Does a 16' AGP need sand?

[qwertyjjj]

Thinking of installing a new agp. The ground is grass with a mixture of sand/clay.
I'm wondering what base I need. This diagram shows sand only on the inside of the structure:
How to Install a Base For Your Above Ground Pool Liner

 

[Minority]

Yes wheelbarrow in mason sand. I just installed my first above ground and removed the sod and laser leveled the blocks for columns. I used 2-3 inches of sand combined with a gorilla liner. I heard also that the smell of the grass decomposing under the pool is pretty bad.

 

[duraleigh]

Remember this if you start...Level, Level, Level. By far the biggest mistake reported on this forum is not leveling the site.

As a rule, all your posts must be within one inch level of one another. It's a fatal mistake and your pool will collapse if you do a sloppy job leveling.

 

[Minority]

Duraleigh is 100% correct. My entire pool was within 1/4" of level accross 33'. Even then a couple blocks had a 1/8" difference and when filling those few were noticeable.

 

[qwertyjjj]

They have these flexible liner ones as well. Is it worth removing sod if the pool only costs $200?
Similar examples
Hydro-Force Steel Pro Frame Pool Set, 12-ft x 39.5-in | Canadian Tire
Summer Waves Pool, 18-ft x 48-in | Canadian Tire

From what I saw the goddess inside the wall. So, do you just level the sod with black earth?

 

[Supermommys4]

Oh goodness yes!!! Remove ALL grass/ weeds / vegetation of any kind!! STINKY isn't even the word for how it smells! Bleh
LEVEL LEVEL LEVEL!!! Use pavers for the legs making them level with the ground! Dig down don't build up!!!
And sand is not a means of base! It's merely used to "protect and smooth" the bottom of your pool! Be sure to compact/ tamp until it just won't anymore!
I'm on my 8th year and talk about trial by error!! Ugh. Good luck!

 

[qwertyjjj]

But I level with black earth or level with sand (or either)? The link in the top post shows the sand only going on inside of the pool wall to support/protect liner.
Is a ground sheet needed?

 

[qwertyjjj]

Is black earth ok for the base with grass removed?

 

[Minority]

I would atleast use a inch to two inches of sand. If you really do not want to purchase and haul in sand. Then maybe a gorilla liner would be ok for your pool. Especially if the soil is free of rocks and debris.

 

[qwertyjjj]

What about 1" styrofoam as a base?

 

[Minority]

I have hears of some people using styrofoam for a base. Taped together with duct tape.