What Do I Use for the Bottom of My Inground Pool?

The purpose of a swimming pool base is to provide a smooth surface under the pool liner. A smooth base is less abrasive on the liner, helps reduce rough spots, and can make the pool floor easier to clean.

There are a few common options when choosing the base for the bottom of an inground pool:

1. Sand
   Sand is the most economical option and works well for flat-bottom swimming pools or pools that do not have a steep slope. The amount needed will vary by pool size. The sand should be mason-quality and spread about 1 to 2 inches thick. However, sand may show footprints and impressions more easily than harder pool base materials.
2. Sand and Portland cement mixture
   A common inground pool base option is a mixture of sand and Portland cement. Portland cement is available from many local hardware stores and can be mixed with sand to form a harder pool floor.
3. Vermiculite or Pool-Krete
   Vermiculite can be purchased in 4 cubic foot bags and must be mixed with Portland cement. It is also available in pre-mixed 42 lb bags that already include Portland cement. The pre-mix is also known as Pool-Krete. Vermiculite and Portland cement are mixed with water using a paddle mixer or cement mixer.

We offer both vermiculite and Pool-Krete, which can be ordered with your pool kit so they ship together.

For more help, check out what you need to know when buying an inground 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:

• Buying a Swimming Pool
• Customer Support Inquiries
• Technical Support Inquiries