Pool Bottom Track Rotted

by Mari
(Philadelphia,PA)

Hello Pool Pro, We are replacing our oval (12X18) pool liner. While replacing sand for the cove area, we noticed parts of the bottom track are rotted on one end. The support poles seem to be sturdy enough, but we are concerned the pool wall could collapse from the floor out in the rotted area between the supports.

Do you think the pool is safe if we place extra sand under the liner at the damaged end (cove area to avoid liner slipping through wall) and put some sort of support on the outside to build the wall base stronger? Thanks so much!



Hi Mari. I think you are 100% correct. The bottom rails themselves are not that much of a structural component. They are important when installing the pool because they keep the wall in place, but once the water is in they become less important.

There was a pool sold a while back, a cheapie pool, that did not have a bottom rail. The trick was to get the wall to stay in a circle shape long enough to get the sand spread out and then put the liner in. I hated those pools but it does put into perspective the importance of the bottom track.

Your pool has been up a while and the shape is well set and established. All you need to do is make sure you have a solid cove and that you have at least enough dirt on the outside to cover the bottom rail. Packing soil, or other landscaping, around the outside of the pool is one of the best ways to add years of life to it.

The only rust you need to be really concerned about is lower side wall rust. This is usually holes rusted through the wall in the cove area. This should be taken care of ASAP as it can cause nasty pool failure.