Replace pool or tear it down for a new patio??

Question

Hi! Our pool, this is the 2nd time since 2007, that our pool has ended up this way after winter. We replaced it once about $1500 later to only have it happen 2 years later. My hub is not real thrilled to repair it again, but our kids & us love it in the summer. It was obviously put up wrong the 1st time by the contractors. So is it worth taking it down and doing it all over again or do we get rid of the pool and make a patio in its place? There is a fence around one side of it and then the deck plus I have perennials all round the pool as well. So confused and frustrated, besides do not want to break the bank here, so definite budget friendly project needed. Thanks in advance! Stephanie

Venica Anderson · Answer

Fix the pool! The kids are only kids for so long, ya know. A patio will give you a project for while you're empty-nesting.

Roxy D · Answer

Hmmm, good question. I have always wanted a pool, but not the headaches that come with it. Personally, I vote for the new patio, and maybe a hot tub. Pools are great, serve their purpose, but only for a few months. A patio can be used for numerous gatherings and increases the value of the house. We had a hot tub (when I was married), the kids loved it and a lot easier to take care of.

Jessica Martin · Answer

I also vote patio. Pools are really really fun, but I can't stand the upkeep they require. We just got a new bigger patio this spring and the kids AND us parents absolutely love it!

Timothy Snyder · Answer

it is obvious something is going wrong, for it to go bad in such a short time. trouble shoot the problem first. if it a structural problem, then fix it! if it is related to weather, then take steps to alleviate that. 
 My only other thought, some things we buy are made overseas with no quality control! Look into these thoughts: Was it poorly made? Could they have used stronger, thicker materials in the manufacturing process (typical of a company who puts profits over quality)? I have a friend, here in Los Angeles, who had a similar pool in her yard, which lasted at least 10 years before needing a new liner. It was more than likely not cheap to buy it originally. Weather here can be brutal on such products. and the same can be true where freezing weather, comes into play.

Halka.maryjo · Answer

I say fix the pool, in the blink of an eye the kids will be grown and moving on, then it's you & your hubby's time to put in & enjoy your new patio! Good luck on whatever you decide to do!

Carol Richardson · Answer

KEEP THE POOL SUMMER TIME IS ALMOST HERE AND ITS GOING TO GET HOT AND THE KIDS ILL THANK YOU FOR IT

Z · Answer

I'm with the kids. Fix the pool. It's only money. People, your family in this case, are so much more important.
I would however do some research before doing the repair to make sure it's done properly. I'm not familiar with your weather extremes, but I'd also take that into consideration. Can the pool be taken down or covered better during the winter months to prevent this from happening again?
The only other thing I can think of would be to check into a local pool membership, remembering, the cost and time it will take you to drive them back and forth and, depending on their ages, having to stay with them to make sure they are safe.

Sherry Knott · Answer

I'm on the 'fix the pool' side! We, too, have an above-ground pool, and when this one dies, another will be put in it's place. I have always had a pool no matter where I lived and I will always have one! We had considered putting a new liner in ours this year, but found out that to do so, they would have to tear the pool down, do some grading, etc. By the time we pay for all that plus the liner, we can pay for a new pool, so we will continue to patch when needed, at least for this summer, but if it ever gets too bad we will replace the whole pool instead of just the liner. Cost factor may depend on where you live. I've got a 28 footer. I can buy a new 28 footer installed here for $2,500. Hiring the people to tear down and install a new liner will cost me that much.

Patricia mccutcheon · Answer

I have had a pool for 23 years.  The memories made in it are priceless.  Some helpful tips for pool water quality, order a bigger pump and filtration system because the system included with some above the ground pools aren't sufficient to properly clean the water.  Switch to salt system.  You will never regret it.  Basically no maintenance. One time investment it will pay for itself.  Cover the pool in winter or run filter.  Also keep ph level I correct range.  You will waste a lot of $ on chemicals if ph is incorrect.

Artie Janow · Answer

Fix it!  If there is a tear in the liner....easy fix.  Drain it , fix it, (we have patched ours many times when it have been full) easy clean with soap and water ( don't wait til the sun bakes the algae on the liner.) fill and enjoy.  Make sure you partially drain and Cover it for winter (a must).  You should not have to purchase a liner every 2 years.   Good luck....have a great summer.....don't forget that pool alarm for safety!

Kay cook · Answer

Why didnt you buy a better winter cover for a few dollars more and eliminate this. your pool is easy if you do the proper maintnenance while opening and closing it.

Keith W · Answer

I had a 28foot above ground pool with deck and loved it, but initially it had a leak and I had someone repair it to find out it had a bunch of pinholes on the bottom.  It lasted the rest of the summer and when I lowered the level for winter it dropped another foot on its own.  After considerable thought, I deceided to remove the pool because the cost did not justify the reason for keeping the pool.  I could join a spaor go to a public pool for much less then the cost of the upkeep as well as the replacement of the liner. I am very satisfied with my decision and now have my yard back to enjoy.  The private pool was nice but just could not justify the cost.

Roberta Eagleston · Answer

I am not sure what you are saying the problem is.  Did the water leak out ?  If there is a leak, fix it.  I agree with those comments that as long as the children are home, save the pool.  I have had above and in ground pools.  The one I have now is salt and has carbon filter.  The easiest to maintain.  Never would I return to chlorinated:)

Kathy · Answer

What's the problem with it? I can't tell looking at the picture.

Sally Roesner Fuhr · Answer

We have had jumbo plastic pools for our labrador retrievers to cool off in summer. So of the several now in my barn, I have wondered about just using them for a raised-bed garden.

Sheila · Answer

Fix it. Especially if it is something your whole family enjoys together. Looks like it wasn't properly winterized, but it can be cleaned, leaks can be patched. Maybe a better cover this year? Or put up a cheaper version that can be taken down and stored in the winter, thus eliminating the frustration.

Mom of 4 · Answer

Thanks for all the comments / advice! The problem is not how we winterized or the filter system, but the initial installation of the pool! My hub & I are thinking of taking it down all the way & putting it up correctly! It was never leveled properly, the water is higher on the side of the pool where it leaks out!  I guess the pool is staying, now where to begin on the re-setting up of it!!

Jeanette S · Answer

If this pool is used by your kids, I say stick with the pool. With so many nasty diseases going round, you may not want to visit a public pool so this is a good investment! And with this pool, you can take it out without breaking the bank when the kids are gone!

Therese Ryan-Haas · Answer

Sorry Hun, but you didn't really explain it very well. Hence the very confused answers and questions here. It would have helped to say how you felt it was wrongly installed and how it affected it. Someone could have given you a fix. I had the same pool growing up from two years old, till twenty. My mother only replaced the liner twice. I recall the many times she handed me a patch and told me to put it on some pin hole she found on the bottom. She would feel the bottom with her feet as she vacuumed. If there was a soft squashy spot she knew there was a leak from a hole. So you can understand my confusion at your having to replace the whole liner.

Timothy Snyder · Answer

wow ok, sorry to hear that! well maybe a thicker liner if you can find one or a double liner! just suggestions. I hope the leveling it will work. the pool will be fun during the warmer months!

Becky P · Answer

I love my above ground pool. I have always said that taking care of it was a labor of love, never bothered me to do it. I don't think it costs THAT much to run one. Just jugs of chlorine, which I just got at Rural King for $7.99 a case, and a little algaecide. And maybe a little water/electricity $, and you have a backyard oasis. Every year it is exciting to take the winter cover off and see what the water looks like. This year it was just a little cloudy, but it cleared up in a few days of running the filter and adding some chemicals. Good luck!

Sherry Knott · Answer

Absolutely, StephenS6. They are expensive to fix. Because we don't have the equipment or know-how to replace the liner, we would have to get a new pool. It almost appears in the picture that the liner is too big for the pool? I'm afraid I don't know the answer. Maybe filling it will put enough pressure to smooth it out? Wish I had an answer for you.

Dorothy · Answer

Thanks so much, Meg.  I'm on my 3rd liner and 2nd pump...it's wonderful when all the family and Grands are here, but, the Grands are all grown and use it seldom.   I think the next time it needs repair I will do as you suggested.

Shari Veater · Answer

Replace it...we had an above ground pool and loved it! Then we moved to an in-ground pool and loved it more...the cost is well worth having a place to cool off in when its hot...a great place for summer parties and teaching kids to swim!

Meliss Etner · Answer

Kids=pool=kids=pool=kids=pool...Enough said. KEEP THE POOL :}}}}}

Artie Janow · Answer

Just saw where your referred to the incorrect installation of the liner. Be sure and put the correct amount of sand under the liner...should be smooth and level. I'm sure there are lots of articles on web for referral. The trick to getting the liner tight (speaking from experience) is to walk on the liner when you are filling to prevent the liner from overlapping and getting Hugh wrinkles. You will get the some small ones. Once the water reaches the wall, you should be set. Put on some music and make it a party! Good Luck!

Melisa Pauley · Answer

you can check online or contact a pool store to get the correct directions to set up the specific pool that you have if you redo it yourself

Theresa · Answer

First you need to drain the water. Then wipe it down. If the liner is still good the just remove it and level the bottom. We used a chalk like powder we got a secard pools and spread it on the bottom and up the sides of the walls. Replaced the liner and smooth out the wrinkles and filled the pool with water again. Keep it.

Kay cook · Answer

Every year i say i'm not opening mine because i have to beg the kids and grand kids to get in it. And every year there i am opening it. I don't get in it much myself but think if i torn it down i would miss it. Also, repairing the place where the pool was would also be a lot of work for me any way. Good luck.

Vicky Wichman Yernesek · Answer

It should be covered by your home owners insurance. Call your agent and ask about it.

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