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Friday, March 24th, 2023

4 Best Above-Ground Pool Pads | Reviews + Guide

Best Above-Ground Pool Pad

Taking a dive in an above-ground pool is the perfect way to cool off when the temperature takes a spike. An above-ground swimming pool is a go-to choice for families who want to take advantage of those summer months. The beauty of these pools is that they come in a huge variety of sizes and colors to fit any backyard layout, making it easy for you to find one that suits your needs.

If you are looking to get a pool in a hurry then the above-ground swimming pool should be right up your alley. One of the main advantages of getting yourself an above-ground swimming pool is that there’s no extensive digging involved, as is the case with in-ground pools. The above-ground swimming pool comes in the form of a kit which can either be installed by the buyer or professional installer.

Many above-ground pool options come along with railing and decking options which either come as part of the kit or can be added later on. Above-ground swimming pools can also be heated if the temperature outside drops. By far, the above-ground swimming pool is the most affordable options for those who want to have the comfort of owning their own swimming pool without having to go through zoning regulations and building laws of a city or county.

Importance of a Pool Pad

While above-ground pool owners often obsess over the various parts of their swimming pool. From the pumps and pool lining to the plates, rails, and structure of the above-ground pool, every part is thoroughly researched and scrutinized before being purchased, and for good reason. After all, you wouldn’t want your above-ground pool to fall apart because of faulty equipment.

However, one area that above-ground pool owners often miss when choosing a pool are the pads. Surprisingly, the pool pad also happens to be one of the most important parts of an above-ground swimming pool.

This is mainly because a well-constructed pool pad provides users with a soft footing that keeps them safe from injuries while using the pool area. It also keeps stones and other sharp objects from damaging the pool. Keeping this in mind, choosing the best pool pad will ensure that your above-ground swimming pool is going to be safe to use and more enjoyable.

Best Above-ground Pool Pads

Above-Ground Pool Pad

A good above-ground pool pad is just the thing you need to make sure not only the pool but also its users are kept safe. Investing in a pool pad will ensure that water does not seep from the pool into the steel frame and other metal parts causing them to degrade. It will also keep the users of the above-ground swimming pool safe by providing them with a softer footing.

The popularity of above-ground pool pads has resulted in many manufacturers jumping in to fill the void. As a result, today there are hundreds of companies that are offering pool pads in various shapes and sizes and built from various materials. While this makes it easier for you to choose the perfect one that suits your needs, for many people, the sheer amount of options can make it extremely difficult for them to choose the right above-ground pool pad.

Luckily for you, we have combed the internet and have brought you the best above-ground pool pads that are available in the market today. The pool pads we have on our list offer you unmatched value for money regardless of the size of your above-ground swimming pool. So, let’s get started with the list.

  1. LinerLife | Best Pool Pad for Durability

Liner Life Pre-Cut Swimming Pool Liner Pad, 24’ Round,...
  • ABOVEGROUND POOL LINER PAD – The Liner Life Pre-Cut Pool...
  • PRECUT TO SIZE – Liner Life pool padding is pre-cut for...

The pre-cut liner pads from LinerLife have been specifically designed to offer the ultimate protection to the bottom of above-ground swimming pools. Available in a 15 ft. diameter, this pool pad fits most above-ground swimming pools perfectly, making it the go-to choice for many pool owners. LinerLife is a well-known brand in the pool pad industry and promises an exceptional level of quality with their products, and their new lineup of above-ground pool pads is no exception.

Well Made and Durable

One of the highlights of this pool pad is that it’s been designed using premium quality materials to ensure its longevity. Furthermore, the superior quality pool pad offers protection from stones, grass, pebbles and other foreign objects with ease. With its new durable design LinerLife offers an exceptional level of quality and does away with the shortcomings of the traditional vinyl liners.

The main highlight of the LinerLife above-ground pool pad is that it’s been constructed using extremely durable polyester geotextile material that’s known for being super tough and able to take quite a beating from stones, pebbles, and the environment. While there are many other brands that also offer top-notch above-ground pool pads, LinerLife offers a pool pad that’s truly durable and is sure to enhance the overall lifespan of your above-ground swimming pool.

Comfortable Footing

Apart from the exceptional level of durability that this above-ground pool pad provides, you also get a pad that offers a comfortable footing for all those who are going to be using the pool area. The pad also provides a comfortable cushion for you to walk on. Although this pool pad is not as thick as other makes that are available in the market, it does provide a spongy, foam-type padding that softens the steps, making your swimming pool experience more enjoyable.

Also like many other top-quality pool pads, this one also prevents the formation of those unsightly footprints that appear under the pool liner with time. While the LinerLife pool pad comes in a standard size, it can also be pre-cut according to the size of your pool. This takes away the need to measure, cut or tape the pool pad once you purchase it.

Pros
  • Extremely tough polyester geotextile material makes it durable and long-lasting
  • Premium quality product that’s well made
  • Leakproof technology ensures better durability
  • Soft cushioning for the feet
  • Available in a variety of sizes. Can be pre-cut according to the size of your pool
Cons
  • Not ideal for wet, humid climates 
  1. Rhino Pad | Best Eco-Friendly Pool Pad

If you’re looking for a pool pad that is not only well-made but also offers your pool with the protection it needs, then you need to choose the Rhino Pad. This is one product that not only offers protection for your above-ground swimming pool but has been designed to enhance the lifespan on the pool’s liner. The product features a specially designed cloth fiber that is thick and durable. The purpose of that is to protect the pool liner from getting damaged due to foreign objects, such as stones, pebbles, grass, etc.

Added Protection for Your Pool

The Rhino Pad above-ground pool pad has been designed using a special material that defends the liner of the pool against damage. The liner guard technology that’s been used in the design of this pool pad is able to create a barrier at the bottom of the pool which keeps water from corroding the metal components of the swimming pool. This provides an added layer of safety for your pool and ensures that your above-ground pool is going to last a long time.

Unique Design and Protection Capabilities

One of the standout features of the Rhino Pad pool pad that no other product offers is the superior quality and the specially designed material that offers unmatched protection for the pool liner. It does this by using a low compression, high-density construction that gives it superior resilience as compared to many other pool pads that are available in the market today. This helps protect the interior of the pool as well as its lining.

Eco-Friendly Design

The Rhino Pad delivers at all levels, from providing you with efficient and durable padding to offering added protection for the lining of your pool, the Rhino Pad offers customers with the very best in quality and so much more.

Additionally, the Rhino Pad has been designed using eco-friendly materials and also boasts of an eco-friendly design. This makes perfect sense since more and more people are looking for products in the market that offer superior quality and are safe for the environment. With the Rhino Pad, those who are looking to invest in a sturdy and well built above-ground swimming pool pad get both quality and an eco-friendly design.

According to the company, Rhino Pad is constructed using 45% industrial recycled materials and 45% post-consumer materials. This makes Rhino Pad the only above-ground pool pad that not only offers your pool the protection it needs but is also safe for the environment. The 90% recycled materials which represent each Rhino Pad makes it the best choice for all those who are looking to get the best protection for their above-ground pool and also want to do their part for the environment.

Pros
  • Durable construction using top quality materials
  • Eco-friendly materials make up 90% of its construction
  • Large sizes
  • Pool pad offers superior durability and strength
  • Pre-cut to fit the size of your pool
  • Mold and mildew-resistant offers long-lasting durability
Cons
  • Might have to smooth some wrinkles out during installation 
  

  1. Gorilla Pool Pad | Best Pool Pad for Superior Leak Protection

Blue Wave Gorilla Floor Padding for 12 Feet X 24 Feet...
  • category: Home / Gorilla Floor Padding 12' x 24' Rect.
  • Pool Size: 12' x 24'

This premium quality above-ground pool pad is from Blue Wave Pool Products a well-known company in the pool maintenance industry. The company has been around for a while and knows what the customer’s looks for in a pool pad. This knowledge shows with the new Gorilla Pool pad which offers superior protection that’s hard to compete with. One of the benefits of investing in this particular pool pad is that you get one that offers the best in both function and durability.

Durable Design

The company behind the Gorilla Pool pad, Blue Wave Pool Products have made it clear that it knows pool products like no one else, and it shows with the new pool pad which boasts of superior quality and a durable design that has been built to last. What make this particular pool pad unique are the materials that have been used in the construction of the pool pad.

Superior Leak Protection  

The result is a pool pad that offers unmatched protection against stones, grass, and pebbles. One of the reasons for that is because the Gorilla pool pad has been designed with a material that’s extremely difficult to penetrate.

The material used in its construction is a specially designed geotextile material that’s been combined with an equally strong felt-like material that is 1/8 mm thick, offering superior protection from leaks and other damage. In fact, the Gorilla pool pad is almost impervious to getting damaged when coming in contact with rocks, peddles, grass, and other foreign objects.

Soft Comfortable Cushion

Apart from providing unmatched protection against leaks, the Gorilla pool pads also add a comfortable cushioned layer to the bottom of the above-ground pool, which makes it extremely comfortable to walk on and enjoy the pool area. Additionally, the extra cushioned layer that’s provided by this pool pad also helps eliminate the formation of footprints that normally appear at the bottom of the above-ground swimming pool.

Cut To Size

And as if all that wasn’t enough, Blue Wave Pool Products have made it easy to get their premium pool pad in a size that fits your above-ground pool perfectly. All you have to do is take the size of the above-ground swimming pool and send it to the company to get one tailored to your specific size requirements. Apart from that, you also get to choose from the standard size that’s available that fits most above-ground swimming pools. You are also going to get a handy 90-day warranty to go with the pool pad just in case.

Overall, the Gorilla pool pad that’s designed by Blue Wave Pool Products ensures you get a product that is sturdy, breathable and long-lasting, making this one of the best investments you can make for your above-ground swimming pool.

Pros
  • Offers superior protection against leaks
  • Breathable fabric
  • Can be seamed and cut to size
  • Lightweight design
  • Installation is extremely easy
Cons
  • Comes with a 90-day warranty 
  1. GLI Armor Shield | Best Overall Above-ground Pool Pad

Sale
GLI 70-0024RD-BLK-160 Round Armor Shield Floor Pad, 24-Feet
  • This armor shield floor pad provides an important protective...
  • Armor shield is a polypropylene geotextile material that...

Last, but certainly not the least, the GLI Armor Shield is by far one of the best above-ground pool pads that’s available in the market today. In fact, the Armor Shield is so good in doing what it’s supposed to do, that it should have been the first one on our list. Armor Shield is a premium quality pool pad that’s been brought you to by GLI, a company that is no stranger in the above-ground pool industry. The company has years of experience in delivering exceptionally crafted products that are well-made and durable. 

Superior Protection Against Leaks

One of the reasons why GLI is the top player when it comes to designing pool pads is because they simply get what it takes to deliver an above-ground pool pad that offers protection that’s simply unmatched in the industry. It is no surprise that GLI, the manufacturer or the Armor Shield pool pad is the largest manufacturer of swimming pool liners in the US. What this means, is being the top manufacturer of above-ground pool lining they know what it takes to protect the lining of the pools as well. 

With this pool pad, you get superior protection thanks to the heavy-duty materials that have been used in its design. The Armor Shield pool pad features a specially designed polypropylene geotextile material that has been designed specifically to prevent and punctures or cuts that are a common occurrence when it comes to above-ground pools. 

In fact, the manufacturers of the Armor Shield pool pad are so positive about the quality of their product that they promise that the design is practically maintenance-free. This means no longer walking around the above-ground pool searching for punctures of scratches to its structure. The durable quality material that’s been used in its design ensures exceptional protection against punctures in the floor pad or lining. 

Comfortable Floor Pad

The polypropylene geotextile material that has been used in its design, also means that you get to have a comfortable floor pad to move on when in the pool. The extra thick cushion is the result of the thick material that’s been used in the design of this pool pad.

Speaking of comfort, the Armor Shield pool pad has also been designed to prevent the formation of footprints which is a common occurrence in an above-ground pool. This means that you get a pool that’s not only safe from leaks, but you also get a pool that’s smooth and great to walk on.

At the end of the day, the Armor Shield by GLI offers the very best when it comes to protecting the lining of your above-ground swimming pool along with giving you a perfectly smooth surface to walk on.

Pros
  • Durable and long-lasting construction
  • Specially designed to prevent leaks
  • One-piece design
  • Large 24-feet design
  • Adds an extra layer of cushioning
  • Warranty available
Cons
  • Not compatible with square and rectangular above-ground pools
  • Cut to fit option not available

Guide to Pool Pads

Why You Need an Above-ground Pool Pad?

When you first glance at an above-ground pool you will notice that the base structure and definition of the above-ground pool comes from the liner which serves as a structure for the pool. This is so the pool can contain an adequate amount of water once it’s filled. But, that’s not all it takes to keep an above-ground swimming pool standing. 

Another major component is the pool pad, which sits in the middle of the liner and the ground. In this way, a pool pad serves as a protection to keep the liner safe from coming in contact with sharp objects, rocks or pebbles. While there are some manufacturers that build sturdy pool liners that can take an impact from rocks or pebbles, and extreme environments, it is also best to reinforce the structure of your above-ground swimming pool with the help of a pool pad. 

Including the pool pad into the mix will ensure that your pool is going to last for a long time and stay protected from foreign objects and the elements. In other words, without a pool pad, the liner would get easily damaged, shortening the lifespan of your above-ground swimming pool. The pool pad serves as an added layer of protection that sits between the ground and the liner of the pool and prolongs the life of your above-ground swimming pool. 

What Material is the Pool Pad Made of?

When choosing a pool pad, one crucial factor to consider is going to be the material that’s been used to construct the pool pad. It is important to note that the best above-ground pool pads that are available in the market today are made up of geotextile material or some similar variation. 

When it comes to durability, geotextile material has been found to be the most efficient and durable. The reason for the high level of durability of this material is because it has been designed specifically to withstand impact from stones or other foreign objects and is tough enough to withstand the elements as well. 

Another popular material that’s commonly used in manufacturing pool pads is polyester geotextile material, which is also just as strong and offers the same protective qualities. Regardless of which type of above-ground pool pad you choose, what makes the pool pad unique in its design is that not only does it offer an unmatched level of protection to the above-ground swimming pool, but it is also extremely lightweight. 

When choosing a pool pad it’s important to purchase one that offers some kind of cushioning. Even a single layer of cushioning and significantly enhance the effectiveness of a pool pad when it comes to protection and durability. Not to mention, the extra layer of cushioning can provide more protection for pool’s lining which can increase its longevity. 

Is a Pool Pad Water Resistant?

For an above-ground pool pad, being water-resistant is extremely important. Surprisingly, not all pool pads are water-resistant which can have a negative effect on its ability to provide your above-ground pool with the protection it needs. When it comes to the water-resistance properties of above-ground pool pads, one of the best options is known as the “vapor barrier.” 

As the name implies, a vapor barrier is a kind of barrier that blocks the water from seeping in and coming in contact with the iron frame of the swimming pool which can degrade over time. By keeping the water from seeping to the steel frame and the other components, the vapor barrier can prolong the lifespan of your above-ground swimming pool. 

Conclusion  For Best Above-Ground Pool Pad

Since a pool pad is going to play an important part in the longevity of your above-ground pool, there are certain factors that you cannot afford to ignore when purchasing one. Needless to say, when you go online or to a brick-and-mortar store to purchase the pool pad you will notice that they come in many different sizes. 

The pool pads that are available in the market today come in a diameter of 12 feet and can go all the way up to 36 feet in diameter. The good news is, it is possible to have the pool pad pre-cut according to your specific measurements. But, regardless of which color or size above-ground pool you choose, you will need to make sure that the pool pad is large enough to serve its purpose. 

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