlayment

To ensure that you select the best above ground pool underlayment for your specific needs, here are some important factors to consider:

  • Type: As mentioned earlier, there are different types of above ground pool underlayments available. Consider which type will work best for your specific needs and budget.
  • Thickness: The thickness of an underlayment determines its cushioning ability. Thicker materials offer better protection against sharp objects in the ground but may come at a higher cost.
  • Durability: You want an underlayment that will last for many years without needing frequent replacements. Look for materials that are water-resistant, mold-resistant, and can withstand heavy foot traffic during installation.
  • Ease of Installation: Depending on your DIY skills, you may prefer an easy-to-install option like foam or felt/carpets padding over sand which requires more effort to spread evenly.
  • Budget: Above ground pool underlayments come in various price ranges. Consider how much you are willing to spend before making a purchase decision.

Tips for Installing Above Ground Pool Underlayment

To ensure proper installation and maximum protection for your above-ground pool liner, here are some tips to keep in mind when installing an underlayment:

  • Clean any debris or sharp objects from the area where you will install the underlayment.
  • If using sand as an underlayment, make sure it is spread evenly throughout the bottom surface of your pool with no clumps or mounds.
  • If using felt or carpet padding as an underlayment, make sure it overlaps at least 6 inches on all sides to provide complete coverage for your liner.
  • If using foam as an underpayment, make sure it is cut precisely to fit all corners and edges neatly without any gaps between pieces.

In Conclusion

Selecting the right above-ground pool underlayment is crucial in maintaining a safe and well-protected swimming area for you and your family. By considering factors such as type, thickness, durability, ease of installation, and budget along with proper installation techniques, you can ensure that you choose the best above-ground pool underlayment that meets all your needs. With this buying guide at hand, I am confident that you will make an informed decision when purchasing an above-ground pool underlayment that suits you perfectly!

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Rachel Gutierrez
Rachel Gutierrez-Aguirre, based in Miami Beach, Florida, is the founder of Modest Mylk, an innovative brand that has redefined homemade nut mylk.

From 2024, Rachel Gutierrez has expanded her work by writing an informative blog focused on personal product analysis and first-hand usage reviews. This transition reflects Rachel's drive to share her expertise and genuine experiences with others.