Buckling pool wall and snow

by Sherry
(Maryland)

I have a 30' round above ground. The water level is low - I think this is due to pumping water off the cover too much and not realizing the pump was sucking water up from under the cover. Water is about 18 inches below top of pool. We just had 2 major snowstorms so there is a ton of snow on the cover. I just noticed that the walls, as far around as I can see, are starting to look a little buckled. The buckles are not horizontal, they are more up and down. I will try to clear off some of the snow (won't be able to get much) but I was wondering if I should try to refill the pool at least some. I can place the hose under the cover or put it through the return valve hole (since the water is way below that). I wasn't sure if this would be a good idea due to the fact that there is probably ice under the cover (adding water might move it around enough to cut the liner). I might be able to send a picture if you need it. I would appreciate any immediate advice that will help me to ensure my walls don't actually buckle and cause problems. Thanks, Sherry


Hi Sherry. I would place the hose under the cover and try to keep the pool as full as possible, I would also keep as much snow off the cover as possible.

The wall damage could be from the water level being to low causing the liner to pull down, it could be from a deeper than normal freeze and the icy water pushing out against the wall or it could be the ground is pushing up due to the freezing conditions.

All you can really do is keep the pool full, the cover as clear as possible, and wait for the ground to thaw.