Above ground pools are an excellent investment for your home. They are cheaper than pools dug into the ground and require minimal maintenance. To keep the pools standing, care for the structure. What happens if you take water out of the above ground pool? Will it collapse?
If owners choose to leave their above ground pool empty for too long, it will collapse. This statement is especially true if the weather is too hot or cold. The temperatures will cause the liner to shrink or break if there is too much of a shift.
If you’re interested in learning more about whether or not an above ground pool will collapse without water, you’ve come to the right place. Read on to learn more about how long this pool can stand without water, whether or not an empty pool will collapse, and what causes this collapse. The more you know, the better you can care for your swimming area.
How Long Can An Above Ground Pool Stand Without Water?
At most, an above ground pool should stand empty without water for fifteen minutes. There is no support on the pool exterior, so the assistance must come from inside the container. The weight of the water keeps the pool intact and ready for swimmers to enjoy.
If you need to leave it empty for longer, you should:
- Put something else inside the pool to keep the walls up
- Support the exterior of the pool
- Keep it out of direct sunlight
These actions will ensure the pool stays upright and in one piece.
If you leave the pool without support for a long time, you will notice structural failings. There might be leaks or cracks, leading to expensive repairs and a lack of ability to hold water. Leave water inside to avoid investing in a new swimming area altogether.
An empty pool can fall apart, but what about collapsing? Is it possible for a swimming area to collapse?
Here’s a good video explaining the dangers of emptying an above ground pool:
Here’s a link to some Pool Accessories from Amazon and the highly recommended Sand Filter Pump to upgrade any above ground pool setup.
Can An Empty Pool Collapse?
If you empty a pool, it’s critical not to leave it void of water for too long. The structure has no support from the outside and is at a high risk of falling over. If an empty pool falls, there might be irreparable damage and a potential need to replace the entire thing.
Here are a few things that could cause the empty pool to collapse:
- Fast winds against the side of the structure
- High temperatures from the sun and freezing temperatures in the winter
- Melting interior, leading to shrinkage and collapse
With no water inside for support, the pool may collapse.
If you need to empty the pool, ensure you plan. Move it to a location where it won’t be hit by the blazing sun or fast-paced winds, then fill it with water as soon as possible for the best results.
Why Empty An Above Ground Pool?
Keep water in your pool for as long as possible. However, there are many valid reasons you might remove the liquid from your swimming area.
Here are a few reasons you might need to empty an above ground pool:
- Making repairs to the exterior or interior of the pool
- Removing calcium and other chemical buildups
- Clearing algae, debris, and various growths from the pool
- Changing the pool water if it has been altered too much
These are valid reasons to remove water from the above ground pool.
Once you remove the water, do what you need to do and replace it as soon as possible. The sooner your pool has support, the better it will fare.
How Can You Prevent Above Ground Pools From Collapsing?
Above ground pools are more prone to collapsing than varieties built into the ground. Luckily, there are several tactics you can use to stop this event from occurring.
Here are a few ways to keep above ground pools from collapsing:
- Ensuring the pool has been installed properly
- Keep the pool on level ground
- Follow assembly instructions perfectly
- Use proper maintenance
- Winterize the pool
These actions should keep your pool in one piece for a longer period.
Follow all procedures and ensure you keep up with repairs to help the above ground pool remain standing. These will prevent repairs and improve the lifespan of your vehicle.
What Is The Average Lifespan Of An Above Ground Pool?
Pools above the ground don’t last as long as pools built into the ground. They are more exposed to the elements and require more care to stay in one piece. Most above ground pools will last 7-15 years depending on various factors.
Here are the items that will impact the lifespan of your above ground pool:
- Size of the pool
- Locations of the structure
- Chemicals, debris, and growth in the pool
- Care and keeping of the pool
These items will raise or lower the lifespan of your above ground pool.
If you want your pool to last a long time, there are a few things you should try. Ensure the water is level, line the pool, and perform maintenance. You should also clear rust when it appears, keep water circulation, and cleanse the water as often as possible.
Here’s a link to some Pool Accessories from Amazon and the highly recommended Sand Filter Pump to upgrade any above ground pool setup.
Final Thoughts
Although they will last a decent amount of time, above ground pools should have water in them when possible. At most, you should leave them for about fifteen minutes without water.
Any longer and the structure may collapse, causing irreparable damage to your swimming area. Keep water inside for the best results.
We hope this information was helpful! The more you know about the stability of above ground pools without water, the easier it will be to care for the product and help it last a long time. Above ground pools need special care to maintain their structure, and filling them with water is the best thing you can do for them.