Above Ground Pool Walls

by Tracey
(Lima, Ohio, USA)

We have had our above ground pool up for 3 years. This year, more than any other, I have noticed the pool walls moving when anyone is in the pool.

Is this normal? Is something coming loose? This is our first pool and I have no idea if there is a problem.

Hi Tracey.

It is perfectly normal for an above ground pool wall to move when the pool is being used. It does not sound like a problem to me and I can't think of anything that might have come loose.

kids playing in vinyl pool

Comments for Above Ground Pool Walls

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Jul 10, 2009
 walls move
by: Anonymous

I was given a used pool ... about four years old.

It's filled but I too was concerned about how much the walls move when the teenagers are in and splashing around. How much is acceptable and when should I get concerned?

I've checked other pools and pushed on the walls and mine seems to have more movement than others I've checked.

Thoughts ?

Hi

Above ground pool sidewalls vary in their thickness and some will flex more than others. If the pool is level and the sidewall is not eaten away with rust it should be safe. Rust is the biggest reason for a pool bursting open while it is being used. An unstable pool, because of leveling issues, is probably the second.

Inspect the pool for integrity and if it is sound in every way then I would not worry about the walls flexing. It really is normal.

Jun 25, 2014
 moving walls
by: Anonymous

New pool this year..had other pool for 24 years..
Have noticed these walls have more movement..especially with teenagers..walls are level
Everything seems fine except this...former pool was 48" this one 52" would this make a difference?

Hi

The height is probably the difference. Also some walls are thicker than others, this makes a difference also. That should not make the pool any weaker and you are probably just fine.

Jun 21, 2019
 I am scare too
by: Anonymous

I just installed a new above ground pool...it is all resin plastic except the wall itself (uprights, top railing, and bottom track all resin) and my pool shakes like crazy when kids splashing around and "making waves" with rafts. I don't know if it is safe but I haven't read anything that says it isn't. Amount of info on internet is minimal. Wish I could be of help but if you have metal verticals then you are better off than me already. If I knew then what I know now I would not have bought a resin pool, I would have gone with a hybrid or full metal.
May 03, 2020
 Pool wall shaking when i shake it
by: Anonymous

Is it normal for the above ground pool to shake when I shake it? I'm a but concerned since my pool is not level, believe it is at least 2 inch off. Also will it collapse as will? Thanks in advance.

Hi

Two inches off is not that bad and yes, there is normally some movement in the wall.

Jun 22, 2020
 Movement of walls
by: Anonymous

I have the same issue. Pool was just installed and everything looks and feels good. When a few teens are in the pool and jumping in from the deck and making waves I can see the wall swaying in and out a little from the outside. I never paid attention to anyone elses pool until now. Is this normal?
May 28, 2021
 New pools are cheap
by: Anonymous

I grew up swimming in a 24’ round pool. Was always buried a foot underground, back filled with small gravel. My new 2021 pool will probably not last as long as that now 30+ year old dinosaur pool. The walls move and flex like a rubber inflatable. And my pool is perfectly level on a solid sand base. My guess new pools are cheap so we have to keep buying new ones.

Hi Not really, above ground pool walls do flex. Some of the metal is thinner but better treated. It just depends on what pool you purchased. 30+ years is great, good quality pools should give you at least 20.

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