Having an above ground pool is an excellent way to enjoy the summer with your family and friends.
But if your above ground pool is starting to bow, it can be a cause for concern.
In this article, we’ll discuss the causes of above ground pool bowing, how to identify it, and the solutions that can help prevent it.
With the help of this article, you can make sure your above ground pool remains in the best condition possible.
So let’s dive in and learn all about why your above ground pool might be bowing and what you can do about it.
Short Answer
Above ground pools are typically made of metal or vinyl, both of which can be prone to bowing.
This could be caused by a variety of factors, such as an uneven ground surface, water pressure from the pool’s filter system, or even the weight of the pool’s contents.
Additionally, if the pool was improperly installed, this could also lead to bowing.
A professional should be consulted to properly diagnose the issue and recommend a solution.
Causes of Above Ground Pool Bowing
When it comes to above ground pools, bowing is a common issue.
Bowing occurs when the pool wall is pushed outwards or inwards, resulting in an uneven shape.
In some cases, this can cause the pool wall to collapse.
There are several potential causes of above ground pool bowing, including too much water weight, ground movement, and inadequate support.
Too much water weight is a common cause of bowing in above ground pools.
When the water level is too high, the weight of the water can cause the pool wall to bow outwards.
It is important to keep the water level below the maximum fill line to avoid this issue.
Ground movement can also cause an above ground pool to bow.
When the ground shifts, it can cause the pool wall to bow inwards, resulting in an uneven shape.
This is especially common in areas with unstable soil.
Finally, a lack of adequate support can cause an above ground pool to bow.
If the pool is not properly supported, the wall can bow inwards or outwards.
To prevent this, it is important to ensure the pool is properly supported before filling it with water.
Too Much Water Weight
When it comes to why an above ground pool may be bowing, one of the main causes is too much water weight.
This is because the pool walls and frame are not designed to support an excessive amount of water, and the weight of the pool can cause the walls to bow outward.
The amount of water that the pool can safely hold depends on the size and design of the pool, so it is important to check the manufacturers specifications and keep the pool filled to the recommended level.
To prevent bowing caused by too much water weight, it is important to regularly monitor the water level and keep it below the maximum capacity.
Additionally, it is important to ensure that the pool is evenly filled, as an unevenly filled pool can cause the pool walls to bend or bow inwards.
If you notice that your pool is beginning to bow, it is important to immediately check the water level and adjust it as needed.
Ground Movement
Ground movement is one of the most common causes of an above ground pool bowing.
It is caused when the ground beneath the pool shifts or settles in an uneven manner, which can create pressure on the pool walls and cause them to bow inward.
This is especially common in areas that experience frequent earthquakes or flooding, as the ground can move more easily and cause more damage to the pool walls.
It is important to check the ground beneath your pool periodically to ensure it is level and stable.
If you live in an area where the ground can shift or settle, you may want to consider installing additional support for your pool, such as an extra layer of sand beneath the pool or a concrete foundation.
This can help provide extra support for the pool wall and prevent bowing.
Additionally, if the ground beneath your pool is soft or wet, it can cause the pool walls to bow inward due to the weight of the water.
Make sure to check the ground around your pool periodically to ensure it is dry and firm.
If the ground is too soft or wet, you may need to add additional support or reinforce the area beneath the pool.
Lack of Support
When it comes to above ground pools, one of the key causes of bowing is a lack of support.
This can happen if the pool has not been set up properly, or if the support structure was not designed with the correct specifications.
For example, if the pool is not level and the supports are too weak or too far apart, the pool wall may start to bow inward or outward due to the uneven pressure.
Additionally, if the supports are not properly attached to the pool wall, the wall may bow due to the lack of support.
In order to prevent bowing due to a lack of support, it is important to make sure the pool is properly leveled and that the supports are of sufficient strength and placed at the correct intervals.
It is also important to make sure the supports are securely attached to the pool wall.
If you are unsure of how to properly install the pool, you may want to consult a professional for assistance.
Identifying Bowing in Above Ground Pools
Identifying bowing in an above ground pool can be a tricky task.
The pool may have a curved wall, or a wall that appears to be bowed outwards or inwards.
To be sure, it is important to inspect the pool from the outside and from the inside.
If the pool looks bowed from the outside, it is likely due to too much water weight or ground movement.
If the pool looks bowed from the inside, it is likely due to inadequate support or a lack of reinforcement.
Additionally, it is possible to detect bowing in an above ground pool by observing the water level.
If the water level is higher than the pools skimmer, it is likely due to a bowed pool wall.
Furthermore, if the pools skimmer is abnormally far away from the pools wall, then it is likely due to a bowed pool wall.
It is also possible to detect bowing in an above ground pool by looking for gaps between the pools wall and the ground.
If there are gaps, it is likely due to a bowed pool wall.
Additionally, if the pools wall is not level with the ground, then it is likely due to a bowed pool wall.
Finally, it is possible to detect bowing in an above ground pool by looking for signs of pool liner damage.
If the pool liner is wrinkled or appears to be bulging, it is likely due to a bowed pool wall.
Additionally, if the pools wall appears to be bulging outwards or inwards, then it is likely due to a bowed pool wall.
Solutions for Pool Bowing
When it comes to solving the issue of pool bowing, there are a few different things you can do.
First and foremost, it is important to ensure that the pool is properly supported.
This includes making sure that the pool is on a level surface and that the support columns are of adequate size and evenly spaced.
Additionally, you may want to consider installing additional supports such as a pool brace or a pool wall reinforcement kit.
This will help to ensure that the pool walls remain structurally sound.
Next, you will want to check the water level in the pool.
If the water level is too high, it can put extra pressure on the pool walls, causing them to bow.
To avoid this, make sure that the water level is kept at the recommended level as marked on the pool wall.
Finally, it is important to monitor the ground movement around the pool.
If the ground shifts or changes, it could cause the pool walls to bow.
To prevent this, you may want to consider installing a pool base mat, which will help to provide additional stability to the ground around the pool.
Overall, pool bowing can be a frustrating issue, but by following the above tips and taking preventative measures, you can ensure that your pool remains structurally sound for years to come.
Proper Pool Support
When it comes to above ground pools, proper support is key to preventing bowing.
The pool needs to be set up on a level surface and have enough support in order for it to remain stable.
If the pool is not properly supported, the pool wall may bow either outwards or inwards, depending on the pressure of the water and the ground movement.
The most common type of pool support is a steel frame, which is sturdy and can withstand a lot of pressure.
The frame should be placed around the entire circumference of the pool and should be made of quality material that won’t rust or corrode when exposed to water.
Additionally, the pool should be set up on a level surface, such as a concrete or sand pad, in order to ensure that the pool is properly supported.
If you’re unsure how to properly support your above ground pool, it’s important to consult a professional.
They can provide you with the necessary information and expertise to ensure that your pool is properly supported and won’t bow due to water weight or ground movement.
Final Thoughts
Above ground pools are susceptible to bowing due to a variety of factors, including too much water weight, ground movement, and a lack of support.
To prevent bowing, it is important to ensure the pool is properly supported and that the water level is not too high.
If you think your pool is bowing, it is important to take steps to identify the cause and address the issue promptly.
With a little maintenance, you can keep your above ground pool looking great for many years to come.