Older Pool Sinking

by Keith
(Omaha, Nebraska)

I purchased a pool in 2003, and had it professionally installed. Just recently I noticed that one side of my 18 ft pool has become much lower than the other side, and is quite noticeable.

I was present during the install, and it appeared that the installer was knowledgeable. I am located in Nebraska, and have very heavy clay soil. They used concrete pavers under each post, and leveled the pool accordingly.

I also noticed the liner on that side has slipped behind the coving, all along the low side now. Is this a problem that needs immediate attention, or can I wait another month to address it while the pool is being closed for the season?

I am very concerned about the liner being behind the coving. I have read that you can lower the water level to a few inches, and then carefully, using a shovel raise each post and re-level using dirt. Is there any other material that would work better, for example rock, etc, under the pavers? That part of the yard slopes away very gradually, and I think some very slow erosion has been going on. Thanks!




Hi Keith. It sounds like the pool has held up well for nearly 8 years so I would not put any blame on the installers, it is probably, like you say, just the ground slowly sinking.

The repairs can easily be made and it is probably not an emergency, unless the liner is resting on the pool framework in any one place. Cove damage can be dangerous when the liner comes into contact with the metal pool frame. The liner gets cut and all the water empties real fast.

After 8 years it might be a good time to replace the liner in the spring. If you plan to keep your existing liner be sure you are careful. Like you said, leave water in the pool. You should also drain and refill in the shortest amount of time possible. Another tip is to do your re-filling under high noon sunshine, this helps to warm the liner helps it to stretch back out. As liners get older they loose their elasticity and cannot be left empty. Knowing this ahead of time you should be just fine.