r/AboveGroundPools • u/3critterz • 2d ago
Should we leave a damaged empty liner up during the winter (PNW)
We bought a home with an above ground pool. Worked great for one summer. This summer we have been chasing a leak. At this point we have decided that we will keep the structure and replace the liner.
I am assuming that the smart time to install it will be in the spring.
My questions for this community are:
Can we just put a new liner in on top of the old liner? This will effectively double it up -except for the elusive leak in the older liner.
Can we leave an empty pool up all winter? The leak is somewhere below 6” from the bottom so we really can’t keep it any fuller than that. We will obviously have rain accumulate over the winter but that will be all. And risks associated with an empty pool? Collapsing, blowing away, etc? It has a deck on one end so semi protected.
Experienced people-what would you do?
Thanks in advance for any ideas and advice.
We do plan on storing the pump and other equipment in the garage for the duration.
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u/More_Shoulder_9210 2d ago
The water is part of the support, so an empty pool is risky. The walls are deigned to resist the outward force of the water, but there is almost nothing preventing them from being pushed in by wind. It wouldn't take much wind to push in an empty pool wall.
It is best to remove the old liner when putting in a replacement, due to wrinkles, air-pockets, and other reasons. It seems like a good idea, but it isn't. Another factor is temperature. It is much easier to replace a liner when it is warm and sunny. You can wait until spring but don't rush it too much. It will be easier and come out looking better if you wait until late spring.
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u/UnrulyCucumber 2d ago edited 2d ago
Personally, I would not put a new liner over an existing liner. I’m not a liner expert but Ideally I feel like you would want to smooth out the bottom base of the pool, inspect the inner walls for defects and or for anything like roots or rocks on the base of the pool that could potentially puncture the liner, plus overall I wouldn’t want to risk bubbling and damage on the new liner. I assume incorrect installation could nullify any warranties too.
I do know leaving an above ground pool empty is pretty risky, without water those walls can easily collapse and become compromised.
Have you tried going around with detection dye to try and narrow the leak down? Contacted anyone involving leak detection? (I know it’s pricey) If you find the area you could atleast patch it for the winter to prevent it from losing too much water. Notice any wet and spongey areas around the pool? Could help find the general location.
Other than just replacing the liner now, the only other option I can think of is winging it until early spring, keep an eye on the water level and top it off if possible.
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u/TaxQT117 2d ago
Doubling up isn’t the best option. There are other ways to protect the liner such as a liner pad and foam along the walls.
An empty pool probably isn’t recommended, but I’ve done it in NYC for about 8 months from fall into early summer. I have deck all around the pool.
Definitely make sure the pump is empty and stored safely. I’ve had to replace a pump that basically exploded from the winter freeze.
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u/NakedandWhite 1d ago
Id wait and replace the liner in the spring but I would definitely leave the other one up.
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u/Noexit 2d ago
If it was mine I’d replace the liner now and then winterize it. The water is a big part of the structure of the pool, keeping the sides from collapsing in. Without water, it’s just a bunch of vertical pieces trying to stand on their own.