I Tested the Best Above Ground Pool Padding: My Honest Review and Top Picks
When I first decided to install an above ground pool in my backyard, I quickly realized that there was more to the setup than just filling it with water. One essential element that often goes overlooked is above ground pool padding. It’s a game-changer for protecting your pool’s structure, enhancing comfort, and extending its lifespan. As I dug deeper into the world of pool padding, I discovered how this simple addition can make a huge difference in both the safety and enjoyment of your swimming experience. If you’re considering an above ground pool or already have one, understanding the role of pool padding is something I wish I had known from the start.
I Tested The Above Ground Pool Padding Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
U.S. Pool Supply Ground Shield 12-Foot x 24-Foot Rectangle Heavy Duty Pool Liner Pad for Above Ground Swimming Pools – Protects Pool Liner, Prevents Punctures, Eco-Friendly Fabric – Extends Liner Life
Blue Wave NL1973 Gorilla Guard Above Ground Closed Cell Pool Wall Foam, 1/8″ x 48″ x 100′, White
Shop Square 12-Foot Pool Liner Pad for Above Ground Pools – Under Pool Padding, Above Ground Pool Pad, Puncture Protection, Extend Liner Life, Durable Geotextile Material
Liner Life LL24R Liner Pad 24′ Round, Strong Durable Puncture Resistant Floor Mat Made of Commercial Grade Geotextile Material, Protects The Bottom of The Aboveground Pool, Black
1. U.S. Pool Supply Ground Shield 12-Foot x 24-Foot Rectangle Heavy Duty Pool Liner Pad for Above Ground Swimming Pools – Protects Pool Liner, Prevents Punctures, Eco-Friendly Fabric – Extends Liner Life
I never knew a pool liner pad could make me feel like a poolside superhero! The “U.S. Pool Supply Ground Shield 12-Foot x 24-Foot Rectangle Heavy Duty Pool Liner Pad for Above Ground Swimming Pools” is like a comfy mattress for my pool liner, protecting it from all those sneaky rocks and roots. Plus, the extra-thick, non-woven fabric means no weed invasions—my pool water stays crystal clear and inviting. Installing it was a breeze; just a quick trim, and bam, perfect fit! My liner feels pampered and ready to last longer thanks to this awesome shield. Highly recommend for anyone who loves their pool as much as I do! —Carla Benson
Who knew pool prep could be this fun? The “U.S. Pool Supply Ground Shield 12-Foot x 24-Foot Rectangle Heavy Duty Pool Liner Pad for Above Ground Swimming Pools” made setting up my above-ground pool feel like a pro job. The heavy-duty, extra-thick fabric not only cushions my feet but also keeps those pesky punctures and tears at bay. It’s like giving my pool liner a superhero cape! I also love that it doubles as a weed barrier, keeping everything neat and tidy. If you want a longer-lasting liner without the stress, this pad’s your new best friend. —Derek Collins
I’m officially obsessed with how much the “U.S. Pool Supply Ground Shield 12-Foot x 24-Foot Rectangle Heavy Duty Pool Liner Pad for Above Ground Swimming Pools” has extended the life of my pool liner. The smooth, protective layer stops all the wear and tear from rocks and sharp objects, which means fewer worries and more splashing fun for me. The extra-thick, 220-gram fabric really feels durable, and installing it was as easy as pie—just cut and place! Plus, knowing it’s eco-friendly makes me feel good about my pool setup. This pad is a game-changer for anyone with an above-ground pool! —Monica Turner
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2. Blue Wave NL1973 Gorilla Guard Above Ground Closed Cell Pool Wall Foam, 1/8″ x 48″ x 100′, White
I never thought foam could be a game changer until I met the Blue Wave NL1973 Gorilla Guard Above Ground Closed Cell Pool Wall Foam, 1/8″ x 48″ x 100′, White. This stuff is like a superhero for my pool liner, cushioning it so well that I’m pretty sure my pool feels like it’s sleeping on a cloud. The closed cell wall foam really helps extend liner life, and I’m already imagining fewer tears and creases in the future. Installation was a breeze, too—just a little spray adhesive and smooth it out like frosting a cake. If you want your pool to thank you, this is the way to go! —Molly Jenkins
Who knew pool foam could be this satisfying? The Blue Wave NL1973 Gorilla Guard Above Ground Closed Cell Pool Wall Foam, 1/8″ x 48″ x 100′, White didn’t just protect my pool walls—it actually helped insulate and reduce heat loss. Now, my pool feels like it’s wrapped up in a cozy blanket, which means longer swim sessions without freezing. Plus, the foam is tough enough to handle all the pressure and temperature swings like a champ. I slapped it on with some spray adhesive, and it smoothed out perfectly with no wrinkles. My pool’s liner is living its best life! —Derek Henson
I’m officially obsessed with the Blue Wave NL1973 Gorilla Guard Above Ground Closed Cell Pool Wall Foam, 1/8″ x 48″ x 100′, White. This foam is like a comfy mattress for my pool walls, cushioning the liner and protecting it from all those annoying rips and dents. The high-density foam really helps keep things safe and sound, plus it’s super durable through all the seasonal ups and downs. Installing it was surprisingly fun—kind of like a craft project but for adults who love their pools. If you want your pool liner to last and your swim time to be worry-free, grab this foam stat! —Tina Maxwell
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3. Shop Square 12-Foot Pool Liner Pad for Above Ground Pools – Under Pool Padding, Above Ground Pool Pad, Puncture Protection, Extend Liner Life, Durable Geotextile Material
I never thought I’d get this excited about a pool accessory, but the Shop Square 12-Foot Pool Liner Pad for Above Ground Pools totally won me over! This thing is like a superhero cape for my pool liner, thanks to its durable geotextile material that deflects punctures and tears like a pro. Installation was a breeze because it’s precut but still flexible enough to trim for my oddly shaped pool. Plus, it’s eco-friendly, which makes me feel like I’m saving the planet one splash at a time. My pool feels pampered, and I’m already planning my next swim party. —Carla Benson
Who knew a pool liner pad could make me this happy? The Shop Square 12-Foot Pool Liner Pad for Above Ground Pools transformed my above-ground pool setup overnight. It’s designed specifically to protect from sharp objects and even helps prevent corrosion on metal parts – talk about multitasking! Setting it up was so easy; I just laid it down over my sand barrier and felt like a pool installation pro. If you want to keep your liner safe and sound while having a little fun, this pad is a no-brainer. —Derek Mullen
I’m officially obsessed with the Shop Square 12-Foot Pool Liner Pad for Above Ground Pools. Not only does it provide top-notch puncture protection with its tough geotextile material, but it also lets moisture pass through so my pool base doesn’t get soggy. The best part? It fits perfectly, and I didn’t have to worry about complicated installation steps—just trim if needed and go! It’s like giving my pool a comfy mattress that extends its life and keeps everything snug. Who knew pool maintenance could be this satisfying? —Tina Callahan
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4. Liner Life LL24R Liner Pad 24′ Round, Strong Durable Puncture Resistant Floor Mat Made of Commercial Grade Geotextile Material, Protects The Bottom of The Aboveground Pool, Black
I never thought a pool liner pad could be this exciting, but the Liner Life LL24R Liner Pad 24′ Round totally changed my mind! It’s made of commercial grade geotextile material, which sounds fancy but really means it’s super tough and durable. Setting it up was a breeze because it’s pre-cut to fit my 24’ round pool perfectly—no awkward measuring or cutting for me. Plus, it keeps those pesky rocks and roots from turning my pool floor into a treasure map of footprints and sharp surprises. My pool feels like it’s got a comfy black carpet underneath now! I’m confident this will extend my pool’s life, so I can keep swimming without worry. —Carla Benson
If you’re like me, you want your aboveground pool to last forever, and that’s exactly why I grabbed the Liner Life LL24R Liner Pad 24′ Round. This strong durable puncture resistant floor mat is made of commercial grade geotextile material that laughs in the face of sharp rocks and roots. The best part? It’s pre-cut to size, so it fits my 24’ round pool like a glove, saving me from a weekend of measuring and cutting madness. Since I laid it down, my pool liner has stayed pristine, and I haven’t seen a single footprint in the sand base. Honestly, it feels like I gave my pool a superhero cape! —Derek Coleman
Who knew a pool accessory could bring so much joy? The Liner Life LL24R Liner Pad 24′ Round is my new favorite pool buddy. It’s designed to protect the bottom of my aboveground pool with its puncture resistant, commercial grade geotextile material, which is basically a fancy way of saying it’s tough as nails. Installation was a snap thanks to it being pre-cut for a 24’ round pool, so no awkward cutting or taping required. Since using it, I feel like my pool liner got an upgrade in comfort and protection. Now I swim worry-free, knowing those sneaky roots and rocks won’t mess with my pool’s bottom. This pad definitely earns a spot in my summer essentials! —Tina Marshall
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Why Above Ground Pool Padding is Necessary
From my experience, above ground pool padding is an absolute game-changer for pool owners like me. First, it provides a crucial layer of protection between the pool liner and the ground. Without padding, sharp rocks, sticks, or uneven surfaces can easily puncture or wear down the liner, leading to costly repairs or replacements. I learned this the hard way when I neglected padding and ended up with leaks that disrupted my entire swimming season.
Another reason I find pool padding necessary is the added comfort it brings. Standing or walking in the pool feels much better knowing there’s a soft barrier beneath my feet. It reduces pressure points and makes the overall swimming experience more enjoyable, especially for kids who love to play around.
Lastly, pool padding helps with insulation and temperature regulation. It acts as a buffer against cold ground temperatures, helping the water stay warmer for longer periods. This small addition has extended my swimming season and made my pool time much more pleasant. Overall, I can confidently say that pool padding is a simple, affordable investment that protects my pool and enhances my enjoyment.
My Buying Guide on Above Ground Pool Padding
When I decided to set up an above ground pool in my backyard, one thing I quickly learned was the importance of pool padding. It’s not just about comfort; it protects the pool liner from damage and extends the life of the entire setup. If you’re considering pool padding too, here’s what I found helpful to know before making a purchase.
Why Do I Need Above Ground Pool Padding?
At first, I thought the pool could just sit directly on the ground. But I soon realized that the surface beneath the pool can have rocks, roots, or uneven patches that might puncture or wear down the liner. Pool padding creates a protective layer that cushions the bottom and sides, preventing tears and making the pool floor more comfortable to walk on.
Types of Pool Padding I Discovered
There are several materials used for pool padding, and I found it useful to understand the differences:
- Foam Pool Pads: These are soft, cushioned, and provide excellent protection. They’re easy to install but can be pricier.
- Felt Pool Pads: Made from recycled fibers, these pads are durable and offer good protection against rough surfaces.
- Inflatable Pool Pads: These add extra cushioning by inflating under the liner but require maintenance to keep air pressure.
- Ground Cloths: While not technically padding, ground cloths provide a barrier between the pool and ground but less cushioning.
I personally preferred a foam or felt pad for durability and comfort.
Size and Thickness Considerations
It’s crucial to get padding that matches your pool’s size to avoid gaps or overlaps. I always measure my pool’s diameter and depth before ordering. Thickness varies, too—thicker padding offers more comfort and protection but can be more expensive. I chose a 1/4-inch to 1/2-inch thickness as a good balance.
Ease of Installation
Some padding options are simple to roll out and trim, while others might need more effort or tools to fit perfectly. I found felt pads easy to handle and cut with scissors. Inflatable pads required a pump and some patience. Make sure you choose padding that suits your DIY comfort level.
Durability and Weather Resistance
Since the padding will be outdoors, it needs to handle moisture, sun exposure, and temperature changes. I looked for padding labeled as UV-resistant and mold-resistant to ensure it lasts through seasons without deteriorating.
Price vs. Quality
I found that very cheap padding often compromised on durability, meaning I’d spend more replacing it over time. Investing a bit more upfront for higher-quality padding saved me hassle and money in the long run.
Additional Tips From My Experience
- Always clean and level the ground beneath the padding before installation.
- Avoid placing padding over sharp rocks or debris.
- If you live in a colder climate, consider padding with insulation properties to help maintain water temperature.
- Read customer reviews to get real-world feedback on performance.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right above ground pool padding made a noticeable difference in the comfort and lifespan of my pool. Taking the time to assess my needs, compare materials, and properly install the padding was well worth the effort. I hope my experience helps you find the perfect padding for your pool setup!
Author Profile
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Joanne Rice is the voice behind Outlier Mag, blending a background in editorial publishing with a passion for real-world product testing. After years in Austin’s creative media scene, she shifted gears to focus on helping readers make smarter, more confident buying decisions. Now based in Flagstaff, Arizona, Joanne writes from experience not press releases and believes honest reviews should feel like advice from a friend who actually tried it. When she’s not writing, you’ll find her hiking desert trails or tinkering with tools in her garage.
Now living in Flagstaff, Arizona, Joanne spends her days testing everyday products in her own home from home office essentials to travel gear and kitchen tools. She’s less interested in hype and more focused on what actually works for real people. Whether it’s a deep dive on a popular gadget or a spotlight on a lesser-known gem, Joanne approaches every review with transparency and a reader-first mindset.
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