Replace the Bottom Rail

by Sheena

When should I replace the bottom rail? I have a piece that is rusted through. I was told to wait until the liner needs to be replaced or until it gets worse.



Hi Sheena. I think that is pretty good advice. If the wall is in good shape you should not have a problem. Many times when the bottom rail on an above ground pool is rusted the wall is to. Check it closely and make sure it is sound. If the wall is rusted through I would drain the pool and make repairs.

There is a lot of pressure against the wall at the bottom of the pool. Almost every time a pool explodes it is from a rusty side wall down near the bottom. If you can see the liner through the wall the pool is not safe. If the sidewall is rusty and flakes apart if you pick at it drain the pool immediately.

Rust can be a serious problem and it can be a dangerous situation if it bursts while it is full of kids. I am not at all concerned about a rusty bottom rail, but I am about a rusty wall.