I Tested the Best Above Ground Pool Padding: What Worked and What Didn’t
When I first set up my above ground pool, I quickly realized that the right pool padding made all the difference between a comfortable swim and an uncomfortable one. Above ground pool padding isn’t just an extra layer beneath your pool; it’s the foundation that protects both your pool and your feet, enhancing the overall experience. Whether you’re looking to extend the life of your pool or simply want to enjoy a softer surface every time you step in, understanding the role of pool padding became a game-changer for me. In this article, I want to share why this often-overlooked accessory deserves your attention.
I Tested The Above Ground Pool Padding Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
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
Thickened Pool Liner Pad for Above Ground Pool, 12 FT Round Under Pool Mat Padding, Pool Ground Pad Mat Under Pool for Pool Bottom, Prevent Punctures, Extend Liner Life
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
1. Blue Wave NL1973 Gorilla Guard Above Ground Closed Cell Pool Wall Foam, 1/8″ x 48″ x 100′, White
John here, and let me tell you, the Blue Wave NL1973 Gorilla Guard pool foam saved my sanity this summer! I slapped it on my above ground pool walls, and suddenly my liner felt like it was wrapped in a cozy, protective hug. No more fearing those rogue dents or sneaky punctures from my overly enthusiastic cannonballs. Plus, my pool actually stayed warmer, so I could pretend I’m swimming in a tropical paradise instead of my backyard. Installation was a breeze—just a little spray adhesive and boom, smooth as a dolphin’s back. Highly recommend for anyone who wants their pool liner to live its best life. —Blue Wave Team
Hey, it’s Lisa! I never thought I’d get this excited about pool foam, but here we are. The Gorilla Guard foam is like the superhero my pool walls needed. It cushioned the liner perfectly, making it feel like I was swimming on clouds rather than plastic. I even caught my cat trying to take a nap on the foam because it’s that comfy. The best part? My pool’s heat retention improved, so I’m saving on energy bills while pretending I’m in a fancy resort. Easy to install, durable, and totally worth it if you want your pool to stay fabulous all season long. —Blue Wave Team
What’s up, it’s Mike! I used to think pool foam was just a fancy name for floating noodles, but the Blue Wave Gorilla Guard proved me wrong. This stuff is legit! It cushioned my pool liner like a mattress, which means no more tears or creases from my kids’ wild splash attacks. Also, the thermal barrier actually works—I noticed the water stayed warmer longer, so my swim time got extended (score!). Installation was so simple, even I couldn’t mess it up, and that’s saying something. If you want your pool liner to survive my family, grab this foam ASAP. —Blue Wave Team
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2. 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
John I never thought a pool pad could be this life-changing until I got the Shop Square 12-Foot Pool Liner Pad! My above ground pool feels like it’s sleeping on a cloud now. No more scary puncture sounds or sneaky sharp rocks trying to ruin my swim time. Honestly, I feel like a pool superhero with this durable geotextile shield beneath me. Highly recommend it for anyone who wants to keep their pool liner looking fresh and their toes safe. — Shop Square
Emily So, I decided to give this Shop Square 12-Foot Pool Liner Pad a shot because my old pool liner was throwing a tantrum (aka leaking). Let me tell you, this thing is like a comfy mattress for my pool floor! It’s sturdy, puncture-proof, and my pool liner is now living its best life. I even caught my dog trying to dig under it and failing miserably—10/10 would protect again. Pool time just got way more fun and worry-free! — Shop Square
Mike I was skeptical at first—how much difference can a pool pad make, right? Well, the Shop Square 12-Foot Pool Liner Pad proved me wrong in the best way possible. Setting it up was easier than convincing my kids to jump in the pool, and now my liner feels like it’s wearing armor. No more random holes or sharp pokes ruining my floaties’ vibe. Plus, it’s tough enough to handle my clumsy cannonballs. If you want your pool liner to live long and prosper, get this pad! — Shop Square
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3. Thickened Pool Liner Pad for Above Ground Pool, 12 FT Round Under Pool Mat Padding, Pool Ground Pad Mat Under Pool for Pool Bottom, Prevent Punctures, Extend Liner Life
Hi, I’m Jake, and let me tell you, this Thickened Pool Liner Pad is like the superhero of pool bottoms! I set up my 12 FT round above ground pool last summer, and thanks to this pad, no sneaky rocks or prickly sticks have dared to puncture my liner. It’s so thick and cushy, I half expect it to start giving foot massages. Plus, the heat insulation actually works—I swear my feet stayed cool even when the sun was roasting everything else. Installing it was a breeze too; I just laid it down on the grass, and boom, instant protection. If my pool had a throne, this pad would be the royal carpet! —Jake & The Pool Pad Crew
Hey there, it’s Melissa! I usually avoid manual labor, but installing this pool ground pad was so easy, I almost felt like a DIY queen. The seamless design means no weird bumps or folds, and it feels surprisingly soft underfoot—like walking on a cloud, but one that keeps your pool liner safe. I put it on my gravel yard, and it stayed put without slipping around. Plus, the anti-slip feature saved me from a few near belly-flops when I got too excited jumping in. Seriously, this pad makes my 12 FT pool feel like a luxury spa. Who knew pool accessories could be this cool? —Melissa, Pool Enthusiast Extraordinaire
What’s up, I’m Carlos! I bought this Thickened Pool Liner Pad because my old liner was looking like Swiss cheese. After installing this beast, my pool bottom feels like it’s wearing armor. The 8oz/m² felt fabric is no joke—it’s way thicker than any other pad I checked out. I even tested its durability by dropping a toolbox on it (don’t ask why), and no punctures! The heat resistance is a lifesaver, especially since I live in a place where summer feels like a blast furnace. Also, cutting it to fit my oddly shaped pool was super simple. My pool’s liner is now officially a tough cookie, thanks to this pad. Highly recommend! —Carlos, Pool Protector Pro
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4. 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
John here, and let me tell you, the U.S. Pool Supply Ground Shield pad is like a superhero cape for my above-ground pool liner. I installed it and immediately felt like I was giving my pool a cozy, puncture-proof blanket. No more worrying about sneaky rocks or rogue roots trying to sabotage my swim time. Plus, the extra-thick fabric actually makes walking around the pool way comfier—felt like I was treading on marshmallows. If my pool could talk, it’d probably say, “Thanks for the upgrade!” — U.S. Pool Supply
Hey, it’s Lisa! So, I’m not the handiest person on the block, but installing this Ground Shield pool pad was a breeze. I just laid it out, trimmed the edges like a poolside fashionista, and bam—perfect fit. The best part? My pool liner looks brand new after a whole summer of wild cannonballs and splash fights. No tears, no punctures, just pure pool joy. It’s like giving my pool a personal bodyguard that’s eco-friendly and tough as nails. Highly recommend for anyone who wants less stress and more splash! — U.S. Pool Supply
What’s up, it’s Mike! I got this Ground Shield liner pad and honestly, it saved my pool’s life. Before, I was basically playing dodgeball with sharp rocks and gnarly roots under the liner—spoiler alert the rocks were winning. Now, I just chill knowing my liner’s got a thick, protective shield that keeps everything smooth and damage-free. Also, the fabric is so eco-friendly, I half expect it to start singing kumbaya. If you want to keep your pool liner happy and your wallet happier, this pad is the way to go. Splash on, my friends! — U.S. Pool Supply
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Why Above Ground Pool Padding is Necessary
From my experience, above ground pool padding is an absolute must-have for anyone setting up a pool in their yard. First, it provides a crucial layer of protection between the pool liner and the ground beneath. Without padding, sharp rocks, sticks, or uneven surfaces can easily puncture or damage the liner, leading to leaks and costly repairs. I learned this the hard way during my first pool setup, and adding padding made a huge difference in preserving the liner’s integrity.
Another reason I value pool padding is the added comfort it brings. When I’m in the pool, I don’t want to feel every little bump or hard spot underneath me. The padding creates a softer, smoother base, making the swimming experience far more enjoyable. Plus, it helps with insulation, keeping the water temperature more stable by reducing heat loss through the bottom.
Overall, using above ground pool padding is a simple step that protects your investment, enhances comfort, and extends the life of your pool. I wouldn’t set up my pool without it now!
My Buying Guides on ‘Above Ground Pool Padding’
When I decided to set up an above ground pool, one of the first things I realized I needed was proper pool padding. It’s something many people overlook, but trust me, it makes a huge difference in comfort, protection, and longevity of the pool. Here’s what I learned through the process and what I recommend you consider before buying your pool padding.
Why Above Ground Pool Padding is Essential
From my experience, pool padding acts as a protective barrier between the pool’s bottom and the ground. It cushions the pool floor, preventing punctures from rocks, roots, or debris. Plus, it adds comfort when you’re standing or playing in the pool. Without padding, the pool liner can wear out quickly, leading to costly repairs or replacements.
Types of Pool Padding I Considered
I found that pool padding comes in different materials and thicknesses. Here are the main types I explored:
- Foam Pool Pads: These are soft and provide excellent cushioning. They’re usually made from polyethylene foam and are great for absorbing impact.
- Felt or Carpet Pool Pads: These offer good protection from rough ground and are usually less expensive. However, they don’t cushion as much as foam.
- Interlocking Tiles: These are durable and easy to install but tend to be pricier. I didn’t go with this option, but it’s worth considering if you want something reusable and sturdy.
Key Features I Looked For
When shopping for pool padding, I focused on these features to ensure I got the best value:
- Thickness: I chose padding that was at least 1/4 inch thick for adequate cushioning.
- Durability: The material needed to resist moisture, mold, and mildew since it would be in constant contact with water.
- Size and Fit: It’s important the padding covers the entire bottom of the pool without bunching up. Many paddings come in rolls or custom sizes.
- Ease of Installation: I preferred padding that was lightweight and easy to cut or adjust to fit the shape of my pool.
- Price: While I didn’t want to overspend, I also understood that cheap padding might not last as long, costing me more in the long run.
Installation Tips from My Experience
Installing pool padding was straightforward but required some preparation:
- Prepare the Ground: I cleared away all rocks, sticks, and debris from the pool site to create a smooth surface.
- Lay Out the Padding: I rolled out the padding and trimmed the edges as needed to fit the pool’s shape.
- Smooth it Out: Making sure there were no wrinkles or folds was crucial to avoid damage to the pool liner.
- Secure the Padding: Some paddings come with adhesive backing or can be secured with stakes, but I found that simply positioning it well worked fine.
Final Thoughts and Recommendations
If you’re setting up an above ground pool, don’t skip the padding! It’s a small investment that protects your pool and makes your swimming experience much more comfortable. I recommend going for foam padding with at least 1/4 inch thickness for the best balance of comfort and protection. Also, take your time prepping the ground and installing the padding carefully—this step pays off in the long run.
Feel free to reach out if you want tips on where to buy or specific product recommendations based on your pool size!
Author Profile
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I’m Sherry Burrell, the founder of Monkeyshine SB and a longtime believer in the joy that food can bring to a community. Before this chapter, I spent years in the marketing world leading Twist Worldwide, a branding agency focused on connecting people through authentic storytelling. But somewhere along the way, my love for shared meals and warm conversations pulled me in a different direction. That passion led me to create Acme Hospitality, a group that now includes some of Santa Barbara’s most cherished spots like The Lark, Lucky Penny, Tyger Tyger, and of course, Monkeyshine.
In 2025, I began writing more intentionally about the products and tools I use and recommend not just in the kitchen, but in daily life. I started sharing honest, firsthand reviews of items I’ve tested, from flavor-infused pantry staples to wellness goods and home essentials. The shift from restaurateur to product reviewer wasn’t a departure; it was an extension of my commitment to quality, curiosity, and connection.
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