Installing Your Ipswich Above Ground Pool on Concrete |Ambassador Pools (2024)

A coastal town, Ipswich in Essex County, Massachusetts boasts a vibrant tourism industry and is famous for its clams. An annual Ipswch Chowderfest is visited by many people every year to fortify this fact.

As a town close to the sea, many residents have a fond affinity with water, especially when it comes to cooling off and relaxing. But since making a trip to the sea everyday can be impossible for some, many look to above ground pools to satisfy their swim cravings.

Many wonder though if above ground pools are exclusively used over grass, sand, or soil only and if installing it over concrete is impossible (for fear of it getting punctured). The good news is, yes, you can install your above ground pool on concrete if a sand or soil base is not possible. However, there are a few do’s and don’t’s to consider.

The first thing to consider is that if you are planning to get an above ground pool other than a round shape, forget it. A round shape is preferred when installed over concrete, given its simple frame design. Even oval pools are discouraged, but if you do insist on getting an oval-shaped pool, a professional pool installer should be called over.

Since concrete is a hard surface, burying pool parts can be very difficult and will require cutting into the concrete, so be sure you get professional help to avoid any nasty mistakes.

When choosing your location for the pool, make sure the concrete area is large enough to accommodate the pool and be sure it is level. An inch or so drop is acceptable, but any major drop can cause the pool to collapse or even get damaged. If there is a slight dip, use a shim to level things off.

Aside from the pool liner, you should have something like Armor Shield or Gorilla Pad and a pool cove, as well, to avoid punctures. Using sand or soil over concrete is not advisable as it can be washed off.

When the floor protective layer and pool cove is all set, follow the regular pool installation steps. Having an above ground pool over concrete is no big deal as long as you follow the guidelines above. If you need help, don’t hesitate to call your above ground pool provider for assistance.

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Installing Your Ipswich Above Ground Pool on Concrete |Ambassador Pools (2024)

FAQs

Can above ground pools be put on concrete? ›

Many wonder though if above ground pools are exclusively used over grass, sand, or soil only and if installing it over concrete is impossible (for fear of it getting punctured). The good news is, yes, you can install your above ground pool on concrete if a sand or soil base is not possible.

How do you level an above ground pool on a concrete slab? ›

If you have to do it on the slab, get some screenings (crushed rock) and use it to level the concrete. You could go outside the pool perimeter by a foot or so on the low side and lay down some 2x4's to help hold the rock in place. It won't look very pretty but it will be functional.

Can you put an Intex pool on a concrete slab? ›

As long as it's flat and level, a concrete pad is a perfect base for an above-ground pool.

What to put under an above ground pool on concrete? ›

If installing your above ground pool on concrete with the sand box method you could pass on the pool cove and Armor Shield pool floor pad and just use the sand or dirt that's within the box for your pool bottom. I've seen pools that used other materials like carpet, blankets, wood etc. and they never work out.

How much sand under an above ground pool? ›

Not only is laying a base of sand necessary for above ground pool installations, but you also need to use the right amount of sand to get the desired effect. Above ground pools require a base of sand that's a minimum of 2 inches deep.

Does the ground have to be perfectly level for an above ground pool? ›

Generally, an above ground pool should be level within 1 inch—and it starts to become unsafe after a couple of inches. Any slope will lead to uneven distribution of water, which will put pressure on your pool's structure, wearing down the pool liner. In certain cases, it could cause your pool to collapse.

Do you need a pool liner on a concrete pool? ›

Concrete, or gunite, pools don't need a liner either. But concrete is a very porous material and will readily allow the growth of algae unless the water is properly maintained. You'll use far more chemicals with concrete pools than you would with vinyl or fibreglass models.

Can you put a pool liner over a concrete pool? ›

A vinyl pool liner is a fantastic and affordable way to completely renovate your concrete pool. It is flexible and will move with any future structural declines within your pool shell.

What to put under an Intex pool on concrete? ›

Use rigid urethane foam sheets for pool pads, not soft upholstery foam. Solid foam insulation can be ideal on a concrete surface.

How much weight can a 6 inch concrete slab hold? ›

How Much Weight Can a Concrete Driveway Hold? Typically, concrete driveways that are 4″ thick can withstand loads of regular vehicles, which is approximately 8,000 pounds. A 6″ thick concrete driveway can withstand heavy-duty trucks that can around weigh about 70,000 pounds.

Do you have to put sand under an above ground pool? ›

The ground should be dug level on virgin soil always. The sand is simply a buffer from the pool liner to the ground. The purpose of the sand is not to level your pool. If you are using sand to level things out you will have nothing but problems.

Can you put a vinyl pool on concrete? ›

A vinyl pool liner is a fantastic and affordable way to completely renovate your concrete pool. It is flexible and will move with any future structural declines within your pool shell.

How much weight can you put on a cement slab? ›

Generally, a 4-inch surface can hold up to 4,000 pounds per square foot when adequately reinforced. Unreinforced, it can only hold 40 pounds per square foot. Steel bars or wire mesh can be placed in the concrete before it is poured to reinforce the pad.

How much weight will 6 inches of concrete hold? ›

How Much Weight Can a Concrete Driveway Hold? Typically, concrete driveways that are 4″ thick can withstand loads of regular vehicles, which is approximately 8,000 pounds. A 6″ thick concrete driveway can withstand heavy-duty trucks that can around weigh about 70,000 pounds.

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