I have a 33 foot above ground pool that I’m replacing all the bottom rails on. I have the pool taken down preparing the ground and putting in new sand. I had to dig out between the pavers because the dirt caved in. is it ok to replace it with sand or should it be dirt or something else?
Yes, it is absolutely okay, but you must use the right kind of sand depending on how you plan to finish the pool deck. If you are filling the joints between your pool pavers, you have two primary options, and each handles the splash zone of a swimming pool differently:
Option 1: Polymeric Sand (The Modern Choice)
Polymeric sand is a blend of fine sand and chemical additives (polymers). When you sweep it into the joints and mist it with water, it activates and hardens like flexible glue.
Pros for Pool Decks: Because it cures into a firm barrier, it will not wash away when kids splash gallons of water out of the pool or when you pressure-wash the deck. It also does an incredible job of blocking weeds and stopping ants from building mounds.
The Catch: It requires meticulous installation. If you leave any stray polymeric dust on top of the pavers before spraying it with water, it will cure into an ugly, permanent white haze across your deck.
Option 2: Jointing Sand / Coarse Mason Sand (The Traditional Choice)
This is plain, natural sand with no chemicals.
Pros for Pool Decks: It is incredibly cheap, highly forgiving to install (no risk of hazing), and allows for perfect water drainage through the cracks.
The Major Caveat: Because it stays loose forever, pool water splash-out and heavy rains will constantly wash it out of the cracks. You will find yourself sweeping loose sand off your deck (and out of the bottom of your pool) and having to top off the joints every single pool season.
