substrate caps?

Hi guys! im new to the forum and decided to have a go with a planted tank. I started out in the freshwater hobby years ago but never could afford the planted tank aspect of the hobby. Fast forward a few years and I find myself deep in the saltwater game lol. It was nice, but expensive so I've decided to go back to freshwater. I guess the only question I have is, would pool filter sand be a good cap for a soil tank? I was thinking about using soil and then capping it with eco complete but if i could save some money, I'm def gonna go that route too. Ill post some pictures of the tank I'm working with!