Buster Crabbe Oval Pool

by Todd Williams
(Wilkes-Barre, PA )

We recently purchased a 4 year old Buster Crabbe pool (used). It is an oval above ground 15 x 30 in good condition. We leveled ground to within 3/4" - 1". My questions are, my outer side walls (with buttresses) have settled a bit and are leaning out approx 1" at the top on each side, is this a concern? Apparently we forgot to add pavers under the out riggers and just put them under the actual uprights. What would be the ramifications to leave this like it is? Also, after filling the pool we have a bit of an air pocket at the top of the liner. Is it best to leave this alone or try and remove it, and if so, how? Love the Site and looking forward to your insight!


Hi Todd. The blocks under the backs of the buttress assemblies are just about the most important part of an oval above ground pool installation. I do not see any way the pool could be safe for use without them.

The pool could be drained down below the half way point and the blocks installed fairly easily. You would gently push the pool side uprights inwards and install the blocks. Use a torpedo level on the uprights and adjust the blocks until they are straight up and down. If you are careful you should not damage the cove in the process, but check it from inside the pool before refilling.

This would also be a good time to remove the air bubble at the top. Remove a few top rails, rods and coping. Pull the liner up tight and reassemble. When the pool is full again the sides should be straight and the liner tight.