Above Ground Pool Bottom Rail

by Michele
(Sharon, SC)

How is the pool wall attached to the track? Or is it just pushed down into it? Right now I am in the process of taking down an 18' round above ground pool so I can take it to my house to put up. I am now have the liner down and am down to the last bolt where the wall is connected. I tried to pull up on the wall to see if it would come up and it won't budge. I guess my next step would be to dig down through the sand to find the track? My Dad is coming over to help me this morning. What do I need to do next? Please help, I am obviously not a professional pool technician! LOL Thanks!


Hi Michele. The only thing holding the wall in the track might be some rust. Before attempting to remove the sidewall both sides need to be cleared down to the track. Dig the sand away from the inside and remove any dirt and rocks from the outside. You need to able to clearly see the bottom rail all the way around.

The uprights should be removed also so they do not fall down and bend the bottom rail as the wall is removed. The wall should be lifted straight up and out of the track. Two hands, or sometimes four hands, pulling up while a foot is holding the track down will get the wall up and out of the track. You should carefully roll the wall up as you remove it from the track. Removing to much wall at a time, and not rolling it up, will cause it to fall over and become dented and creased.

I would start rolling the wall going away from the skimmer location, leaving that area for last. This makes it easier when you go to reinstall the pool. You will be able to position the openings exactly where you want the filter to be without having to guess.

Be very careful removing the bottom track from the ground. Try not to bend or twist the rail or the connecting plates as you are taking them apart. Be sure to count all of the bottom rails and connecting plates before you leave. It’s amazing how easy it is to leave one hiding in the sand only to find it missing days or weeks later.