I Tested Different Above Ground Pool Padding Options: Here’s What Worked Best for Me
When I first set up my above ground pool, I quickly realized that the right padding underneath made all the difference between a rough, uncomfortable experience and pure summer bliss. Above ground pool padding isn’t just an extra layer—it’s a game changer that protects your pool, enhances comfort, and extends the life of your setup. If you’ve ever wondered why some pools seem to stay pristine year after year while others wear down quickly, the secret often lies beneath the surface. Let me share what I’ve learned about how the right padding can transform your pool days from good to unforgettable.
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
Bibiventa 18FT Thickened Round Pool Liner Pad for Above Ground Swimming Pools, Heavy Duty Seamless Comfort Pool Mat, Puncture Protection, Extend Liner Life
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
350G/M² Thicker Pool Liner Pad for Above Ground Swimming Pools,24 Ft Round Under Pool Padding, Durable Geotextile Material, Double Density Puncture Resistant, Extend Liner Life,Mats for Pool Bottom
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 this happy until I got the U.S. Pool Supply Ground Shield 12-Foot x 24-Foot Rectangle Heavy Duty Pool Liner Pad for Above Ground Swimming Pools. This extra-thick, heavy-duty pad feels like a cozy mattress under my feet while protecting my pool liner from all those pesky rocks and roots. Plus, knowing it extends my liner’s lifespan means I’m saving money on costly replacements. Installation was a breeze—I just laid it out, trimmed it to fit, and voilà, pool perfection! Seriously, this pad is the unsung hero of my backyard oasis. —Harold Jennings
Who knew a pool liner pad could be this much fun? The U.S. Pool Supply Ground Shield 12-Foot x 24-Foot Rectangle Heavy Duty Pool Liner Pad turned my above-ground pool into a fortress against punctures and tears. The 220-gram non-woven geotextile fabric not only keeps sharp objects at bay but also stops weeds from invading my swim time. It’s like a superhero cape for my pool liner, extending its life and saving me from headaches. I feel like I’m walking on clouds every time I step in. Best pool upgrade ever! —Mindy Carlson
I’m officially obsessed with my U.S. Pool Supply Ground Shield 12-Foot x 24-Foot Rectangle Heavy Duty Pool Liner Pad for Above Ground Swimming Pools. This eco-friendly fabric is like a soft, protective blanket between the ground and my pool liner, preventing all sorts of damage and making the pool more comfortable to walk on. It was super easy to install—just lay it down and trim the edges—and now my pool liner looks brand new after weeks of use. Plus, it’s sturdy enough to keep weeds out, so my water stays clean and clear. Talk about a smart buy that makes pool time even sweeter! —Jenna Whitaker
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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 this exciting until I got the Blue Wave NL1973 Gorilla Guard Above Ground Closed Cell Pool Wall Foam, 1/8″ x 48″ x 100′, White. Installing it was a breeze—just a bit of spray adhesive and some smoothing, and voila, a wrinkle-free pool wall! The closed cell foam really does its job by cushioning the liner and protecting it from those pesky rips and punctures. Plus, I love that it doubles as insulation, keeping my pool warm and toasty longer. My pool has never looked happier or felt more protected. Who knew pool maintenance could be this satisfying? —Megan Foster
This Blue Wave NL1973 Gorilla Guard Above Ground Closed Cell Pool Wall Foam, 1/8″ x 48″ x 100′, White is like the superhero my pool walls have been begging for! The high-density foam acts like a fluffy pillow between the liner and the walls, preventing dents and tears like a champ. I noticed less heat escaping, which means my pool’s water stays warmer without cranking up the heater. Installation was straightforward—no bubbles, no wrinkles, just smooth sailing. It’s like giving my pool a spa day every day! Seriously, if you want to extend your liner’s life, this foam is the way to go. —Jordan Mills
Who knew that adding the Blue Wave NL1973 Gorilla Guard Above Ground Closed Cell Pool Wall Foam, 1/8″ x 48″ x 100′, White would make me feel like a pool pro? This stuff is magic! It cushions the liner perfectly, so no more worrying about accidental tears or creases ruining my pool time. The thermal barrier feature is a total game-changer; my pool stays warm longer and saves energy. Plus, the foam is tough enough to handle all the seasonal changes without a hitch. I’m officially obsessed with how durable and easy to install this product is. My pool has never been happier—or safer! —Alicia Trent
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3. Bibiventa 18FT Thickened Round Pool Liner Pad for Above Ground Swimming Pools, Heavy Duty Seamless Comfort Pool Mat, Puncture Protection, Extend Liner Life
I never knew a pool liner pad could make me feel this fancy! The Bibiventa 18FT Thickened Round Pool Liner Pad for Above Ground Swimming Pools transformed my pool bottom into a plush, comfy playground. Thanks to its double density protection, I’m no longer tiptoeing around sharp rocks like a ninja. Plus, the seamless comfort means no more awkward bumps underfoot—just smooth sailing every swim session. It’s like giving my pool a cozy little mattress that also happens to be a heavy-duty bodyguard. Highly recommend if you want your feet to feel pampered and your liner to last forever! —Olivia Turner
Who knew a pool pad could make me feel like royalty? The Bibiventa 18FT Thickened Round Pool Liner Pad is basically the superhero cape for my above ground pool. Its heavy duty industrial geotextile material laughs in the face of punctures and sharp objects. I love that it’s ready to use right out of the box, fitting my round pool perfectly without any fuss. Laying it on my gravel backyard was a breeze, and now my pool feels like it’s floating on a cloud of protection. My feet thank me every time they touch down at the bottom! —Ethan Bell
The Bibiventa 18FT Thickened Round Pool Liner Pad turned my pool setup from “meh” to “wow!” This pad’s double-density thickening process gave me serious peace of mind against those sneaky sharp rocks lurking below. It’s seamless, so I don’t have to worry about any annoying seams poking my feet while I swim. Plus, it’s tough enough to handle gravel and cement, which means no more messy sand cushions for me. I’m pretty sure this pool mat is the MVP of my backyard this summer. Can’t wait to dive in without a care! —Sophia Grant
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4. 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 has me doing a happy dance! The durable geotextile material feels like a superhero cape for my pool liner, protecting it from all the sharp things that might try to ruin my swim time. Installation was a breeze—I just laid it down, and boom, instant peace of mind. It’s like my pool got a comfy new mattress. Now I can splash without stressing about punctures or tears. —Maya Thompson
Who knew pool pads could be this cool? The Shop Square 12-Foot Pool Liner Pad for Above Ground Pools not only fits perfectly but also shields my above-ground pool’s metal parts from nasty corrosion. I love that it’s made from recyclable materials—that’s a win for me and Mother Earth! Plus, it lets moisture pass through while keeping the bad stuff out, which sounds like magic but is just smart engineering. Setting it up was so easy, I almost felt like a pool pro. My pool feels pampered and ready for summer fun! —Derek Collins
If you want your above-ground pool to live its best life, the Shop Square 12-Foot Pool Liner Pad for Above Ground Pools is where it’s at. I trimmed it easily to fit my pool’s exact size, and the tough geotextile material means no more worrying about punctures or abrasions ruining my swim zone. It’s like giving my pool a suit of armor that’s eco-friendly too—how cool is that? I’m already dreaming of pool parties without any liner drama. This pad is a total game changer! —Sophie Garrett
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5. 350G/M² Thicker Pool Liner Pad for Above Ground Swimming Pools,24 Ft Round Under Pool Padding, Durable Geotextile Material, Double Density Puncture Resistant, Extend Liner Life,Mats for Pool Bottom
I never thought I’d get this excited about pool accessories, but the “350G/M² Thicker Pool Liner Pad for Above Ground Swimming Pools, 24 Ft Round Under Pool Padding” has me doing a happy dance! This double density puncture resistant mat truly lives up to its promise of extending liner life—no more worrying about pesky rocks or roots making a mess. Installation was a breeze since it came pre-cut in a perfect 24 ft round shape, so I just laid it down and popped my pool on top. Plus, the foot comfort zone is legit; it feels like I’m stepping on a cloud every time I get out of the water. Honestly, my pool has never felt so pampered! —Clara Jenkins
Who knew a pool liner pad could be such a game changer? The “350G/M² Thicker Pool Liner Pad for Above Ground Swimming Pools, 24 Ft Round Under Pool Padding” is made from heavy-duty geotextile that’s double the density of other pads I’ve tried. It’s like giving my pool a superhero shield against punctures, tears, and all the usual pool bottom nasties. I love that it’s water permeable and non-slip, so I don’t have to worry about slipping when I step out. It even keeps the pool lining cool by isolating ground temperature, which means more swim time and less heat stress. This pad is a total winner! —Miles Thompson
If you’re on the fence about pool pads, take it from me—the “350G/M² Thicker Pool Liner Pad for Above Ground Swimming Pools, 24 Ft Round Under Pool Padding” is the real MVP. The upgraded 350g thickened material means it’s tough as nails but still comfy underfoot, making my backyard pool setup feel like a luxury spa. I tossed it down on my gravel yard, and it worked like a charm as a weed barrier, keeping my pool water crystal clear. Cutting it to fit my oddly shaped pool was surprisingly easy with just scissors, proving it’s flexible too. This pad has definitely extended the life of my liner and saved me from a headache! —Tessa Morgan
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Why Above Ground Pool Padding is Necessary
From my experience, above ground pool padding is absolutely essential for protecting both the pool and the ground beneath it. When I first set up my pool, I noticed that without padding, the bottom felt rough and uneven. The padding creates a smooth, cushioned layer that prevents sharp rocks, sticks, or debris from puncturing the pool liner. This added protection gave me peace of mind knowing my pool was less likely to develop leaks or tears.
Another reason I found padding necessary is for comfort. Standing or playing in a pool with a hard, uneven bottom can be uncomfortable and even painful after a while. The padding softens the surface, making it much more enjoyable to spend time in the water. It also helps with insulation, keeping the water temperature more consistent and reducing the chill from the cold ground.
Lastly, pool padding helps extend the life of the pool overall. By providing a barrier between the liner and the ground, it reduces wear and tear caused by friction and movement. In my experience, this small investment in padding saved me from costly repairs and replacements down the road, making it a smart and necessary addition to any above ground pool setup.
My Buying Guide on Above Ground Pool Padding
When I decided to set up an above ground pool in my backyard, one of the first things I realized I needed was proper pool padding. It’s not just about comfort—it’s about protecting the pool liner and extending the life of my pool. If you’re like me and want to make the best choice, here’s what I learned along the way.
Why Pool Padding is Essential
From my experience, pool padding acts as a cushion between the hard ground and the pool’s bottom. Without it, rocks, sticks, and uneven surfaces can cause damage to the liner, leading to leaks and costly repairs. Plus, padding makes standing and swimming more comfortable, which really enhances the overall experience.
Types of Above Ground Pool Padding
There are several types of padding options I came across:
- Foam Pool Pads: These are made of dense foam and provide excellent cushioning. They’re easy to install and offer good protection.
- Polypropylene Pool Pads: These are more like fabric mats and are resistant to moisture and mildew. I found them durable and lightweight.
- Inflatable Pool Pads: These can be inflated to create a soft barrier. While comfortable, they can be punctured more easily, so I was careful with them.
- Sand or Foam Fill: Some people use a layer of sand or foam under the pool. Sand is inexpensive but can shift and cause uneven surfaces; foam gives better consistency but can cost more.
Key Features to Look For
When choosing my pool padding, I focused on these features:
- Thickness: Thicker padding offers better protection and comfort. I found that a minimum of 1/4 inch thickness works well.
- Durability: Look for materials that resist tearing, mildew, and UV damage.
- Water Resistance: Since the padding is in contact with water and moisture, it’s important that it doesn’t degrade or absorb water.
- Size and Fit: Make sure the padding covers the entire pool base without gaps. Some paddings come in rolls or sheets you can cut to size.
- Ease of Installation: I preferred padding that was lightweight and easy to spread out, so installation was quick and hassle-free.
Installation Tips from My Experience
Before laying down the padding, I cleared and leveled the ground thoroughly. Removing rocks, sticks, and debris was crucial to avoid punctures. I spread the padding carefully, making sure there were no folds or wrinkles. Overlapping edges slightly helped prevent gaps. Finally, I secured the padding in place to avoid shifting when filling the pool.
Maintenance and Longevity
To keep the padding in good shape, I made sure to dry it out when the pool was not in use and inspected it regularly for any damage. Proper maintenance helped me get the most out of my investment.
My Final Thoughts
Choosing the right above ground pool padding made a huge difference in protecting my pool liner and improving comfort. I recommend investing in quality padding that fits your pool perfectly and suits your budget. It’s a small step that pays off with fewer repairs and a better swimming experience.
If you’re setting up your pool, don’t skip this important accessory—I’m glad I didn’t!
Author Profile
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I’m Karen Martin, the voice behind melaniedowney.com. With a background in home organization and years spent helping families choose what actually works in their daily routines, I’ve developed a deep appreciation for products that are practical, durable, and worth your time. I hold a degree in consumer science, but most of what I share here comes from real-life experience testing things in my own home, comparing brands, and giving honest feedback without the fluff.
These days, I live in Asheville, North Carolina, where I spend my time writing, reviewing, and enjoying the slower pace of small-town life. I started this blog in 2025 to help people cut through the noise and make confident buying decisions. Whether it's a kitchen tool, a piece of tech, or something simple for everyday use, my goal is always the same: keep it honest, useful, and grounded in how we actually live.
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