When you are looking for a place to put your above ground pool, you usually start by looking at open space in the yard. Maybe you could lose some lawn and the pool could go there? Or maybe you could clear some of the brush and put it there? But what if you’ve exhausted your other options and you’re left with a concrete slab? Can you put an above ground pool on concrete? The answer to this and some other considerations is below.
Can You Put An Above Ground Pool On Concrete?
First, when considering whether you can put an above ground pool on concrete, you should remember water is very heavy. There’s also several reasons why you cannot put an above ground pool on concrete. If your concrete slab is hollow, this is a no-go. Additionally when the concrete is covering an open space below, that’s a negative. Lastly, if your concrete slab is over a septic tank, or anything of that nature, the answer is a resounding no.
Do not put the above ground pool on top of the concrete slab without an engineer’s approval. Speaking of engineering, it’s never a bad idea to involve one in any construction project, no matter how small. However, there is a price to pay for involving an engineer, and much of the time the expense and time it takes can seem exorbitant for the value they bring, but it never hurts to ask.
How To Put An Above Ground Pool On An Approved Concrete Slab
Maybe you have confirmed that your concrete slab isn’t hollow and doesn’t have any extreme cracks or raised sections. In that case, you can continue considering it for the pool. You first are going to need to figure out how to protect the liner from the concrete. You never want to put the pool liner directly on concrete. This will result in the concrete wearing away the liner over time as you step on it.
You want to put a layer of sand down if you can, approximately 3-6” thick. This will give you a gradable surface to level out the area under the pool liner as well if the slab isn’t flat. If you don’t want to use sand, some people buy carpet scraps, or interlocking foam panels. The foam panels work well for temporary or seasonal pool installations where you will be removing the pool in the fall. The foam panels will not get as disgusting as the carpet scraps will over time.
Now you’ve created a solid base for your pool which protects the liner from the concrete itself. By all means, put up your pool and get it running. The best thing to do when considering can you put an above ground pool on concrete is to figure out how you’ll protect the pool liner, then get cracking and build that pool.
Pro Tip When Installing An Above Ground Pool
Remember to get your above ground pool permits if necessary where you live. Furthermore, please be careful with your electrical wiring. Way too many people hurt themselves every year by running extension cords across the lawn then mowing over a live extension cord, walking on one with bare feet, and so on.
You can also consider the above instructions relevant if you have an asphalt paved area where you’d like to put the pool. Keep in mind with asphalt or concrete, the weight of the pool may damage the concrete or asphalt surface, cause cracks, and so on. If this will bother you, you probably should find somewhere else to put the pool. If you are pouring a slab to be placed under the pool, talk to your engineer about what you plan to do. They can design the slab to handle the additional weight.
Can You Put An Above Ground Pool On Concrete Summary
Now you understand that there’s a few things to verify before you can rightfully put an above ground pool on concrete. While we’ve outlined several specific things to check, they all boil down to making sure the concrete is sturdy. Never place your pool’s liner/surface directly onto concrete. This can create tears very easily. Instead, add a layer of sand or foam panels in between. It’s never a bad idea to get an engineer’s opinion.
