Anyone just used a tarp or liner instead of proper waterproofing?

K

Kevin Marsh

Member
I know this probably sounds a bit sketchy, but has anyone just laid down a heavy-duty tarp or pond liner for their DIY pool instead of doing all the waterproofing layers? I’m not going for fancy, just something the kids can splash around in for the summer. Wondering if it actually holds up or turns into a mess real quick.
 
I feel this in my soul. I started digging by hand thinking I’d save a few bucks and get some exercise. Ten hours in, I had a trench, a sunburn, and a whole new respect for excavation crews. I powered through over the course of two weeks, but honestly, if I could go back, I’d rent equipment in a heartbeat. It’s doable, but you’re going to feel it in every joint. Not dumb, just learning the hard way like a lot of us do. Keep grinding or call in the machines no shame either way.
 
I tried doing the whole dig manually too and lasted four days before waving the white flag. It’s one of those things that sounds manageable until you hit hard clay or rocks and realize your shovel isn’t built for that level of stubborn dirt. I ended up renting a small backhoe for a day, and it knocked out the rest in a few hours. Way cheaper than hiring a crew and saved my sanity. Nothing wrong with trying, but don’t feel bad if you call in reinforcements. Digging by hand builds character… and back pain.
 
I tried using a tarp for a small pool once, but after a while, I noticed a few leaks popping up. It might work short-term, but if you want something more durable and comfortable, I think proper waterproofing is more important. Especially for bigger pools, it could be an issue later on if you don’t use the right materials.
 
I tried a tarp once too, thinking it was a quick fix, but after a while, it started to wrinkle and leak. The thought of doing the job right with proper waterproofing seemed like a hassle at first, but it really saved me in the long run. Definitely recommend spending the extra time on this, especially if you’re planning to use it for more than just a season!
 
Interesting approaches, everyone! If you’re trying to cut costs but still want something long-lasting, have you thought about using recycled materials for the base or insulation? It could be a fun eco-friendly option that doesn’t compromise on durability. Anyone tried that route before?
 
I thought about using a tarp for my DIY pool too, thinking it would be a quick and cheap fix. But after a while, it started leaking and I had to patch it up. In the end, I decided to invest a bit more and went with proper waterproofing material. It cost a little more up front, but it’s much more durable and hassle-free. If you're considering a tarp, I’d suggest thinking about long-term durability as well.
 
I’ve seen it work… briefly. The tarp or pond-liner route can be fine if you treat it like a seasonal toy instead of a real pool. Think along the lines of a big temporary splash pit, not something you expect to forget about and enjoy all summer without babysitting.

Where people usually get burned is friction and movement. Kids climbing in and out, feet pushing off the sides, water sloshing, all of that slowly works the liner against whatever’s underneath. Even tiny stones or roots you didn’t notice at first can turn into pinholes after a few weeks. Sun exposure doesn’t help either; UV is brutal on cheaper liners.

If you go this route, the ones who have the least trouble usually overdo the prep: super smooth base, thick underlayment (old carpet or foam mats), rounded corners, and zero sharp edges. And mentally accepting that you will be patching at some point.

So no, it’s not crazy, just very temporary by nature. If the goal is “kids have fun this summer and we tear it out later,” it can make sense. If the goal is “set it and forget it,” that’s where tarps start turning into headaches.
 
Honestly, I’ve seen people try tarps or pond liners, and they can work short term, but they usually turn into problems fast, shifting, tiny leaks that are hard to find, and water underneath causing slippery or uneven spots, fine for a temporary summer splash setup, just don’t expect it to last or stay hassle-free.
 
I actually did the heavy pond liner thing one summer when my kids were younger, so yeah… it can work, but you have to go in with the right expectations.

The biggest mistake I made at first was thinking the liner was the main part. It’s not. The base is everything. I scraped the area down to soil, then added a layer of sand and compacted it hard. Even then, I missed a couple tiny pebbles and they eventually showed up as slow weepers. Nothing dramatic, just that annoying “why is the water line lower again?” situation.

Another thing people don’t think about is water weight and wall support. Once you get a few thousand gallons in there, that liner is under serious tension. If the sides aren’t supported properly, it stretches and pulls at corners. And if you’re running even a small pump and filter, watch your return flow so you’re not creating strong current that makes the liner flap. I noticed my filter pressure would creep up if debris got underneath and restricted flow, which was my cue something wasn’t sitting right.

If it’s just a summer splash zone, totally doable. Just over-prep the ground, protect the liner from friction, and accept you might be topping it off now and then. I wouldn’t trust it long term, but for one season? It can be a fun, slightly chaotic experiment.
 
I actually tried the pond liner shortcut years ago when we wanted a quick summer pool for the kids. It worked… but only after a lot more prep than I expected. The liner itself held water fine, the real problem was what was underneath it. The first weekend we filled it, everything seemed perfect, then a few days later I noticed the water level dropping slightly each morning. Turned out a couple tiny stones in the soil were slowly rubbing the liner as people moved around.

What helped was pulling the liner back out and doing the base properly. I added a thicker sand layer and compacted it, then threw down some old foam gym mats before putting the liner back. That stopped the friction and the liner finally settled into place without those slow leaks. Also worth keeping an eye on circulation if you run a small pump. If the return jet is too strong it can create a current that keeps tugging at one section of the liner and you’ll see wrinkles forming. Mine smoothed out once I angled the return toward the wall instead of straight across.

For a temporary splash pool it’s honestly fine if the ground prep is really clean and smooth. Just expect a little maintenance and the occasional top-off. Those liners hate sharp edges and shifting soil more than anything. Anyone else notice wrinkles forming once the liner warms up in the sun? That surprised me the first time.
 
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