Foam boards, tarp, and paver questions

[Sydknee]

Hey all. I have a Coleman 18 ft round pool. About to start digging out the sod and begin the leveling process this weekend. I plan to have a 20x20 area framed with rail-ties. I will be using pavers under each pool leg and then spreading pea gravel. I also want to use th Polystyrene foam boards under the pool. I have some questions for you pool set-up vets:

Is thicker better with the foam boards? Do most folk use 1" or 2"?

Also, I'm on Lowe's website and I see a cheaper foam board they list as "Insulfoam Faced Polystyrene Garage Door Foam" it is cheaper than the other boards. Is this stuff ok? It's described as "moisture resistant". A peak at the manufacture's page describes it as "expanded polystyrene? Any knowledge of these boards versus the "Kingspan" insulaton boards with the Lowe's logo on them?

I will cover my foam boards with a heavy duty tarp. Then pea gravel will be spread once pool is full. Question is this: If I cut the boards to be only under the pool then should I fold back my tarp so it is only under the pool and not over the pavers too? Any problems with the tarp covering the pavers and the legs resting on the tarp? I figure it won't be seen due to the pea gravel. thoughts?

Thanks in advance folks

 

[kellyfair]

I’m sorry you haven’t gotten any assistance yet. Did you install your pool?

My personal preference would be for there to be nothing between leg and paver.

 

[Sydknee]

I’m sorry you haven’t gotten any assistance yet. Did you install your pool?

My personal preference would be for there to be nothing between leg and paver.

Thanks! Nope we are still digging. I appreciate you sharing your opinion!!!

 

[jseyfert3]

Also, I'm on Lowe's website and I see a cheaper foam board they list as "Insulfoam Faced Polystyrene Garage Door Foam" it is cheaper than the other boards. Is this stuff ok? It's described as "moisture resistant". A peak at the manufacture's page describes it as "expanded polystyrene? Any knowledge of these boards versus the "Kingspan" insulaton boards with the Lowe's logo on them?

You don't want that. You want extruded polystyrene, which the Kingspan is, as is the Owen's Corning (pink) sold at HD or Menard's. Expanded poly is too lightweight and would crush under a pool. Visually, the extruded poly is almost solid, while the expanded stuff is lots of little balls which tend to rub off. You've probably seen that in packaging before.

I did 1" after some searching here. Seems to be a good base. 2" is probably overkill and very expensive too.