For most above ground pools, manufacturers commonly recommend a 2-inch sand base inside the pool, under the liner.
This helps protect the liner and provides a softer pool floor for walking. Use masonry sand, which is washed and free of rocks and debris. Masonry sand is widely available for delivery from earthwork and landscaping centers.
The amount of sand needed depends on your pool size, excavation, liner type, and whether you are using a sand cove, foam cove, or earth cove.
Pool Base Sand Chart
Use the chart below to estimate how much sand you need for common above ground pool sizes. For more guidance on preparing the base, see our guide on what to put under an above ground pool.
Use the Sand Cove columns if you are building a sand cove. Use the Foam or Earth Cove columns if your installation uses a foam cove or earth cove.
| Pool Size | Sand Cove: Yards | Sand Cove: Tons | Foam or Earth Cove: Yards | Foam or Earth Cove: Tons |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 12' Round | 1 | 1.4 | 0.75 | 1 |
| 15' Round | 1.5 | 2 | 1 | 1.5 |
| 18' Round | 2 | 3 | 1.5 | 2 |
| 21' Round | 2.5 | 3.5 | 2 | 2.5 |
| 24' Round | 3 | 5 | 2.5 | 3.5 |
| 27' Round | 3.5 | 5.5 | 3 | 4 |
| 30' Round | 4 | 7.75 | 4 | 5.75 |
| 33' Round | 5.5 | 10 | 5.25 | 7.5 |
| 12' x 20' Oval | 1.75 | 2.5 | 1.25 | 1.75 |
| 12' x 24' Oval | 2 | 3 | 1.5 | 2 |
| 15' x 25' Oval | 2.75 | 3.75 | 2 | 2.75 |
| 15' x 26' Oval | 2.75 | 4 | 2 | 2.75 |
| 15' x 30' Oval | 3.5 | 5 | 2.5 | 3.5 |
| 18' x 33' Oval | 4.5 | 6.5 | 3.5 | 4.5 |
| 18' x 40' Oval | 5.5 | 7.75 | 4.5 | 6 |
| 21' x 41' Oval | 6.75 | 9 | 5.25 | 6.5 |
Note: These are general estimates. The amount of sand needed may vary depending on the excavation, liner type, and cove style used during installation.
What Kind of Sand Should I Use for My Pool Base?
Use masonry sand for your pool base. Masonry sand is recommended because it is washed and should be free of rocks and debris that could damage the liner.
Avoid sand that contains sharp stones, large particles, or construction debris. A smoother sand base helps protect the liner and creates a more comfortable pool floor.
How the Pool Base Should Be Layered
The base order may vary by pool type and installation method, but the general order is:
- Pool wall
- Cove
- Pool liner
- Pool pad, if used
- 2-inch sand base
- Undisturbed earth
Example of an above ground pool base with the pool wall, cove, liner, pool pad, 2-inch sand base, and undisturbed earth.
For additional installation guidance, view our guide on the 17 steps to installing your Round Above Ground Pool.
Need More Help?
Didn't find the answer you were looking for? You can always contact us at support@royalswimmingpools.com or choose the category below to see our most frequently asked questions for that topic: