Foam instead of sand

[Kdsknight]

hi everyone,

I saw multiple threads about using foam under your above ground pool but I couldn't find the answer to my question. I am installing a new resin above ground pool and I was wondering if it's better to put to Foam at a slight down angle toward the bottom drain? Would it help for sending the debris to the bottom drain?

thanks

 

[Texas Splash]

I was wondering if it's better to put to Foam at a slight down angle toward the bottom drain? Would it help for sending the debris to the bottom drain?

So is this a side-wall only resin pool? Liner inside correct? If you have the flexibility to do so with the liner without compromising the overall set-up and keep the pool level along the top rails, I suppose it's a good thing. We don't normally see many AGPs with a main drain. Interesting.

 

[Kdsknight]

Hi,
thanks for the reply. You said interesting.... why is that? Is it better not to add one? Read multiple post regarding this and didn’t see a definitive answer. I know it’s very popular in our region but i would like your thoughts.

thanks

 

[Texas Splash]

Main drains have two potential advantages in my opinion. One, some owners like the idea of sweeping dirt towards them to help with cleaning. Second, with a main drain plumbed to the equipment pad, you then have two sources of water suction to the pump instead of only the poolside skimmer. Sometimes that can be a plus. The downside most often is the potential for leaks. Most pools do just fine with surface skimming only (skimmers), so the drain just gets plugged-off permanently if that happens. Obvious in your location you close the pool each winter, so I'm not sure if a drain in your application would require more care/protection as opposed to a drain and plumbing that goes 6-8 ft underground for an inground pool.

I mentioned "interesting" earlier just because most AGPs don't seem to have a drain, but that doesn't mean you can have one it you wish.

 

[Bama Rambler]

There are times when I wish our AGP had a main drain, but the leak potential and the amount of work it would require to fix it keeps me from installing one.