The floor of most kiddie pools is made of thin plastic. It’s easy for this layer to become punctured by sticks or rocks. And if the ground under the pool isn’t soft, it can be uncomfortable for children.
To prevent your pool from developing leaks and make it more comfortable, it’s a good idea to have a protective layer beneath it. If the ground is already fairly soft, a tarp may be sufficient. But for further protection, we recommend using a thicker mat.
An affordable option that you can customize to the size of your pool is interlocking foam mats — the kind used for playroom floors or exercise surfaces.