Owning an above ground pool is a great way to enjoy the summer. However, you must also ensure that you are placing the pool in ideal conditions that will allow you to enjoy it to the fullest.
One such thing that you require for an above ground pool is a pool pad. This pool pad will act as an accessory that creates a boundary between the ground and the liner of the pool.
This will not only protect the liner from wear and tear but will also protect your feet from stepping onto sharp objects on the ground.
In order to ensure that you buy a good pool pad, you will need to consider various factors such as size, durability, material, ground surface and more.
To make things easier for you, we have reviewed our top picks when it comes to pool pads. These are great options for you and will help you pick one that suits all your needs. Let’s take a look at the 5 best above ground pool pads.
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Top 5 Above Ground Pool Pads Picks
Here are some of our top picks for pool pads. Everything you need to know is available in this list, including some of the features, pros and cons of each product.
GLI Armor Shield Floor Pad
The GLI Armor Shield floor pad is a sturdy pool pad that provides necessary layering between the pool and the ground. It protects the feet as well as the pool liner from cuts, tears and ruptures caused by rocks, stones and other materials.
Available in a variety of shapes and sizes that you can choose from depending on your needs, the GLI Armor Shield flood pad is a great and durable choice for you.
Features
- Length: 16-30 feet
- Material: Polypropylene geotextile
- Shape: Oval, round and rectangular
Pros
- It comes as a single piece, making it easy to lay down and reducing any need to adjust or cut it according to the required size.
- It comes in a range of shapes and sizes, allowing you to select your desired option based on the requirements of your pool.
- The sturdy material easily prevents cuts and tears from occurring on the pool liner while also protecting your feet.
- It is comfortable for you to rest your feet on, as it maintains the required amount of heat.
- It comes with a one-year warranty which acts as an assurance of its good quality.
Cons
- It is slightly thinner than expected.
Liner Life Pre-Cut Swimming Pool Liner Pad
The Liner Life pre-cut pool pad is a strong and durable layering of a high quality that will protect your pool liner and feet from the unevenness of the ground.
It is available in a range of sizes that you can choose from. It also provides comfortable cushioning and promises a high-quality experience. Pre-cut and easy to spread out, this pool pad can be a good option for you and your pool.
Features
- Length: 12-32 feet
- Material: Polyester geotextile
- Shape: Oval, round and rectangular
- Weight: 11.48 pounds
Pros
- The polyester geotextile material makes this liner pad long lasting, durable and less prone to wear and tear.
- It comes in several sizes and shapes which makes it easier for you to select an option that meets all your needs.
- It is pre-cut and made to fit perfectly beneath your pool, making it convenient and easy to install.
- It works as an effective barrier between the liner and the ground, preventing damage from rocks and grass.
Cons
- It is not suitable for humid climates.
Rhino Pad Pool Liner Pad
The Rhino Pad pool liner pad is a reliable pool pad that serves as a protective layer between your pool liner and the rough and uneven ground. It comes in a range of shapes and sizes and is a great form of cushioning for your pool and your feet.
It also has a great quality that ensures its durability.
Features
- Length: 16-33 feet
- Material: Earthy geotextile
- Shape: Oval, round and rectangular
- Thickness: ⅛ of an inch
Pros
- Its sturdy eco-friendly material makes it resilient and protective and also great for the environment.
- It offers resistance against mold and mildew, making it long lasting and suitable for all kinds of climates.
- It ensures protection against corrosion of metal parts.
- It is pre-cut and easy to install beneath your pool.
Cons
- It comes with a lot of wrinkles that are difficult to smoothen.
Splash Net Express Gorilla Floor Padding
The Splash Net Express Gorilla floor padding is a pre-cut, cushioned and strong pool pad that is made to prevent cuts from glass, rocks and roots as well as to prevent leaks.
It is durable and can last for a long time while also extending the life of your pool liner. It comes in various shapes and sizes that you can choose from according to your requirements.
Features
- Length: 12-30 feet
- Material: Geotextile
- Shape: Round, oval and rectangular
- Thickness: ⅛ of an inch
Pros
- Its thin felt-like durable geotextile material ensures its longevity and reliability.
- It is pre-cut according to the size of your pool, making it easy to install and completely hassle-free.
- Its sturdiness makes it difficult for rocks and roots to penetrate while also eliminating the formation of footprints.
- It is seamed on all its edges, making it stronger and more durable.
Cons
- It only has a 90-day warranty period.
Blue Wave Liner Pad
The Blue Wave liner pad for above ground pools comes in several different sizes that you can choose from, depending on how big your pool is. It also comes in a number of shapes and is off-white in color.
This pool pad is a great choice that offers a durable and reliable quality. Its pre-cut size also makes it extremely convenient for you to install.
Features
- Length: 12-33 feet
- Material: Geotextile
- Shape: Round, oval and rectangular
- Weight: 29 pounds
Pros
- Its range of shapes and sizes can allow you to choose an option that fits the requirements of your pool.
- Since it is pre-cut and seamed, it can easily be installed beneath your pool while also ensuring extra protection.
- It acts as a protective layer between the pool liner and the ground by preventing cuts and punctures and ensuring protection against leaks.
- It is a light and breathable fabric that is great for summers.
Cons
- It only offers a 90-day warranty period.
Things to Consider
Now that you know all about the 5 best above ground pool pads, here are a few things that you need to keep in mind before you set out to buy one. Let’s take a look.
Why Do You Need a Pool Pad?
Since an above ground pool is located directly above the ground, it becomes prone to rocks, grass, roots, insects and other rough materials that may be present on the ground. These materials can penetrate the pool liner easily and enter the pool, ruining your otherwise enjoyable pool experience.
For this reason, pool pads are usually bought and installed beneath the pool so that leaks, rips, tears and punctures can be avoided.
The pool pad also provides an extra layer of cushioning that makes it more comfortable for you to sit or stand inside the pool.
You can prevent frequent future maintenance of the pool liner if you have a sturdy pool pad in place.
How Does a Pool Pad Work?
You need to roll out the pool pad when you receive it and carry it to the place of installation. Smooth out its wrinkles and give it a shake before you spread it out.
With the help of another person, spread out the pad on the ground where you want to install the pool. Straighten it properly and secure it into place before you get the pool installed.
You might also need to trim or cut the pool pad if required. Usually, however, pool pads come in pre-cut sizes that should fit the required length.
Features
Consider all the features of a pool pad before investing in one and see whether it meets all your needs. Some of these features and factors can be explored below.
Size
Make sure you are aware of the size of your pool so that you can buy an appropriate size of the pool pad. This will ensure that your pool rests securely and perfectly on the pool pad.
It is better if your pad is a little longer than it is shorter, as shorter ones are difficult to adjust.
Durability
Your pool pad should last you a long time so that you don’t have to keep investing in constant repairs or replacements. This will also depend on the material of the pad, so make sure you buy one that is made from a good geotextile.
It would also be helpful for your decision if the seller provides a warranty.
Protection
The pool pad that you buy should add a sturdy and protective layer between the ground and the pool liner. This layer should ideally prevent any tears and punctures from rough debris and materials present on the ground. This also serves to prevent any leakages from the pool.
Additionally, it should be soft and comfortable enough to provide cushioning for your feet and body.
Thus, make sure your pool pad is light, breathable and prevents too much condensation and corrosion.
Surface
Ensure that you buy a pool pad that is suitable for the kind of surface you want to install it on. Some pool pads might be more suitable for concrete surfaces while others might work better over grassy and rough grounds.
Climate
The climate that you live in is also an important factor that you must consider before buying a pool pad. If, for instance, you live in a wet and humid climate, it would be better for you to buy a pool pad that guarantees resistance against mold or mildew.
Look for more synthetic materials that will cater to this particular requirement.
If you live in a cold climate, you should also consider the insulation or heat retention capabilities of the pool pad. Pool pads with this feature will prevent heat loss and help in keeping the pool water nice and warm.
Affordability
Make sure you check and compare the costs of the pool pads so that they fall within your budget. However, try not to compromise on the quality of the pool pad by buying one at a low cost.
Investing in a pool pad of higher quality will also reduce other maintenance costs of the pool.
Warranty
While these pool pads mentioned above will be durable, it would be a good idea to look into their warranty period and refund and replacement policies.
Some of these might offer a one-year warranty while some may offer significantly lesser.
Do’s and Don’ts
There are some things that you must do or consider when it comes to buying and using a pool pad and others that you must avoid. Let’s look into some of these.
Do’s:
- Make sure you consider the size of the pool pad before buying one.
- See if the pool pad is pre-cut and seamed.
- Look into the materials that the pool pad is made out of so that you know what kind of protection and quality they provide.
- Look at the suitability of the pool pad in terms of the ground and climate.
- Make sure the pool pad offers resistance against mold, mildew as well as rough materials.
- Ensure that you smooth out the wrinkles and folds before installing the pool pad.
- Consider the cost of the pool pad and if it falls within your budget.
- Look into the refund and replacement policies of the supplier or seller of the pool pad.
Don’ts:
- Do not buy a pool pad that is too short as this will be difficult to adjust.
- Do not buy a pad that is not pre-cut otherwise this will increase your own manual labor.
- Do not buy pool pads that are too thin and permeable.
- Do not buy non-synthetic pool pads, especially if you live in humid regions.
- Do not use a pool pad if it develops tears and cuts.
- Do not compromise on the quality of the pool pad for the sake of its low cost.
FAQs
We will now look into some frequently asked questions that people tend to ask about above ground pool pads and their related attachments or processes.
What kind of material works best under an above ground pool?
You can use any kind of surface for your above ground pool, whether it is grass, concrete or sand. All you need to do is make sure that you remove all possible hindrances out of the way and then install a synthetic pool pad before you place your pool on the ground.
Are these pool pads too expensive?
This depends on the size of the pool pad and which brand you are buying from. While it might initially seem like an investment, it will definitely cut down your long-term costs that come with the maintenance of an above ground pool.
Will I have to keep replacing the pool pad?
If you buy a pool pad of high quality, you can significantly reduce the replacement costs and efforts. However, if you notice a tear or cut in your pool pad, it would be better to get it replaced to prevent debris from entering the pool.
Can I do without a pool pad?
It might not be an absolute necessity for you to buy a pool pad but it is still highly recommended that you do. This is because your pool liner will not be enough to protect the pool from cuts and tears.
A pool pad will provide you and your pool with an extra layer of protection and cushioning. This will be particularly helpful if the surface is rough and uneven.
What if my pool pad is longer than I expected?
If your pool pad is too long, you can try trimming or cutting it short to fit the needs of your pool. However, make sure if it is okay to do that by reading the product instructions either online or in a manual (if you have one).
Further, it is still better to have a longer pool pad than a shorter one as you can adjust the longer one. This is difficult to do if the pool pad is too short.
Concluding Remarks
With this detailed buyer’s guide and review selection, you now have all the required information about above ground pool pads, what you need to know before buying one, how to use one and which are the best ones in the market.
All of the 5 pool pads mentioned here are great options. You can decide which one you want to buy depending on all your requirements such as pool size and shape, ground surface, the climate that you live in and more.
Make sure you go through this guide in sufficient detail so that you can make an informed choice.
So, go ahead, buy a great pool pad for your above ground pool and take the plunge!