There are a lot of pool options you can choose from when creating your backyard pool. One option is to put pavers under the pool, which can be an attractive and durable surface for the pool. But is this the suggested route to go when installing a pool?
An above-ground pool can be put on pavers, but it’s not a typical application. To install a pool on top of pavers, the pool needs to have a base that is cushioned and leveled for this type of installation. An above-ground pool on pavers is possible but not recommended by pool installation experts.
This blog post will give you all of the information you need to know about installing an above-ground pool on pavers! Keep reading to learn about the dos and don’ts of an above-ground pool on pavers.
You Are Set on Using Pavers Under Your Above-ground Pool
An above-ground pool can be installed on top of an existing patio. However, there are a few considerations you should make when going forward with this choice. It is very possible to install an above-ground pool on a patio, but you must ask if this is the right option for your backyard.
The following is a list of questions to consider when installing an above-ground pool on pavers:
- Is it safe? – Pool installation professionals can’t guarantee a pool will be safe on pavers due to lack of cushioning on the floor of the pool
- Is it sturdy? – Pool installation experts generally recommend the pool’s bottom to rest on sand or dirt
- Will it damage the existing patio? – Installing an above-ground pool over pavers can cause problems with the structure of your patio, such as cracking or shifting
The way you can get around some of the above difficulties with installing an above-ground pool on pavers is by using:
- Pool mats
- Thick carpets
- Cushioning
Pool mat installation is an affordable way to enjoy a pool while also extending the life of your existing pavers and patio. This creates a safe and soft floor to your above-ground pool.
Pool installation professionals recommend having an above-ground pool rest in sand or dirt instead of over pavers so as not to damage your existing patio. However, if you plan to keep the above-ground pool in place during all seasons, you will not have to worry about the pavers under your pool sinking from the weight of the water.
These are simple solutions to common issues homeowners face when deciding to add an above-ground pool on top of their patio.
The Upsides & Downsides to Installing a Pool on Pavers
There are a few different benefits and drawbacks to installing an above-ground pool on patio pavers. It is important to be an informed homeowner before you put in a major installation in your backyard.
In this table, we will describe the pros and cons of having an above-ground pool on pavers:
| Benefits of An Above-ground Pool on Pavers | Drawbacks of An Above-ground Pool on Pavers |
| One benefit of having the pool on pavers is that it will protect them from the elements, which can deteriorate a patio that is in place for longer periods.The pool will be raised off the ground above the surrounding area, which can allow for good drainage.Having a pool on pavers can save space if you already have a patio installed.The above-ground pool installation over patio pavers can save you money because you will not need to spend the time and energy on removing the pavers. | One downside to putting up an above-ground pool on top of your pavers is that water could stain the stones and cause discoloration. This won’t be visible right away but might show up after some time has passed.However, if the patio begins to sink in the center over time with the weight of the pool, you will have water pooling underneath the pool, which can compromise the liner and overall structure of the pool. Putting an above-ground pool on pavers can cause them to crack and break when the pool is filled.Another downside is that pools installed over pavers can be much more difficult to maintain and clean than those set up on soft surfaces such as sand or dirt. |
Now from this table, it is clear that having an above-ground pool on pavers has an equal number of benefits and drawbacks. So, it is often left up to the homeowner to make the decision that is best for them. However, if you are trying to hire someone to install the above-ground pool for you, they may be skeptical of installing an above-ground pool over your existing patio.
Whether you put an above-ground pool on sand or dirt instead of directly onto pavers depends largely upon your answers to the following questions:
- How much space do you have available in your backyard? – If you have access to land with ample space, then you should opt to put your pool directly on the ground and avoid your patio. If you are trying to save space, a pool on pavers is an option but does not come highly recommended.
- How big do you want the pool to be? – If you are opting for a smaller pool, again consider the overall amount of space you have in your backyard. Additionally, if the pool you are trying to install is larger than the square footage of your patio, you should look for a different place to install it or choose a smaller pool.
- What type of surface material is underneath your pool? – Using dirt or sand under your pool ensures a soft footing for the pool floor. Patio pavers under a pool are an extremely hard surface that needs to be cushioned before placing the pool liner and filling the pool.
- Is the pool a permanent or temporary installation? – A permanent pool installation will mean that if you ever remove your above-ground pool, the patio under the pool will look drastically different than the exposed patio. A similar situation can happen if your temporary pool is getting a lot of use over one season. Both installations can impact the overall look of your patio after the pool is removed.
- Are you planning to do the installation yourself? – Many times, a professional pool installer will shy away from installing a pool on top of existing patio pavers. This is because these pavers can cause issues in the long run and require a bit more planning. For example, you need a durable cushion that will not tear your liner and will last for years, and you need to level or re-level the patio before installing, which can be added labor for a pool professional.
Again, there are some pros and cons to installing an above-ground pool. Above-ground pools have been around for many years now and with them come innovations that make their installation as easy as possible.
Pavers might not be the best choice, but if you do go ahead with this option, then you must put down an additional layer first, so there isn’t any major damage done once your pool is installed on top!
An Above-ground Pool Installation Requires Pavers, Right?
You may see many do-it-yourself tutorials on above-ground pool installations that require pavers. However, this is not the same as putting your pool on top of an entire patio of pavers.
Many times the online tutorials will ask you to level the ground where the pool will be installed and then place pavers in the ground where each of the wall supports will be.
This installation technique ensures the pool wall supports are level and will not sink or shift as the weather changes. However, this type of installation is different from installing on an entire patio of pavers.
We wanted to address this aspect of above-ground pool installation so you do not get confused with normal practices versus a homeowner trying to maximize yard space by putting a pool on top of their patio.
Many times you will see pool professionals use single pavers under each of the walls of the pool to give level support and a sturdy surface to stand the pool on top.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Putting A Pool on Pavers
If you choose to move forward with installing your above-ground pool on top of pavers, you want to make sure you avoid the common mistakes people tend to make when doing the job themselves.
When you are installing a new pool on top of an existing patio of pavers, there are some mistakes we want to address, so you are fully prepared before you begin the installation process.
The following is a list of common mistakes and ways to avoid them:
- Installing the pool without any barrier or cushion between the pool liner and pavers – The simple fix to this mistake is to put down a cushion, such a foam tile, carpet, and tarps, to create a softer base that mimics sand. Additionally, pavers under a pool need to be cushioned so as not to rip the pool liner.
- Forgetting that the patio will look different once the pool is removed – Consider that once the pool is removed, the patio pavers will not match the surrounding exposed patio bricks.
- Not accounting for the surrounding area when installing a new pool over old pavers – Make sure that you consider where you want guests and family entering the pool. You do not want to finish installing your pool only to realize that the pool entrance, steps, or ladder are in an inconvenient place.
- Choosing not to level or re-level the patio pavers before installing your pool – This is a big mistake. Your pool must sit on a level surface so that water does not pool underneath the liner. You want your pool to sit level on pavers. If you choose not to level the foundation of your pool, water can pool underneath the liner and cause damage over time, leading to expensive repairs for both the pool and the patio.
While most people avoid these common mistakes, it is good to be aware of them as you decide whether placing your new pool on patio pavers is right for you. Choosing to install an above-ground pool is a hefty investment that should be done with care.
But Can You Install an Inflatable Pool on Pavers?
So, an inflatable pool is not a permanent installation, but it is similar to a permanent above-ground pool with respect to using patio pavers as a base. With an inflatable pool, you can drain the pool and store it when you are not using it. However, this does require some setup time.
You can inflate your pool on top of pavers, but you will want to consider adding the same cushioning underneath the pool liner.
Additionally, an inflatable pool is often anchored down by stakes that go into the ground around the pool area for added stability. This means you will need to stake through the patio pavers if your pool is smaller than the patio.
Finally, an inflatable is not always made from the sturdiest materials. They are usually thinner than your normal above-ground pool liner. This means a grassy, level area is best for these types of pools. But with some ingenuity and care, you could install an inflatable above-ground pool on your patio.
In Summary: An Above-ground Pool Can Be On Pavers
If you decide putting an above-ground pool on pavers is the easy option for your backyard, then it is possible. However, an above-ground pool is not recommended by most pool professionals.
Ultimately though, it all depends on your preference as there are both advantages and disadvantages to installing an above-ground pool on pavers.