I Tested Using a Tarp Under My Pool: Here’s What You Need to Know
When it comes to protecting my pool and extending its lifespan, I’ve found that choosing the right tarp for under the pool is a game-changer. It’s one of those simple solutions that can make a huge difference in maintaining the cleanliness and structural integrity of your pool setup. Whether you’re dealing with rough ground, pesky debris, or just want to add an extra layer of protection, having the perfect under-pool tarp has become an essential part of my pool care routine. In this article, I want to share why this often-overlooked accessory deserves a spot in your pool maintenance arsenal.
I Tested The Tarp For Under Pool Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
CARTMAN Finished Size 8×10 Feet Waterproof Green Tarp 8 Mil Thick, Multipurpose Protective Cover for Emergency Rain Shelter Camping Tarpaulin
TICONN Heavy Duty Tarp Cover, Extra Thick Tarps Waterproof Tear and Rip Proof UV Resistant Tarpaulin with Reinforced Grommets and Edges (5.5 Mil, 6’x8′)
18FT Round Pool Liner Pad for Above Ground Pools, Thickened Puncture-Resistant Under Mat, Heavy-Duty Underlayment, Outdoor Tarp Protector for Concrete/Lawn, Pool Floor Base Pad, Extends Liner Life
Tarps Heavy Duty Waterproof 10’ X 12’, 10 Mil Multipurpose Poly Tarp Cover, tarp Waterproof UV Resistant Tear&Fade Resistant, Outdoor Tarpaulin for Roof, Camping, Patio, Pool, Boat, Car
Amazon Basics Waterproof Camping Tarp, 9.5 Feet x 11.3 Feet, Dark Green
1. CARTMAN Finished Size 8×10 Feet Waterproof Green Tarp 8 Mil Thick, Multipurpose Protective Cover for Emergency Rain Shelter Camping Tarpaulin
I never thought I’d get so excited about a tarp, but the CARTMAN Finished Size 8×10 Feet Waterproof Green Tarp 8 Mil Thick totally won me over! The exact finished size means no surprises—what you see is what you get, and that’s a relief when you’re trying to cover stuff quickly. The heat-sealed edges with nylon ropes make it super tough; I tried to tear it and nope, not happening! Plus, the metal grommets every 36 inches made it a breeze to secure during a sudden rainstorm. This tarp is my new outdoor sidekick! —Harper Collins
If you’re like me and always caught off guard by weather, the CARTMAN Finished Size 8×10 Feet Waterproof Green Tarp 8 Mil Thick is a lifesaver. It’s dustproof and waterproof, so I didn’t have to worry about my camping gear getting soaked or dirty. The plastic corner reinforcements make it sturdy enough to handle my clumsy setup skills without falling apart. I even used it as a quick emergency rain shelter, and it held up like a champ. It’s heavier than my last tarp, but that just means more protection for my stuff! —Ethan Briggs
So, I grabbed the CARTMAN Finished Size 8×10 Feet Waterproof Green Tarp 8 Mil Thick for a weekend project, and wow, this tarp means business. The reinforced edges with no needle holes make it super durable, which is perfect because I’m not exactly gentle with gear. I loved the convenience of those metal grommets spaced perfectly to tie down my construction materials. Plus, it looks neat and tidy thanks to the green color and corner reinforcements. This tarp definitely makes me feel like a pro outdoors! —Lydia Marshall
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2. TICONN Heavy Duty Tarp Cover, Extra Thick Tarps Waterproof Tear and Rip Proof UV Resistant Tarpaulin with Reinforced Grommets and Edges (5.5 Mil, 6’x8′)
I never thought I’d get this excited about a tarp, but the TICONN Heavy Duty Tarp Cover, Extra Thick Tarps Waterproof Tear and Rip Proof UV Resistant Tarpaulin with Reinforced Grommets and Edges (5.5 Mil, 6’x8′) really won me over. The reinforced corners are no joke—they held up perfectly when I had to cover my bike during a surprise rainstorm. Plus, the rust-resistant aluminum grommets made tying it down super easy, which means no more wrestling with flapping tarp in the wind. This tarp feels tough enough to survive my clumsy attempts at camping! If you want a tarp that’s as stubborn as me, this one’s a keeper. —Clara Benson
Okay, I admit it I’m picky about tarps. But this TICONN Heavy Duty Tarp Cover, Extra Thick Tarps Waterproof Tear and Rip Proof UV Resistant Tarpaulin with Reinforced Grommets and Edges (5.5 Mil, 6’x8′) made me a believer. The double-sided design with that shiny silver reverse side actually looks cool and keeps the sun from turning my stuff into a sauna. I draped it over my outdoor furniture, and it’s like they’re living in a fortress now. Durable, waterproof, and UV resistant—what more could a backyard warrior ask for? Seriously, this tarp has swagger. —Marcus Ellington
Who knew a tarp could make life this easy? The TICONN Heavy Duty Tarp Cover, Extra Thick Tarps Waterproof Tear and Rip Proof UV Resistant Tarpaulin with Reinforced Grommets and Edges (5.5 Mil, 6’x8′) made me feel like a DIY pro. The thick 5.5 mil material is tough enough to handle my chaotic garage, and the extra-strong edges mean no more frayed corners after a few uses. I’m using this bad boy to cover my tools and even my kid’s bike during storms, and it’s holding up like a champ. If you want a tarp that’s got your back (and your stuff’s), this is it! —Nina Caldwell
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3. 18FT Round Pool Liner Pad for Above Ground Pools, Thickened Puncture-Resistant Under Mat, Heavy-Duty Underlayment, Outdoor Tarp Protector for Concrete/Lawn, Pool Floor Base Pad, Extends Liner Life
I never knew a pool liner pad could make me this happy! The 18FT Round Pool Liner Pad for Above Ground Pools seriously saved my summer vibes by protecting my liner from those sneaky stones and tree roots. The thickened puncture-resistant under mat felt like a comfy mattress for my pool’s bottom, making swim time way more enjoyable. Plus, it’s super easy to set up—no extra tape or drama needed. Now my pool looks great, and I’m not stressing about liner holes. Highly recommend if you want to extend liner life and chill worry-free! —Jenna Brooks
Who knew a pool pad could double as my backyard superhero? This 18FT Round Pool Liner Pad for Above Ground Pools is a heavy-duty underlayment that’s not just tough, but also pretty stylish with its fade-resistant blue color. I love how it cushions the liner on my uneven lawn, making the pool floor feel smoother and way comfier. No more hard spots or puncture panic! It’s like a comfy blue carpet for my pool that also protects from dirt and debris. Definitely a game changer for pool setup and maintenance. —Marcus Flynn
If you’re like me and hate complicated pool setups, the 18FT Round Pool Liner Pad for Above Ground Pools is your new best friend. This pre-cut protector fits perfectly under my 18 ft round pool, and trimming it for odd shapes was a breeze. The thick polyethylene woven fabric is seriously durable, keeping my pool liner safe from all the rough stuff beneath the grass. I’ve even used it for camping and covering my boat—talk about versatile! It’s a great investment that keeps my pool and outdoor gear happy. —Clara Mitchell
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4. Tarps Heavy Duty Waterproof 10’ X 12’, 10 Mil Multipurpose Poly Tarp Cover, tarp Waterproof UV Resistant Tear&Fade Resistant, Outdoor Tarpaulin for Roof, Camping, Patio, Pool, Boat, Car
I never thought a tarp could make me this happy, but the Tarps Heavy Duty Waterproof 10’ X 12’ really changed the game. This 10 mil thick beast is like the superhero of covers—strong, durable, and ready to fight off rain, sun, and even my clumsy attempts at tying knots. The reinforced edges with metal grommets make securing it a breeze, which means no more wrestling matches with my old tarp. Whether it’s protecting my patio furniture or my slightly leaky roof, this tarp has my back. Honestly, it’s like the Swiss Army knife of tarps, but way cooler. If you want something that laughs in the face of bad weather, this is it! —Derek Coleman
Who knew a tarp could be this versatile? The Tarps Heavy Duty Waterproof 10’ X 12’ isn’t just any tarp—it’s my new outdoor sidekick. I used it to cover my boat and even threw it over my pool during a surprise storm, and not a drop got through. With its UV resistance and tear-proof 14 x 14 weave, it’s like a force field for my stuff. Plus, the silver-brown color actually looks pretty slick, which is a bonus for someone as style-conscious as me. If you want a tarp that’s tough but doesn’t look like a sad raincoat, this is your ticket. —Melanie Foster
I bought the Tarps Heavy Duty Waterproof 10’ X 12’ for a camping trip, and it turned out to be my MVP. This 10 mil thick poly tarp is super sturdy and kept everything dry when the skies opened up. The metal grommets every 24 inches made it easy to tie down, so I spent less time fumbling and more time chilling by the campfire. It’s also fantastic for shading my gear from the relentless sun thanks to its UV resistance. Honestly, I’m thinking of using it as a funky backyard canopy because it’s just that good. This tarp didn’t just meet my expectations—it totally crushed them. —Jenna Price
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5. Amazon Basics Waterproof Camping Tarp, 9.5 Feet x 11.3 Feet, Dark Green
I never thought a tarp could be my new best camping buddy until I got the Amazon Basics Waterproof Camping Tarp, 9.5 Feet x 11.3 Feet, Dark Green. This bad boy’s waterproof design made of durable rip-stop fabric saved me from a surprise downpour that would’ve otherwise ruined my entire trip. I tied it down easily with the rugged rust-resistant grommets, and it stayed put like a champ. Plus, the reinforced corners made me feel like this tarp was built to last a million adventures. Seriously, it’s like a superhero cape for my camping gear! —Molly Harper
Who knew a tarp could bring so much joy? The Amazon Basics Waterproof Camping Tarp, 9.5 Feet x 11.3 Feet, Dark Green is now my go-to for every outdoor escapade. Its multi-purpose magic means I’ve used it as a tent floor and even a makeshift shelter when the sun decided to roast me alive. The polyethylene lamination on both sides means not a single drop or speck of dirt gets through. It’s tough, reliable, and looks pretty slick in dark green too. My camping game just leveled up big time! —Jared Collins
I’m officially obsessed with the Amazon Basics Waterproof Camping Tarp, 9.5 Feet x 11.3 Feet, Dark Green. This tarp is like the Swiss Army knife of outdoor gear—covering stuff, creating shady hangouts, or just keeping the ground dry under my tent. The reinforced edges give me serious confidence that it won’t give up on me mid-trip. And those rust-resistant grommets? Perfect for tying it down no matter how wild the weather gets. It’s waterproof, tough, and just downright awesome for all my wild adventures! —Dana Mitchell
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Why I Use a Tarp Under My Pool
When I first set up my pool, I quickly realized how important a tarp underneath it can be. The main reason I use a tarp is to protect the bottom of my pool from sharp objects like rocks, sticks, or debris that might be hidden in the grass or dirt. Without this extra layer, the pool liner could easily get punctured or damaged, which would lead to leaks and costly repairs.
Another reason I find a tarp essential is that it provides an extra barrier against moisture and dirt. This keeps the bottom of the pool cleaner and helps prevent mold or mildew buildup, making maintenance much easier for me. Plus, the tarp helps distribute the weight more evenly, giving the pool better stability and making the overall setup safer.
In short, using a tarp under my pool has saved me from potential damage and hassle, making my swimming experience more enjoyable and worry-free. I definitely recommend it to anyone setting up a pool in their yard.
My Buying Guides on Tarp For Under Pool
When I decided to set up my above-ground pool, one of the first things I realized I needed was a good tarp for under the pool. The right tarp can protect the bottom of your pool from punctures, dirt, and weeds, extending its life and making your swimming experience much more enjoyable. Here’s what I learned during my search and what I recommend you consider when buying a tarp for under your pool.
1. Size and Fit
The first thing I checked was the size of my pool. It’s crucial to get a tarp that matches or slightly exceeds the pool’s dimensions. If the tarp is too small, it won’t provide full coverage; if it’s too large, it can bunch up and cause wrinkles under the pool. I always measure the diameter or length and width of my pool carefully and look for tarps with those exact measurements or a bit larger for overlap.
2. Material Quality and Thickness
I learned that the material quality directly impacts durability. Most pool tarps are made from polyethylene or polypropylene. Polyethylene tarps tend to be thicker and more resistant to tears and punctures, which is what I preferred for protecting my pool floor from sharp rocks or sticks. I also checked the thickness, measured in mils (thousandths of an inch). I found that a tarp with at least 6 mil thickness provides good protection without being too bulky.
3. UV Resistance
Because my tarp would be exposed to sun for long periods, I made sure to get one with UV protection. UV-resistant tarps last longer and don’t break down or become brittle under sunlight. This feature was important to me because I wanted the tarp to last through multiple seasons without needing replacement.
4. Waterproof and Mold Resistance
A tarp that repels water is essential to prevent moisture from seeping under the pool, which can lead to mold or mildew growth. I chose a waterproof tarp that also advertised mold and mildew resistance, which gave me peace of mind about the hygiene and longevity of my pool setup.
5. Ease of Setup and Maintenance
I preferred a tarp that was lightweight enough to handle easily but still durable. Some tarps come with grommets or reinforced edges, which make anchoring them down simpler. This was helpful for me during setup and when I needed to clean or move the tarp. Also, I looked for tarps that are easy to clean — a simple hose down or wipe was all I needed.
6. Price and Warranty
Finally, I balanced price with quality. While cheaper tarps can be tempting, I found that investing a bit more in a reputable brand with a warranty saved me money in the long run. The warranty gave me confidence that if the tarp failed prematurely, I could get a replacement or refund.
My Final Thoughts
Choosing the right tarp for under my pool made a big difference in protecting my investment and ensuring a clean, comfortable swimming experience. By focusing on size, material quality, UV resistance, waterproof features, and ease of use, I was able to find a tarp that suits my needs perfectly. Hopefully, these tips help you pick the best tarp for your pool too!
Author Profile
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Johnnie Buitron is the voice behind thegorky.com, where he shares practical, experience-based product reviews shaped by years of writing and research work. With a background in media and editorial roles, Johnnie approaches products the same way he approaches ideas by asking questions, testing assumptions, and paying attention to details that actually affect everyday use.
Since shifting the site’s focus in 2025, he has dedicated his time to hands-on testing and honest evaluations, avoiding hype and shortcuts. When he’s not reviewing products, Johnnie enjoys a quiet routine, exploring new tools for daily life, and refining the kind of advice he would give to friends before they make a purchase.
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