Pool Wall Rusted

by David
(VA)

I have a 24' x 4' deep above ground pool, I have noticed that the sidewall is rusting pretty bad at the bottom. Is there anywhere to purchase a new sidewall? Thanks for your help

Hi David, If you can find a local pool store that carries the same brand of pool that you have they might be able to order a wall. Ordering a wall gets very expensive and is probably not your best option.

Most of the time when the wall is shot so are the bottom rails, footplates and uprights. Pool stores will tell you it is cheaper to replace the entire pool than to special order these parts. When you add the cost of the new liner, pool wall and any other parts you are getting in the price range of a complete pool package.

If the rusted wall is your only damage so far there is a way to prolong the life of your pool a few more years. With the liner out of your pool, start by sanding away as much of the rust as possible. I would then spray the wall with a rust inhibitor paint.

The last thing I would do is tape some 16” wide aluminum flashing to the inside of the wall. Start by pulling back the coving that is in the pool. The flashing can be inserted into the bottom rail and rest flat against the wall. The top edge should be double taped.

Squares of this flashing material can also be taped over any rust areas that are not near the bottom of your pool.

Skimmer and return areas are a common place for rust. The skimmer can be moved to a good section of wall and the original opening covered over in the same manner.