9,525 waves surfed | 3 Sunburns | 1,7M+ Readers

The 7 best pool mats 2024?

by Julia

pool carpet pad header
When you buy through links on our site, we may earn a small commission. Learn more about us

A comfortable and refreshing way to spend the summer at home with the family is to have your own pool. It is the perfect choice for anyone who wants to cool down at home in summer. A pool carpet pad is essential to ensure that it can stand safely and securely anywhere.

The best pool carpet pad?

This non-slip utensil protects the pool from damage and slipping. We provide advice and assistance to ensure that the search for the right product does not leave anyone in despair.

Avoid buying mistakes:

Our recommendations present the most popular pool mats 2024 and explain the advantages and disadvantages of the offers. Our guide also shows you what you need to consider when buying the right model. If you follow these tips, you are guaranteed to find the best ground cover for your home pool.

Contents:

  1. Top picks: The best pool mats 2024 reviewed.
  2. Checklist: These features are important in the test.
  3. Bestsellers: Overview of the most popular pool mats.
  4. Guide: How to make the right decision.
  5. FAQ: Frequently asked questions and answers about pool mats.

The best pool mats 2024 reviewed

How do we rate? Our experts thoroughly research and evaluate each recommendation. We take into account the most important product features, adherence to quality standards, prices, customer reviews, our own experiences, and much more. Learn more about our process.

1. best pool carpet pad for unusual pool shapes

EVA foam
bonsport pool mat*

    This carpet pad is sold in sets of 12, 36 or 60 mats, which can then be joined together as desired. The individual parts each measure 38.5 x 38.5 x 1 cm. In the smallest set, this results in an area of approx. 1.73 m².

    What we like:

    • Simple installation
    • Soft
    • Fair price-performance ratio
    What we don’t like:

    • No ordering of individual plates possible

    Why we like it: These mats made of EVA foam are particularly adaptable. The pool carpet pad consists of many smaller elements, just like a large puzzle. These can be plugged together. This means that customers can not only choose the shape and size of the carpet pad themselves, but can even vary it if required. The material of the mats is very low-maintenance and easy to clean.

    Recommended for: This carpet pad is suitable for almost all surfaces. It can also be used on uneven surfaces such as grass. Its thickness also makes it ideal for cushioning a pool on concrete or other hard surfaces.

    2. best pool carpet pad for extra thick padding

    Pluggable
    Trintion 48 pieces pool mats*

      This pool carpet pad is assembled from individual mats. These are available in the sizes 60 x 60 cm and 50 x 50 cm. You can also choose between sets of 8, 16, 32 and 48 pieces. The smaller mats have a thickness of 0.4 cm, the larger ones are one centimeter thick.

      What we like:

      • Insulation of the pool
      • Trimming possible
      • Price
      What we don’t like:

      • Mats stain
      • Parts are not always a perfect fit

      Why we like it: Just like the product mentioned above, this carpet pad can be put together in individual parts. It is hard-wearing, easy to clean as it is dirt-repellent and provides thermal insulation for the pool. It is also non-slip, which prevents accidents.

      Recommended for: The carpet pad is well suited for pools with unusual shapes or dimensions, as it can be individually assembled from the individual mats. They can also be easily cut to size if required.

      3. best pool carpet pad with thermal insulation

      Round
      Poolking24 Pool carpet pad round*

        This velour pool carpet pad is available in diameters of 211, 244, 305, 366, 396, 427, 457, 488 and 549 cm and is therefore suitable for many pool sizes. It is 4 mm thick, heat-insulating, tear-resistant and water-permeable.

        What we like:

        • Robust
        • Thermal insulation
        • Soft material
        What we don’t like:

        • Is not supplied in one piece, but in up to six pieces
        • Not particularly thick

        Why we like it: This product has two special features: The mat is round and the material offers special thermal insulation. This is practical if the pool is also used in cold seasons. A Jacuzzi in particular can also work more energy-efficiently.

        Recommended for: Due to its shape, this carpet pad is particularly suitable for round pools and Jacuzzis.

        4. best pool tarpaulin with UV protection

        Low weight
        tillvex pool floor tarpaulin*

          This pool carpet pad is available in the dimensions 274 x 274, 338 x 239, 396 x 396, 488 x 488 and 500 x 300 cm. It is made of PE material with a double coating.

          What we like:

          • Robust
          • Waterproof
          • Good workmanship
          What we don’t like:

          • Prolonged exposure to sunlight causes the tarpaulin to crack and become brittle
          • Quite thin material

          Why we like it: This tarpaulin is a real lightweight. The material is easy to lay out, UV-resistant and robust. Insulation from below keeps the pool water warm for longer and the pool floor clean. The price is also really impressive.

          Recommended for: The cushioning of this carpet pad is minimal, making it suitable for soft surfaces such as grass. It is suitable for both round and rectangular pools.

          5. best pool carpet pad for rectangular pools

          Poolunterlage rechteckig Frame Pool 450x220cm - 110g/m² PE - Wasserdicht - Bodenfolie...*

            This pool carpet pad measures 485 x 254 cm and weighs just under 1.5 kilograms. It consists of a robust PE fabric with a double coating and is UV-stable.

            What we like:

            • Good quality
            • Fair price
            • Sufficiently large
            What we don’t like:

            • Not thick enough to provide protection from stones

            Why we like it: This rectangular tarpaulin is lightweight, easy to handle, inexpensive and easy to stow away. The 15 cm wide overhang on the sides creates a clean environment around the pool, which ensures that the pool water stays clean for longer.

            Recommended for: This pool cover is well suited for rectangular pool shapes with a size of 450 x 220 cm. It is a good choice for soft ground, such as grass.

            6. best pool carpet pad for round pools

            Velour
            Looping-Lu pool carpet pad round*

              This pool carpet pad has a diameter of 366 cm and is approx. 3 mm thick. It is tear-resistant and forms an insulating layer between the pool and the floor. It is also UV-resistant.

              What we like:

              • Extends the service life of the pool by protecting the floor from damage
              • UV-resistant
              • Tear resistant
              • Insulating
              What we don’t like:

              • Price
              • Supplied in 3 parts

              Why we like it: This pad for round cymbals is extremely tear-resistant and thickly padded. The price is quite high, but the mat will provide many years of good service. The pool mat is produced in Germany.

              Recommended for: If you want to build a round pool with a maximum diameter of 366 cm on hard or stony ground, this product is the best choice.

              7. best pool carpet pad for balconies

              Permeable to water
              Primaflor Balcony Lawn Carpet*

                This artificial grass carpet is available in 6 different sizes, but can also be easily cut to an individual size with a cutter knife. You can also choose from 13 different colors such as anthracite, beige, brown, green, blue or red.

                What we like:

                • Good quality
                • Strong color
                • Easy to cut to the right size
                What we don’t like:

                • Edges roll up a little

                Why we like it: This product tries to imitate the look of artificial turf. At the same time, the mat is soft and provides enough cushioning for concrete floors. The material is UV-resistant for around 1500 hours of sunshine.

                Recommended for: This mat is practical and visually appealing, making it perfect for pools that are to be set up on the balcony. It also offers sufficient cushioning on hard floors.

                Pool pad Checklist: These features are important in the test

                • Material: Pool underlays should be made of soft but dimensionally stable material. A hard and inflexible base is not only difficult to position, but also reduces comfort in the pelvis. This is because the carpet pad can often be felt on the feet due to the material.
                • Size: The size must of course be at least exactly the size of your own pool. Ideally, however, the mat should even be a little larger in diameter. The pool will then be more stable and it will be easier to align the mat and pool.

                  It also creates an edge around the pool, which helps to carry less dirt into the water. Underlays, which are assembled in a kind of puzzle system, can be individually adapted to the size and shape of your own pool and can also be stored in a space-saving manner.

                • Non-slip: A non-slip mat is particularly advantageous on tiles or smooth asphalt. This ensures that the basin does not slip a bit. Accidents with wet feet on the protruding part of the tarpaulin are also prevented.
                • Thickness: The thicker the carpet pad, the more cushioning. This allows unevenness to be evened out and prevents stones from pushing through. However, this also means more weight and bulkier handling.

                Also interesting: The best pool patch kits 2024?

                Bestsellers: The most popular pool mats

                What do others buy? In our bestseller list, we present the TOP 11 most purchased offers. The selection is updated daily.

                (**Last update 2024-12-04)

                Buy pool mats:
                How to make the right decision

                pool pad guide

                A pool carpet pad saves money in the long run. This is because it can significantly extend the service life of a pool by protecting the material. These criteria must be taken into account when making a purchase decision:

                Material: Which material is suitable for pool underlays?

                The material must be one thing above all: robust and non-slip. It should also have a cushioning effect to cushion the steps on the pool floor. Attention should also be paid to UV resistance and easy cleaning so that the carpet pad can be used for as long as possible.

                Manufacturers often use plastics such as PE, which are durable and hard-wearing. Some use rubber or EVA foam as a raw material, which are so highly cushioning that they are particularly suitable for use on concrete. Velour models are very soft and therefore also well suited for protecting the pool floor on hard or uneven surfaces.

                Size: What do I need to consider when choosing pool mats?

                Who would have thought it: the size of the pool carpet pad must of course match the dimensions of the pool. However, it is also important that the carpet pad is not simply flush with the edges of the pool. Rather, it should look slightly beyond the edges.

                This simply prevents slippage and a tilted bowl as a result. In addition, the overhang creates a clean surface around the pool, which helps to keep the pool water cleaner for longer as less dirt is carried in by swimmers’ feet.

                Thickness: high or shallow – what is suitable for my pool?

                Ultimately, it’s a matter of preference and the surface. A concrete floor requires thicker padding than grass.

                Concrete

                In our product list we have mentioned some products explicitly for concrete. These should be at least 2 cm thick or more.

                Lawn

                A non-slip surface is important for grass. This can be less than 2 cm thick, as the grass itself provides enough cushioning for the pool.

                Of course, personal preferences also play an important role in the choice of upholstery. However, it should always be borne in mind that there are not only advantages to upholstering heavily.

                Tip: The heavier the padding, the heavier, bulkier and more difficult it is to transport and store. A good average level of comfort and manageability is always recommended.

                FAQ: Frequently asked questions and answers

                Which pool carpet pad is the best?

                Which pool carpet pad is the best depends on the pool and the surface on which it is to be used. A thicker model is recommended for hard, uneven ground than on grass. The mat must also match the shape of the pool. Our recommendations include different models for different purposes.

                What is suitable as a pool carpet pad?

                For pools, anything that resembles a turn mat is suitable. On the one hand, it should cushion the hard floor, while at the same time protecting the substrate and the material like a floor tarpaulin and providing the pool with a secure base. However, when reviewed, not one model is equally suitable for every pool. Our recommendations provide an overview of the most popular models.

                Which pool carpet pad on concrete?

                Ultimately, there is still no universally valid pool mat test that has measured what the right answer is here. In general, however, mats for the pool need to be robust. Concrete demands even more from the material than a location in the garden where grass grows. Therefore, particularly good damping is of great importance here.

                Which pool carpet pad on grass?

                A pool mat does not need to cushion quite as much on grass as on concrete. Here, it is more a question of slip resistance (e.g. through studs) and moisture insulation (non-breathable fabric). Manufacturers usually state this in their product description.

                Information on these criteria can also be found in our product list. Damp grass can cause severe discoloration of the pool cover, which is difficult to remove.

                Where can I buy pool mats and underlays?

                Pool mats can be purchased in traditional hardware stores. Moreover, there is a large selection online at Amazon. Among the manufacturers, Bestway and Intex in particular have been producing pool bases for years and impress customers with their reasonable price-performance ratio. Our Bestseller list shows the pool mats that were purchased most frequently this year.

                What does a good pool carpet pad cost?

                A pool carpet pad starts at around $20, but can also cost over $100. This depends not only on the size but also on the quality and thickness. Our recommendations show models in different price categories.

                What is the alternative to pool mats?

                The alternative to pool mats is of course to simply place the pool directly on the ground. However, care should be taken to ensure that it is even and free of stones.

                A carpet pad prevents damage to the pool floor and, depending on its thickness, is also more comfortable when standing in the pool. It is therefore definitely worth buying, as the water stays warmer for longer with some bases thanks to the insulation.

                Is there a test from Consumer Reports or Which? on pool mats?

                So far, neither Consumer Reports nor Which? have published a comparison of pool mats. However, our bestseller list contains the personal test winners of the buyers.

                Editor's note: The opinions expressed here are those of the author alone. The content has not been endorsed, reviewed, approved, or in any way financially supported by any advertiser. We only include products we believe to be useful. How we work

                *Price includes VAT, plus shipping. Customer reviews, prices, delivery times and costs may change in the meantime. By linking to selected online shops and partners, we may receive a small affiliate commission. There are no additional costs for you.

                Julia

                Swimming and pool expert
                Julia is very active and always willing to try out new sports. Whether it's swimming, kayaking or taking part in a mud run doesn't matter - the main thing is that it's fun.

                How useful was this post?

                Click on a star to rate it!

                Average rating 5 / 5. Vote count: 1

                No votes so far! Be the first to rate this post.

                As you found this post useful...

                Follow us on social media!

                We are sorry that this post was not useful for you!

                Let us improve this post!

                Tell us how we can improve this post?

                Add comment