Answer
Nov 28, 2025 - 11:34 AM
Round above ground pools, including this Bristol Model, can be installed on top of hard surfaces like concrete, but they are more complex installations and should only be performed by a professional pool installation company. The instruction manual provided by the pool manufacturer will include installation and safety instructions for assembling the swimming pool on top of level ground (earth/dirt).
Here is a link to a customer submitted photo of a round swimming pool installed on top of concrete:
https://d2jhuj1whasmze.cloudfront.net/photos/original/K4ZDL.jpg
A sand bed across the entire inside of the pool (wall-to-wall) is required when installing a base underneath a pool liner. A pool pad cannot be used as an alternative to the required sand base. Please refer to page 13 of the manufacturer’s instruction manual below to determine the proper amount of sand required for your swimming pool installation. You will also need to build a sand cove against the pool wall by creating an angle (slope) of sand on top of the sand base where the base of sand meets the pool wall. It’s extremely important to make sure that the vinyl pool liner is supported by the sand and cove base. There should be NO AIR SPACE between the vinyl pool liner and the base that the liner is resting on.
Additionally, a Liner Floor Pad is a recommended installation accessory that is placed on top of the sand base. The Liner Floor Pad provides an important protective layer between your pool liner and the sand base. It helps protect the pool liner from punctures caused by sharp objects like rocks and roots.
