How to Fix Rusted Pool Wall

by Yves Caron
(Boucherville, Quebec, Canada)

Can I re-install the sidewall for an above ground pool upside down?

I will have to plug the holes of the skimmer and the pool return and make new ones.

What is your opinion about this?


Hi Yves. I would not even consider installing a pool sidewall upside down. There are several reasons for this so lets start with the most important. The liner needs a strong, clean and healthy wall to be folded over. A rusty wall could easily tear the liner. There is also a certain amount of downward pressure put on the wall as the pool is filling. If the pool sidewall is not sound it will not hold the liner. Installing coping and rods onto a wall that is not in good shape can be very difficult and they tend to come off easily. A badly rusted or damaged sidewall would make pulling the liner over and finishing the pool very hard or even impossible.

My other big concern is the skimmer opening at the bottom of the pool. The farther down the pool wall you go the more pressure is exerted onto the pool walls by the weight of the water. A hole the size of the skimmer would have to be patched in some way that would not compromise the integrity of the sidewall.

If rusting is an issue with your sidewall you could get a roll of either 24" or 36" aluminum flashing and run it all around the inside of your pool. Simply pull back the pool cove and insert this metal into the bottom rails. You would then hold the flashing in place at the bottom with your pool cove and on top with duct tape.

More information about repairing a sidewall is on this page.

Pool Wall Repair