What is the cost to pour a concrete pad for an above-ground pool in NB?

A concrete pad for a typical above-ground pool in New Brunswick costs $1,500-$4,000 fully installed, depending on the size of the pool, site preparation required, and whether you are in Moncton, Fredericton, Saint John, or a rural area.

Above-ground pool pads are a popular concrete application across NB, and sizing them correctly is the first step. A standard round above-ground pool (15-18 feet in diameter) needs a pad that extends 1-2 feet beyond the pool edge -- so a 15-foot pool needs an approximately 17-18 foot pad, roughly 230-250 square feet. An oval pool typically needs a rectangular pad of proportional size plus working room. A pad that is flush with the pool edge or smaller creates trip hazards at the pool perimeter.

Typical cost breakdown for a 250 square foot pool pad in NB (2025-2026):

• Excavation and gravel base: Pool areas in NB require a level, compacted gravel base to drain properly and resist frost heave. Excavate 8-10 inches, add 4-6 inches of compacted granular base material: $600-$1,200 depending on soil and site access
• Concrete (air-entrained 25 MPa): A 250 sq ft pad at 4 inches thick requires approximately 3.5 cubic yards. At $200-$250 per yard plus short-load surcharge: $700-$900 in ready-mix
• Labour (forming, pour, finish, sealer): $800-$1,500 for a concrete crew on a straightforward residential pad
• Total range: $2,100-$3,600 for a typical pool pad, professionally installed

The pad must be perfectly level -- an out-of-level base causes uneven water pressure in the pool walls and accelerates pool liner wear. For above-ground pools this matters more than for a shed pad. Have the contractor confirm level at multiple points before the pour.

Specify air-entrained concrete even for a pool pad. The pad will see pool water, wet feet, freeze-thaw cycles, and potentially some de-icer if it is near a walkway. Non-air-entrained concrete surfaces can scale and pit within 3-5 years in NB conditions.

In northern NB (Bathurst, Miramichi), pools are often on level lawns where frost heave is more pronounced. Ensure adequate gravel base depth (6 inches compacted) to mitigate heave.

For a DIY pool pad using ready-mix and personal labour, material costs run $1,000-$1,500 for a 250 square foot pad -- but have your forms built, level, and inspected before the truck arrives. New Brunswick Concrete can match you with a local concrete contractor for a free estimate on your pool pad project.