Shape: Oval
Size: 18' x 33'
Armor Shield provides an important protective layer between a vinyl swimming pool liner and its sand or soil base. Unlike traditional foam padding, Armor Shield is a Polypropylene Geotextile blend that minimizes cuts and punctures to the vinyl liner caused by rocks, roots, grass and even GLASS! Armor Shield also reduces convective heat loss and provides a comfortable floor pad for the comfort of pool goers.
Tier 1: Basic Floor Protection
Best For: Budget-conscious DIYers with brand-new sand-bottom pools.
Look For: [Geotextile Liner Pads]
Expectations: Extremely difficult to cut or tear, providing excellent puncture resistance, but offers minimal thermal insulation.
Tier 2: Comfort and Wall Defense
Best For: Most above-ground pool owners looking for a softer feel and rust prevention.
Look For: [Closed-Cell Wall Foam]
Expectations: Provides a professional "soft touch" finish and protects the liner from wall hardware; requires adhesive for installation.
Tier 3: Maximum Energy Efficiency
Best For: Heated pools or regions with cold ground temperatures.
Look For: [High-Density Radiant Barriers]
Expectations: The gold standard for heat retention; uses reflective technology to bounce heat back into the water while providing the highest level of puncture protection.
Installing insulation is only possible during a fresh liner replacement, making this the critical moment to upgrade your pool's infrastructure.
Stop Punishing Your Pool Liner. Most homeowners don’t realize that the thin sheet of vinyl holding their pool together is constantly under attack from the ground up. Pool Liner Insulation—often referred to as wall foam or floor padding—acts as a protective armor between your pool’s structure and the liner itself.
Think of it as a high-performance underlayment. Without it, your liner is prone to "pinhole" leaks caused by sharp rocks, roots, or even the rough texture of a concrete or sand floor. Beyond physical protection, these materials provide thermal retention, acting like a thermos for your pool. By creating a barrier against the cold ground, it helps your heater work more efficiently and keeps your water temperature stable. It also transforms the feel of your pool, replacing a hard, abrasive floor with a soft, cushioned surface that is much more comfortable on your feet. Installing insulation isn't just an upgrade; it’s an insurance policy that extends the lifespan of your liner by years.
Q: Do I really need insulation if I have a smooth sand base?
A: Yes. Over time, sand shifts, creates "footprints," and can harbor insects or small stones that eventually poke through the liner. Padding ensures a perfectly smooth, permanent barrier.
Q: Will adding floor foam make the pool bottom feel squishy?
A: It provides a firm yet comfortable cushion. It feels significantly better than hard concrete or lumpy sand, but it is dense enough to support the weight of the water without feeling like a mattress.
Q: Does wall foam help prevent rust on metal pool walls?
A: Absolutely. It creates a moisture barrier that prevents condensation from sitting directly against the metal wall, which is a primary cause of corrosion and "wall failure" in older pools.
Q: Can I use regular hardware store foam for my pool?
A: No. Pool-specific insulation is "closed-cell" foam, meaning it won't absorb water or harbor mold and mildew, whereas standard foam will rot and collapse under water pressure.
Q: How do I attach the insulation to the walls?
A: Most professionals use a specialized [Spray Adhesive] to tack the foam to the walls before the liner is dropped into place.
