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.

Replacement Bottom Rail

I have an 18' round Atlantic pool and I need to find a replacement bottom rail for it. Any idea where I can find it?



Hi. There are several ways to find a replacement bottom rail for an above ground pool. The first method is to call all the local pool stores in your area and see it they sell above ground pools. Stores that sell pools may have replacement parts on hand, in which case you can go to the store and try to match up your bottom rails with something they have. Most stores that sell above ground pools can order parts for the pools they sell. If there is a dealer near you that sells the Atlantic pool, that would be your best bet. If you need help locating a pool store near you selling your brand of pool you could try their web site. Many pool manufacturer sites have a store locator service on them. This would be a good way to find the store closest to you selling Atlantic pools.

Often times, when your bottom rails are rusted out, the bottom six inches of side wall is falling apart also. The footplates and bottom of the uprights could be eaten away as well. Replacement parts are not cheap and the cost could add up quickly if your pool is in bad condition. Used pools, still in good condition, can often be bought for a few hundred dollars. It is very possible the cost of a used pool would be less than the replacement parts.

There is website called Asahi Pool Parts, find the link on the pool parts page below, that sells parts for above ground pools. These parts are for the Asahi pools but bottom rails are fairly universal and these might be an option for you. With a little bending and prying just about any bottom rail would fit in your footplates. Make sure you buy the correct size as the arc is different for all the different pools.

The length does not need to be exactly the same as what you have. If the new rail is longer, use a hacksaw and cut it down to size. If it is shorter just allow extra gap in the footplate to make up the difference.

Pages related to replacement bottom tracks.

Asahi Above Ground Pools

Atlantic Above Ground Pool