Pool Wall Buckled - Safe?

by Eric Walker
(Florence MA)

I have read a number of posts here about the phenomenon of an above ground pool wall buckling and I think I understand what needs to be done to correct it. My question is whether it represents a dangerous situation that could cause the pool structure to fail? Our pool has buckled along the bottom and over this winter it extended a number of feet along one side of the pool. I am just concerned to know if we have an immediate safety issue or if we could address this at the end of the season?
Kind thanks!

Hi Eric. Wall buckling itself is not so much a safety issue as the cause of the buckling. Leveling issues of one type or another are the usual causes for wall buckling. Leveling issues could cause problems if not dealt with.

The big thing is to keep a close eye on it. If it changes, progresses or gets worse in any way I would take the time to fix it. If the pool is otherwise stable, it could stay that way, without harm, indefinitely.

There are a few issues you really do not want to see occurring. You should not see any gaps under the bottom rails that could allow the pool cove to leak out. You should not see evidence, on the inside of the pool, of the cove being damaged to any extend. If the crease is bad enough that the wall is torn in any way I would fix it. Sometime the wall pulls out from under the top rails and the metal retaining rods could start coming off. This could be a problem if they come off and puncture the liner. If every rainstorm causing settling in the pool structure that effects this area I would be very concerened.

Keep a close eye on it and use your best judgment.