Masonry sand is the usual base for aboveground pools. Play sand is too fine, and construction sand has small pebbles, so masonry sand is used, also called concrete sand or brick sand. The sand pool floor will compress with the weight of the water, but is still susceptible to divots and mounds, usually caused by jumping into the pool.

As a solution to the problem of uneven and unsightly above ground pool floors, you can install a concrete or vermiculite bottom, use polymeric sand, or you can use a sand hardening chemical.

Sand and soil hardeners, such as NanoPave JSS, or Tamarron's Joint Hardener. are two such chemicals that can be sprayed over the sand before and after troweling it smooth. It bonds with the sand to create a hard surface to prevent dents and also resist roots, termites, rodents, nutgrass and weeds.

Using Sand Hardener

Follow instructions on dilution rates, and mix the sand hardener with water into a pump sprayer. Apply evenly over moist sand with a smooth, sweeping stroke. Trowel it into the sand and after troweling is completed, spray on a top finish coat. Sun, rain, humidity and temperature can affect your installation, so be sure to read and follow the complete instructions provided.