Should You Put Interlocking Foam Mats Under A Pool?

A backyard swimming pool offers hours of entertainment for your kids and family, but creating an ideal base for that pool can be tricky. Whether you’re installing an above ground pool, inflatable pool, kiddie pool, or paddling pool, creating a base might be as simple as installing some interlocking foam mats.

Reasons to Put Interlocking Foam Mats Under a Pool

If you’re planning to place a pool directly on the ground, particularly over grass or dirt, you’ll likely run into some challenges. Any divots or variations in the surface will often be reflected in the pool’s bottom, especially if you’re working with a vinyl or inflatable pool.


The same is true of items like rocks or sticks. If you overlook any of these objects, they could potentially puncture your pool bottom.

Placing your pool directly on the ground also makes for a harder surface, especially in the case of kiddie pools and wading pools. If kids slip and fall when using the pool, this could result in a painful impact.

Interlocking foam tiles can create a softer surface that helps to absorb impact. The foam will help to cushion your pool bottom, making it more comfortable for wading and playing.

Foam also protects the bottom of an above ground pool from some of the holes, variations, and even objects that can be in your yard. Investing in a foam base can be an investment in the longevity of your pool.

If you design your base so that the foam mats extend past the pool’s edges, the mats can create a place for your ladder to sit. The foam base is cleaner and more comfortable for climbing in and out of the pool than most ground surfaces.

Ideal Interlocking Foam Mats for Under a Pool

While foam mats can be very beneficial under a pool, it’s important to choose the right products for this use. Look for products that are only made of closed-cell foam, since open-cell foam can absorb water.


It’s also important to choose a thinner, firmer foam, since the weight of the pool will compress the foam while in use.

If you’re looking for interlocking foam mats for under a pool, the following options are all ideal.

Pro Taekwondo Martial Arts Mats 20mm

Our Pro Taekwondo Martial Arts Mats 20mm are a firmer mat that still offer plenty of cushion. These extra large mats (roughly 40x40 inches) offer a comfortable yet durable surface that can withstand the weight of a pool.

The mats are non-absorbent and feature safe materials. They’re free of both lead and latex, so they’re safe around kids, and the mats are recyclable when you no longer need them.

While most of the mat will be concealed by the pool, these mats do feature a double color reversible design, so you can create patterns or choose the color that you want to appear along the pool edge. The mats fit together tightly and securely.

Home Gym Flooring Tile Pebble 10 mm

Our Home Gym Flooring Tile Pebble 10 mm is made of a super high-density EVA foam which is highly durable. The mat is lead and latex free, and it’s also lightweight and portable for an easy installation.

These tiles feature a surface top texture pebble design that helps to prevent your pool from sliding around on the surface. They’re strong enough to withstand the weight of a pool, and they won’t absorb moisture.

Each tile includes two border strips, so you can create clean, finished edges for an attractive look. The tiles connect together securely and are easy to install on your own.

Sport Plus Designer Foam Tile

The Sport Plus Designer Foam Tile is a foam underlayment that helps to absorb impact. Its anti fatigue properties help to make a pool more comfortable, and are ideal for wading pools or smaller pools where you’ll be making frequent contact with the pool floor.

The tiles are waterproof and can be easily cleaned and disinfected. They’re also free of lead and latex, so they’re safe to use around your kids.

Each tile is lightweight and portable for an easy installation. The tiles come with two border strips each, so you can create clean, finished edges.

If you wish to cut the tiles to fit your pool precisely, you can easily do so with a sharp utility knife.

Note: Most interlocking foam mats are not UV treated and may fade with extended exposure to direct sunlight.

Use Rubber Mats as an Alternative to Foam Mats

Rubber mats or rolls can also provide cushion and a stable underlayment. A rubber base can make your pool bottom more comfortable and protect the pool liner.
Read more about using rubber under a pool.