How much sand do I need under Intex pool??

[sephoraz]

Hello, I just bought my first pool (Intex 15'x48'' round above ground). I rented a front end loader last weekend to level out the ground, which was previously a vegetable garden (hasn't grown anything for 2 years). HOW MUCH SAND DO I NEED to put under the pool now. People are saying 2 to 5 tons. That is a huge difference!!! I've also heard a "truck load" or 2. How much is that? I'm NOT buying sand by the bag, but will purchase it by weight...ex. 2 tons, if that's how much I need. PLEASE HELP ME ANSWER THIS QUESTION!!! Thank you!!!

[Watermom]

Hi and welcome to the Pool Forum! I do not know the answer to your question but changed your title to hopefully catch the eye of someone who might know.

[CarlD]

Hi Sephoraz!
It's an odd question as large amounts of sand are not usually sold by weight but by cubic yard-3'x3'x3'. You buy a "yard" or two "yards" or 5 "yards".
Depending on the surface underneath, you'll want at least 3" of sand, if not more, and you'll want it to cover at least a 16'x16' area so it's bigger than the pool. That would take about 2 1/2 yards of sand, minimum, so you'd get 3 yards. I have no idea how much a yard weighs and, of course, that depends in large part how dry it is. Intex used to sell a 16x16 vinyl ground "cloth" you put over the sand and then set the pool on. This helped protect the bottom of the pool. I would then put a blue tarp over the sand base in the winter and stake it down to protect the sand.

[BigDave]

Please be sure that the sand doesn't have a path to wash away. Sand can't be used to build up but it is good underfoot it it's contained.

[PoolDoc]

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