I am installing a new A/G. Have had one in the past and helped family members install one also. However, I have never been able to compact sand well enough to maintain smooth bottom for liner installation. Someone told me to mix 7 parts sand to 1 part Portland so that it would compact better. However, will this end up like hard concrete or will it still have some cushion? I'm not a big fan of Gorilla pad or any other cloth type surface. All suggestions welcome.
Sand or Sand/Portland mix under A/G Liner
- Thread starter pianogirl
- Start date
A Sand/cement mix will work ok if it is done correctly. However, I think that a vermiculite mix will give you a better base.
Thanks so much. Can you tell me a formula? Like Sand/Portland/ Vermiculite? 7/1/? Also, I have seen many posts about using the styrene foam boards. Wouldn't those break down over time? My last pool I just used sand and NEVER was able to achieve a smooth flat bottom.
There is a commercial product called pool-crete that most people use for the base below a vinyl liner. It is possible to duplicate their formula fairly easily, though I don't know the recipe, but most people simply buy their pre-mix. If you go that route you can get a nice smooth bottom.
My favourite leveller is blue metal dust..... Its just crushed up Blue Stone.... Its fantastic for drainage and it sets hard.... 
Where do you find this material?
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Yes I checked into pool-crete but it is very expensive. I don't think I could afford enough of it.
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Yes I checked into pool-crete but it is very expensive. I don't think I could afford enough of it.
Any in ground vinyl pool installer should be able to sell you some vermiculite premix.