Setting up an inflatable pool on a lawn requires a protective barrier underneath for both the pool and the grass. The sheer weight of the water creates high pressure points that can easily damage the pool liner’s vinyl material. Additionally, the constant lack of light, air, and moisture from splashes rapidly degrades the turf beneath the pool. Utilizing a proper underlayment mitigates the risk of puncture and shields the lawn from severe compaction and suffocation.
Preparing the Setup Area
The longevity of the pool and the health of the lawn begin with diligent site preparation. Selecting a location that is perfectly level is paramount, as uneven ground distributes the massive weight of the water irregularly, stressing the pool’s seams and potentially leading to failure. A slight slope can be exacerbated by the pool’s water, creating an unstable and potentially unsafe environment.
Before laying down any material, the entire designated area must be meticulously cleared of all debris. Small, sharp items like pebbles, twigs, and even firm grass roots can become concentrated pressure points under the weight of the water, posing a significant puncture risk to the vinyl liner. The existing grass should be mowed to its lowest setting and raked smooth to remove any stiff clippings or small bumps. A flat, clean surface is the fundamental defense against pool damage.
Essential Ground Cloths
The foundational layer placed directly on the prepared grass should be a thin, puncture-resistant barrier designed to manage abrasion and moisture. Heavy-duty tarpaulins, often constructed from high-density polyethylene (HDPE) or specialized woven vinyl, are a common and effective choice. Look for tarps with a material weight of at least 185 grams per square meter (g/m²) for superior protection against sharp debris.
These polyethylene materials are typically waterproof and UV-resistant, preventing rapid degradation under sunlight and exposure to pool chemicals. Specialized pool pads, sometimes called ground cloths, are manufactured specifically for this application and offer a precise fit and durability that exceeds generic tarps.
It is beneficial for this primary protective layer to extend slightly beyond the pool’s footprint to catch splash-out, preventing waterlogging and localized mold growth directly at the pool’s edge. Using a dedicated ground cloth also helps separate the pool liner from the soil, minimizing the chance of abrasive dirt particles rubbing against the vinyl.
Adding Cushioning and Insulation
For enhanced comfort and additional defense against ground compaction, a secondary, thicker layer can be added on top of the essential ground cloth. Interlocking tiles made from closed-cell foam, such as Ethylene-Vinyl Acetate (EVA) foam, are a popular choice due to their waterproof and shock-absorbing properties. These tiles connect like puzzle pieces, allowing them to be customized to the exact shape and size of the pool area.
The thickness of the EVA foam tiles provides a noticeable cushioning effect, making the bottom of the inflatable pool much softer underfoot. This layer also acts as an insulator, slowing the transfer of cold from the ground to the pool water, which can slightly help maintain a warmer water temperature. Furthermore, this thicker, resilient material is significantly more effective at distributing the pool’s weight, thereby reducing the extreme pressure exerted on the grass roots and soil structure beneath. While old carpet remnants can offer some cushioning, they are not recommended because they retain moisture, which can encourage mold and mildew growth beneath the pool.
Lawn Recovery After Removal
The grass underneath the pool will inevitably suffer damage due to the prolonged lack of sunlight, air, and the intense compaction from the water’s weight. Once the pool is removed, the first step in recovery is to address the compacted soil, which hinders air and water from reaching the roots. Core aeration is highly recommended to physically break up the density of the soil, creating channels three or more inches deep to improve gas exchange and drainage.
After aeration, the dead, matted grass should be gently raked away to expose the soil and allow light to penetrate. The area should then be overseeded with a suitable grass seed variety and lightly fertilized for new growth. Immediately after seeding, the soil needs to be watered deeply to encourage root development, ensuring the water penetrates several inches into the loosened earth. This intensive aftercare process helps the lawn return to a healthy state, typically recovering within two to four weeks, depending on the severity of the damage and local climate conditions.