Give your above ground pool the support it needs with the right amount of sand
Installing an above ground pool is more affordable and less intensive than in-ground alternatives, but knowing how much sand you need for your pool is one installation step you can’t skip. Sand creates a firm yet soft base to support the pool—without which your new lagoon could be at risk of developing tears due to stones, branches, and other debris on untreated ground. This guide will help you figure out just how much sand you need depending on the size of your new pool.
Although this might seem unnecessary at first glance, laying down a base of sand before installing an above ground pool is of the utmost importance. Doing so creates a soft, even layer that will keep the floor of your new pool sturdy and comfortable to use. It also protects the pool liner from objects that could cause it to tear, like broken branches or sharp stones.
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. When making calculations, those 2 inches are equivalent to 0.167 feet. From there, a bit of multiplication plus a few quick conversions will help determine the amount of sand you need in cubic yards or tons, plus what’s right for a round or rectangular pool.
| Pool Size (Feet) | Amount of Sand in Tons (Using Sand Cove) | Amount of Sand in Tons (Using Foam Cove) |
|---|---|---|
| 12 round | 1.4 | 1 |
| 15 round | 2 | 1.5 |
| 18 round | 3 | 2 |
| 21 round | 3.5 | 2.5 |
| 24 round | 5 | 3.5 |
| 27 round | 5.5 | 4 |
| 30 round | 7.75 | 5.75 |
| 33 round | 10 | 7.5 |
| 12 x 21 oval | 2.5 | 1.75 |
| 12 x 24 oval | 3 | 2 |
| 15 x 24 oval | 3.5 | 2.5 |
| 15 x 26 oval | 4 | 2.75 |
| 15 x 30 oval | 5 | 3.5 |
| 18 x 33 oval | 6.5 | 4.5 |
| 18 x 40 oval | 7.5 | 6 |
| 21 x 43 oval | 10 | 7.5 |
To figure out how much sand you need for a round pool, start by determining your pool’s radius. You can get this figure by measuring the length from the pool's center to one side. From there, multiply the radius squared by 0.167 (the 2-inch-deep base of sand) by 3.14, and this will tell you how many cubic feet of sand you’ll need.
The formula will look like this:
Radius squared x 0.167 x 3.14
To determine the exact amount of sand you’ll need for your particular pool size, multiply the width and length of your pool by the depth of the layer of sand. This will tell you how many cubic feet of sand you need.
The formula for a 15-by-30-foot pool will look like this:
Length × Width × Depth = 15 x 30 x 0.167
Once you know the calculations above, you can convert the result into cubic yards or tons. To convert this number to cubic yards, multiply the number of feet by 0.037 cubic yards to find out how much you need. For example, a rectangular pool 18 feet long by 9 feet wide—a common above ground pool size—will require a base of at least 1 cubic yard of sand.
The calculations will look like this:
18 x 9 x 0.167 = 27.1 square feet
Then to convert square feet to cubic yards, multiply by 0.037:
27.1 square feet x 0.037 = 1 cubic yard
To arrive at the number of tons you’ll need, multiply the number of cubic yards by 1.35. Using the previous example, the calculation will look like this:
1 cubic yard x 1.35 = 1.35 tons
The best sand for above ground pool base material does not contain large rocks or sharp pebbles and is easy to compact and level out. Mason sand is an excellent choice for the job because its grains are extremely fine and soft and will not at any point damage the base of your pool.
Other types of sand, like washed sand or beach sand, are more irregular and difficult to manage. Once you’re ready to order your sand, include it in your overall cost to install an above ground pool.
Once you’ve figured out how much sand you need under your pool and which type of sand is best for the job, a handful of tricks will make the installation process smoother.
If you’ve ever built a sandcastle, you know that wetting your sand before attempting any construction makes the substance so much easier to deal with. This logic also applies to laying a sand base for an above ground pool. When dampened, the sand will be easier to spread, and less will fly away with any potential wind gusts.
To ensure there are no gaps or air pockets in your newly laid sand foundation, level it out with a rake or a flathead shovel before installing your above ground pool on top. Working from top to bottom one line at a time, gently pull the rake downward until you’ve reached the opposite end and repeat until you cover the entire area.
If you’d like to ensure your sand base is as stable as possible, consider buying or renting a sand compactor from your local hardware store. It costs roughly $188 to rent a compactor daily and up to $1,000 to buy one outright. Or, consider hiring an above ground pool installer in your area to take care of the job.
