So, you’ve got a nice concrete patio or slab and you’re ready to set up your inflatable pool. It seems like the perfect flat spot, doesn’t it? But before you fill it, you need to know exactly what to put under inflatable pool on concrete to protect your investment and make it comfortable. Concrete might seem smooth, but it’s actually abrasive, uneven, and can get dangerously hot. The right ground cover is not just a suggestion—it’s essential.
Choosing the wrong material can lead to a punctured pool liner, a slippery surface, or a scorching hot floor. My years of gardening and landscaping have taught me that protection works both ways; you’re also shielding your concrete from scratches, chlorine runoff, and constant moisture. Let’s get your pool set up safely so you can enjoy it all season long.
What to Put Under Inflatable Pool on Concrete
The perfect setup uses layers. Think of it like building a comfortable, protective sandwich for your pool to sit on. One single layer rarely does the trick. You need a combination that cushions, protects from moisture, and provides a non-slip surface.
Here’s your core goal: to create a barrier that addresses concrete’s three main flaws—roughness, temperature, and potential for moisture damage.
Why Concrete is a Tricky Surface for Pools
Concrete is not as pool-friendly as it looks. It may be flat, but that’s about all it has going for it in this case.
First, it’s abrasive. Even finished concrete has a gritty texture that can wear on the vinyl or PVC material of your pool bottom. Over time, this friction can cause thin spots or leaks.
Second, it gets extremely hot in the sun. The concrete will absorb heat and transfer it directly to the bottom of your pool. This can make the pool floor uncomfortably hot for bare feet and can even degrade the pool material faster.
Third, it’s impermeable. Water that splashes out or condensation that forms underneath has nowhere to go. This trapped moisture can create mildew, mold, or algae under your pool, which can stain the concrete and create a slippery mess when you take the pool down.
The Essential Protective Layers Explained
A good ground cover system uses three key functions: cushioning, moisture blocking, and a final smooth layer. You don’t always need three separate products, but you need to ensure all three jobs are done.
1. The Cushioning Layer (Shock Absorber):
This is your primary protection against the rough concrete. It pads the pool and makes it more comfortable underfoot.
* Examples: Interlocking foam tiles, old carpet (with caution), or a specialty pool padding.
* Purpose: Absorbs minor imperfections and provides insulation from the cold or heat of the concrete.
2. The Moisture Barrier (Water Blocker):
This layer sits on top of the cushion to prevent any moisture from getting trapped between the cushion and the pool liner.
* Examples: A heavy-duty tarp, a ground cloth, or even a product like Tyvek building wrap.
* Purpose: Creates a waterproof seal so condensation runs off to the side instead of soaking your padding.
3. The Final Protective Layer (Pool Floor):
This is the direct contact layer for your pool. It needs to be super smooth and durable.
* Examples: A dedicated pool floor cover, a moving blanket, or a second, high-quality tarp.
* Purpose: Provides a seamless, puncture-resistant surface that the pool sits on directly.
Top Material Choices for Concrete Protection
Not all materials are created equal. Some work well together, while others can cause more problems. Here’s my breakdown from a gardener’s practical perspective.
Interlocking EVA Foam Tiles:
These are a fantastic first layer. They’re often used in kids’ playrooms or home gyms.
* Pros: Excellent cushioning, provides thermal insulation, easy to install and cut to shape. They keep the pool floor much cooler.
* Cons: Can be pricey for large pools. You must use a moisture barrier on top, as water will seep through the seams.
* My Tip: Look for ones with a tight, puzzle-piece edge. Place them with the smooth side up.
Moving Blankets or Furniture Pads:
A very good and often overlooked option. They are thick, dense, and designed to protect surfaces.
* Pros: Great cushioning, readily available, relatively inexpensive. They are also thick enough to provide some moisture resistance.
* Cons: Can get heavy when wet. They aren’t inherently waterproof, so a tarp underneath or over top is still a smart idea.
* My Tip: Use the felted kind, not the fluffy kind. You can often find them at hardware stores.
Commercial Pool Padding:
This is the product made specifically for this job. It’s usually a thin, dense foam with a reflective or reinforced top layer.
* Pros: Designed for the purpose, so fit and performance are optimal. Often comes in wide rolls.
* Cons: Can be thin, so it works best on very smooth concrete. Usually requires a separate tarp.
* My Tip: It’s worth the investment if you plan to use the pool for several seasons.
Heavy-Duty Tarps:
A tarp is almost always necessary, but it should rarely be the only layer.
* Pros: Inexpensive, fully waterproof, and readily available. Protects the pool from ground moisture and stains.
* Cons: Provides zero cushioning on its own. Can be very slippery when wet, especially on concrete. The blue crinkly ones are prone to tearing.
* My Tip: Choose a brown or green “truck tarp” or “canvas tarp.” They are thicker, more durable, and less slippery than the standard blue poly tarps.
Materials to Avoid on Concrete
Some things that work on grass are a bad idea on hard surfaces.
Avoid Using Only a Tarp: This is the most common mistake. A tarp alone offers no cushioning. The concrete’s abrasion will work right through it onto your pool.
Avoid Sand or Soil: On concrete, this just creates a messy, gritty paste that is impossible to clean up and offers no real protection.
Avoid Cardboard: It will disintegrate into a pulpy mess the moment it gets wet, which it will from condensation.
Avoid Thin Blankets or Sheets: Bed sheets or thin picnic blankets provide no meaningful protection and will shift around, creating wrinkles under the pool.
Step-by-Step Installation Guide
Getting the layers right is crucial for safety and longevity. Follow these steps for a secure setup.
1. Clean the Concrete Thoroughly. Sweep away all debris, dirt, and pebbles. Use a hose to wash it down and let it dry completely. Any grit left underneath will cause damage.
2. Lay Your Cushioning Layer. If using foam tiles, interlock them tightly over the entire area where the pool will sit. For moving blankets, overlap them by at least 6 inches. Ensure the surface is as flat and wrinkle-free as possible.
3. Add Your Moisture Barrier. Unfold your heavy-duty tarp and lay it smoothly over the cushioning layer. Allow at least 12-18 inches of excess tarp to extend beyond the planned pool perimeter on all sides. This extra material will help channel splash-out away from the cushioning below.
4. Add Your Final Protective Layer (if using). If you’ve chosen a separate pool floor cover or a second, softer tarp, lay it down now on top of the moisture barrier. This is your pool’s direct floor.
5. Position and Inflate Your Pool. Carefully unfold your pool on top of the prepared layers. Try not to drag it. Begin inflation. As it inflates and you start to add water, smooth out any large wrinkles from underneath the pool walls by gently pulling on the ground covers.
6. Secure the Excess Ground Cover. Once the pool is full and in its final position, you can trim the excess tarp material if it’s excessive, or simply tuck it neatly up against the pool’s sides. Do not let it create a tripping hazard.
Maintenance Tips for Your Setup
Your job isn’t done once the pool is filled. A little maintenance prevents problems later.
* Weekly Checks: During water changes or routine cleaning, lift the pool edges slightly (when empty or very low) to check for moisture buildup. If you see water on the tarp, dry it with a towel before refilling.
* Keep it Clean: Sweep or rinse off the area around the pool regularly to prevent dirt from being tracked in and grinding against the pool bottom from the inside.
* Drainage Matters: Ensure your concrete slab has a slight slope for rainwater runoff. You don’t want puddles forming around the base of your pool, as this can lead to water seeping underneath.
End-of-Season Care: When taking the pool down, clean and dry all of your ground cover materials completely before storing them. Mildew will ruin them for next year.
Cost-Effective and DIY Alternatives
If you’re on a tight budget, you can still create a safe setup. It just takes a bit more creativity.
Repurposed Carpet: Old indoor/outdoor carpet can work as a cushioning layer. Crucial warning: Do not use padded or foam-backed carpet, as it will hold moisture like a sponge and rot. Only use a thin, low-pile, synthetic carpet. Always put a tarp between the carpet and the pool, never directly under the pool.
Layered Cardboard Under a Tarp: This is a controversial one, but in a pinch, a layer of flattened, heavy-duty cardboard boxes (under your main tarp) can provide temporary cushioning. It will break down over the season, so plan to replace it next year. Never let cardboard be the top layer.
Multiple Tarps for Thickness: Using two or three of the thickest, fabric-reinforced tarps you can find will provide more puncture resistance than one thin one. It’s still not as good as a foam layer, but it’s better than a single blue tarp.
FAQ: Your Questions Answered
Q: Can I just put the inflatable pool directly on the concrete?
A: It’s not recommended. Even for a short time, the concrete’s roughness and heat can damage the pool material. It’s also very uncomfortable to sit or stand on.
Q: What is the best thing to put under a pool on a concrete patio?
A: The most reliable combination is interlocking foam tiles as a base, topped with a heavy-duty, non-slip tarp. This gives you cushioning, temperature control, and moisture protection.
Q: How do I stop my pool from being slippery on concrete?
A: The key is to use a non-slip final layer. Moving blankets, certain textured tarps (like canvas), or commercial pool covers with a felted bottom are much less slippery than standard poly tarps. Always ensure your setup is on a dry surface.
Q: Will a tarp protect my pool from concrete?
A: A tarp will protect the pool from moisture and some stains, but it will not protect it from the abrasive wear and tear of the concrete surface. You need a cushoning layer for that.
Q: What should I put under my inflatable pool to keep it from getting too hot?
A: Foam tiles are excellent for insulation. They create a thermal barrier between the hot concrete and your pool floor, keeping the water and the surface you stand on noticeably cooler.
Getting your ground cover right is the first and most important step to a successful pool season. By taking the time to layer properly, you’re ensuring your pool lasts for summers to come, your concrete stays in good shape, and everyone has a more comfortable place to cool off. Now, with your surface prepped and protected, you’re ready to fill it up and enjoy.