Pool wall repair using aluminum tape

by Amy
(Beloit, WI)

Hi,
I have a 18' pool that we bought used. It wasn't until we were dismantling the pool that we realized the pool wall, uprights and bottom plates were somewhat rusted. My question is regarding the pool wall.
Approximately the bottom 6" of at least 5ft of the pool wall is rusted, and a couple areas have some small holes rusted thru. I know you recommend using metal to fix the areas. While looking thru my local Menards the other day, I came across some Aluminum Tape. It seems very strong, and it lists metal repairs as a use for it. Would it work to use this tape to fix my pool wall? It seems like it might be more flexible and easier to work with as far as using it at the very bottom, and I could actually wrap it under/around the bottom edge that sits in the track. Does this seem like it might work? Thank you for your help.

Hi Amy. I have used aluminum tape before to repair very small holes in pool walls and it worked just fine. It’s actually pretty neat stuff.

If the pool wall is pretty thin from the rust I would still go with the flat stock aluminum or steel in a 12” or 16” width. With the pool wall installed the flashing material can be inserted into the bottom rail on the inside of the pool and run all the way around the pool if needed. Just the top edge needs a couple layers of duck tape to cover any sharp edges. This type of wall repair gives a the best protection from a wall bursting open, it spreads out the pressure from the outward force of the water.

Be sure to sand and repaint the wall before any repairs are made. This will greatly increase the length of time the wall will last.