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There are many benefits of an above ground pool. It’s simple and quick to install. You don’t have to plan ahead much or wait on construction crews to build it. They are easy to maintain and can fit in most spaces, giving you more flexibility for placement.
While installation is relatively simple and quick, it is important to understand and use the correct sand for a base to ensure many, many summers full of fun.
Types of Sand
Sand is the recommended base for an above ground pool, but not all sand is the same. Different types of sand are used for different applications. And it’s important to use the right one for your above ground pool.
Moulding Sand: Also called foundry sand, this sand binds together more closely when moisture is added. This type of sand is best used for sand casting or preparing moulding cavities in manufacturing applications.
Silica Sand: Also called industrial sand and made from quartz, this sand can be manufactured to particular grain sizes making it best for roofing shingles, mortar, and flooring applications.
River Sand: A natural sand, river sand can be extremely coarse and is often used as the primary sand for mixing concrete. It is versatile for both commercial and residential projects.
Manufactured Sand: While not synthetic, manufactured sand is more popular than river sand because it has less impurities from the manufacturing process and is denser. It is made from natural stones that are crushed, washed, and then grated down.
Beach Sand: Rarely used for construction applications, beach sand can come in a wide range of grains and color based on where it comes from. The grains can be very irregular from the natural erosion of the minerals in the ocean that produces the sand.
Washed Sand: Also known as concrete sand, washed sand is coarse compared to most of the other sand types due to larger grains and irregular shapes. Its most common use is for patio bases and gardening.
Mason Sand: This is one of the finest sands available and is very easy to work with. Because of an additional refining process that makes the grains so small, mason sand is the only sand recommended for above ground pool bases. It’s both soft and non-abrasive, making it the perfect sand for both cushioning and integrity of the vinyl liner. Other common uses for mason sand include sandboxes, for underneath pavers, and of course, masonry work.
Mason Sand for Pool Base
We only recommend fine mason sand for our above ground pool bases. Unlike other abrasive and coarse sand types that can puncture the pool liner over time, mason sand is fine, soft, and easy to work with.
Because of the manufacturing process and refining, mason sand does not have the debris and other materials that could affect the integrity of your pool liner. This sand acts as a barrier between your ground and the pool liner.
You never want to install your above ground pool on your natural ground. Rocks, twigs, and other debris can tear your liner over time. Sand helps level your pool, add cushion, and even acts as a weed barrier so plants don’t grow into or puncture your liner.
How Much Mason Sand?
Now that you know which type of sand to use to install your above ground pool base, the other important question becomes, how much do you need?
It’s recommended to have at least 2” of sand beneath your pool.
Sand is usually measured by cubic yards or tons. To figure out how many cubic yards of mason sand you’ll need, you need to determine the area of your pool (height and radius). The height should always be a minimum of 2”, but you can add more.
We also recommend getting more sand to backfill around the pool rims to avoid any erosion over time.
While you can probably do some quick math at home to determine how much based on the size pool you want, we recommend asking our experts at Watson’s as there are other variables that could determine how much you would need.
If you’re ready to turn your summer up to the next level and enjoy the fun of splashing and relaxing in an above ground pool right now, find your nearest Watson’s and speak with one of our experts. We’re ready to help you find the right size, shape, and walk you through all the simple installation steps to get your pool ready to splash in.
