How to Disassemble an Above Ground Pool? Step-by-Step Guide

Welcome to our comprehensive guide on disassembling above ground pools. If you’re planning to dismantle your pool, you’re in the right place. Whether it’s the end of the season or you’re moving to a new house, taking your pool apart may seem daunting, but it’s not as hard as you might think. With our step-by-step instructions, you’ll have your pool disassembled in no time.

Before you start, it’s important to plan ahead. Disassembling an above ground pool can be time-consuming, so make sure you have the right tools and enough time set aside to complete the job. Don’t forget to enlist the help of friends or family to make the process go more smoothly.

In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about disassembling your above ground pool. From draining the water to removing the liner, and dismantling the frame, we’ve got you covered. We’ll also provide tips on how to store your pool for the winter, so it’s ready for use next season.

So, whether you’re a seasoned pool owner or a first-timer, keep reading to learn the step-by-step process for disassembling an above ground pool.

Preparing for Disassembly

Before you begin disassembling your above ground pool, there are a few things you need to prepare to make the process as smooth as possible. First, gather all the necessary tools you will need for the job, including a screwdriver, pliers, and a rubber mallet. Clear the area around the pool of any debris or objects that may get in the way of disassembly, and make sure you have a clean, flat surface to work on.

Next, turn off the pool’s filter and pump system to prevent any water from circulating while you are disassembling the pool. It is also a good idea to disconnect any hoses or electrical connections that are connected to the pool equipment. Label each connection so you know which goes where when it’s time to reassemble.

Get a friend to help you. Disassembling an above ground pool can be a big job, and having an extra set of hands will make the process much easier. Plus, it’s always good to have someone to bounce ideas off of and share the workload with.

Finally, refer to the manufacturer’s instructions for disassembling the pool. Different pool models may have specific disassembly instructions that you need to follow to ensure you don’t damage the pool or equipment. Make sure you have these instructions on hand before you begin disassembly.

Gather Necessary Tools

1. Digital Camera: Take pictures of the pool before disassembling it. This will help you remember how to put it back together and where each part goes.

2. Pool Cover: Cover the pool with a tarp to protect the pool from debris while disassembling it.

3. Phillips Screwdriver: The majority of above-ground pools are held together with screws, so having a Phillips screwdriver on hand is a must.

4. Wrench: To loosen any nuts or bolts, you may need a wrench.

5. Utility Knife: Use a utility knife to cut any zip ties or plastic parts that need to be removed.

Having these tools on hand will make the disassembly process much easier and more efficient. Plus, you’ll be able to put your pool back together again with ease after the winter season has passed.

Draining the Pool

Step 1: The first step to disassemble your above ground pool is to drain the water. Attach a garden hose to the pool’s drainage valve and direct the water to an appropriate area away from the pool.

Step 2: Once the water level is low, use a pool vacuum to remove any remaining water from the pool. This will help prevent any leftover water from damaging the pool or creating a breeding ground for mosquitoes.

Step 3: Next, remove the pool skimmer and return jets from the pool wall. You can do this by unscrewing them from the wall and removing them. Make sure to place them in a safe spot where they won’t get lost.

Step 4: After removing the skimmer and jets, remove the pool pump and filter. Make sure to drain any remaining water from them and clean them thoroughly. This will prevent any mold or mildew buildup and ensure they are ready for use next season.

Step 5: Finally, remove the drain plug and allow any remaining water to drain out of the pool. Clean the plug and store it in a safe place for next season.

Shut Off the Pool Pump

• Locate the pool pump: The pool pump is typically located near the pool filter. Turn off the power source to the pump to ensure that it is not damaged during the draining process.

• Turn off the power: Locate the circuit breaker or switch that controls the pool pump and turn it off. This will prevent the pump from turning on while the pool is being drained.

• Release the pressure: Open the air release valve on the pool filter to release any pressure that has built up inside the filter.

• Disconnect the hoses: Disconnect the hoses that connect the pump and filter to the pool. Be prepared for some water to spill out when the hoses are disconnected.

• Store the pump: After the hoses have been disconnected, remove the pump from the filter and store it in a safe, dry place until you are ready to reassemble the pool.

Drain the Pool Water

Before you can disassemble your above ground pool, you’ll need to drain all of the water from it. Here’s how to do it:

1. Turn off the power to the pool pump. This will prevent the pump from running while there is no water in the pool.
2. Attach a drain hose to the pool’s drainage valve. Make sure the hose is long enough to reach a safe drainage area.
3. Open the drainage valve and let the water drain completely from the pool.
4. Use a wet/dry vacuum to remove any remaining water from the pool floor and walls.
5. Store the drain hose and vacuum away until they’re needed again for the next pool season.

It’s important to drain your pool water properly to avoid any damage to your lawn or garden. Keep reading to learn about removing the pool liner.

Remove Remaining Water with a Shop Vac

Even after draining the pool, there may still be some water left in the pool’s bottom, making it harder to remove the liner. Use a shop vac to get rid of any remaining water.

Attach the vacuum to the drain valve, and turn it on to suction out any water. Make sure you use a vacuum with a large enough capacity to hold all the water.

Move the vacuum around the pool’s bottom to make sure you get rid of all the remaining water. Don’t forget to also suction out any water that may have collected in the pool’s ladder or any other equipment.

Once you have removed all the water, turn off the vacuum and disconnect it from the drain valve. You are now ready to move on to the next step in the disassembly process.

Removing the Pool Liner

Inspect the Liner: Before removing the liner, check it for any holes or tears that may have occurred during use. This will give you an idea of whether you need to replace the liner before reassembling the pool.

Remove the Top Rails and Coping: Once you have inspected the liner, you can start removing the top rails and coping that hold the liner in place. This will require a bit of force, but be careful not to damage the structure of the pool.

Detach the Liner: Once the rails and coping are removed, you can begin to detach the liner from the walls and bottom of the pool. You can use a putty knife or scraper to help loosen any adhesive that may be holding the liner in place.

Remove the Top Rail and Stabilizer

• Identify the top rails: These are the long, curved pieces of metal that connect the posts of the pool together and hold the liner in place.
• Remove the top rails: Loosen the screws that hold the top rails in place and carefully remove them from the pool. Make sure to keep track of the order in which they were removed.
• Remove the stabilizer: The stabilizer is a metal bar that runs along the bottom of the pool wall, holding the liner in place. Loosen the screws holding it in place and remove it from the pool.

Removing the top rail and stabilizer can be tricky, so take your time and be patient. It’s important to keep track of the order in which the top rails were removed so you can put them back in the correct order when reassembling the pool.

Disassembling the Pool Frame

Step 1: Remove the screws and bolts. Locate all the screws and bolts that hold the pool frame together. Use a socket wrench to remove them carefully. Remember to keep the screws and bolts in a safe place for future use.

Step 2: Take down the vertical posts. With the screws and bolts removed, you can now take down the vertical posts. Start at one end of the pool and work your way around, loosening each post and lifting it out of the track.

Step 3: Disassemble the horizontal rails. The horizontal rails usually come in sections that connect to each other with screws or bolts. Disassemble each section and remove it from the pool area.

Take Apart the Uprights and Wall Bars

• Step 1: Remove the screws or bolts that secure the uprights to the top rail and base plate using a socket wrench or screwdriver.

• Step 2: Carefully disassemble the wall bars by removing any screws or bolts that connect them to the uprights.

• Step 3: Gently remove the uprights from the base plates, being careful not to damage the pool liner or the frame.

• Step 4: Store the uprights and wall bars in a safe place, making sure to keep them organized for easy reassembly next season.

Be sure to label all the pieces, so you know exactly where they go when it comes time to put the pool back together.

Disassemble the Bottom Rails and Plates

Step 1: Start by removing the screws that hold the bottom rails in place. This will allow you to separate the rails from the plates.

Step 2: Once you have removed the bottom rails, you can then take off the bottom plates by removing the screws that hold them in place.

Step 3: As you remove the plates, be sure to keep them organized so that you know which ones go where when you reassemble the pool in the future.

Step 4: Once all the plates are removed, you can then detach the liner from the bottom rails and remove it from the pool.

Removing the Pool Equipment

Disconnect the pool equipment from the electrical source before removing it.

Drain the water from the pool equipment, including the filter, pump, heater, and any other accessories.

Remove the filter, pump, and heater from their mounting locations and disconnect any remaining plumbing connections.

Clean the pool equipment before storing it. Remove any debris, and consider using a pool equipment cleaner to keep it in good condition.

Store the pool equipment in a dry, protected area, such as a garage or shed, to prevent damage from the elements.

Disconnect the Hoses and Pump

Step 1: Turn off the power supply to the pool pump.

Step 2: Unscrew the hose clamps that hold the hoses to the pump and filter.

Step 3: Disconnect the hoses from the pump and filter.

Step 4: Remove the pump and filter from their mounting brackets.

Step 5: Store the pump and filter in a dry place.

Remove the Skimmer and Return Fittings

Step 1: Turn off the pool pump and filter system to avoid any accidents.

Step 2: Remove the lid of the skimmer by unscrewing the screws or bolts that are holding it in place. Use a skimmer removal tool to gently pull the skimmer away from the pool wall.

Step 3: Disconnect the pipes and hoses connected to the skimmer using a wrench or pliers. Place a bucket or towel under the skimmer to catch any water that may spill out.

Step 4: Repeat the same process for the return fittings, which are the small holes in the pool wall where the water returns to the pool from the filter system. Use a wrench or pliers to disconnect the pipes and hoses connected to the fittings and place a bucket or towel underneath to catch any water.

Step 5: Inspect the skimmer and return fittings for any damage or cracks. Replace any damaged parts before reinstalling them.

Storing the Pool for Winter

Drain the pool completely to avoid damage from freezing water. Use a submersible pump or siphon hose to remove the water. Remove any debris in the bottom of the pool before draining.

Clean and dry the pool equipment before storing it for the winter. Disconnect the hoses and pump and remove any remaining water. Store the equipment indoors or in a covered area to protect it from the elements.

Remove the pool accessories such as ladders, diving boards, and slides. Clean and dry them thoroughly before storing them indoors or in a covered area.

Cover the pool with a winter cover designed for your pool. Make sure the cover is securely fastened to prevent debris and water from entering the pool.

Store the pool chemicals in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for proper storage. Do not store chemicals near any flammable materials.

Clean and Dry the Pool Liner

Before storing your pool for the winter, it’s essential to clean and dry the pool liner. Start by removing any debris, leaves, or algae from the liner. Use a pool brush to scrub the liner with a mild pool cleaner or baking soda and a soft brush. Rinse the liner thoroughly with a hose, making sure to remove all soap residue.

Once you’ve cleaned the liner, let it dry completely. Make sure that the liner is completely dry before storing to avoid mold and mildew growth. If necessary, use a pool towel or a dry cloth to absorb any remaining water on the liner.

After the liner is completely dry, you can fold it neatly and store it in a dry, cool, and dark place. Avoid storing the liner in direct sunlight, as it can fade and damage the material. If you have any doubts about storing your liner, consult the manufacturer’s instructions or seek professional help.

Store the Pool Frame and Equipment

Step 1: Remove all the remaining water from the pool frame and equipment. Use a wet/dry vacuum to suck out any remaining water from the hoses, pump, and filter.

Step 2: Clean the pool frame thoroughly using a soft brush and mild soap. Rinse off any soap residue with a hose and let it dry completely.

Step 3: Disassemble the pool frame and equipment carefully, making sure to keep all the parts organized and labeled. Use a storage box or bag to store small parts, and make sure to store them in a dry, cool place.

Step 4: Store the pool liner separately in a dry, cool place. Fold it neatly and place it in a large plastic storage bin or bag. Make sure to keep it away from any sharp objects that could damage the liner.

Step 5: Cover the pool frame and equipment with a weather-resistant tarp or cover. This will protect them from dust, debris, and moisture during the winter months.

Cover the Pool for Winter

Clean and dry the cover: Before covering the pool, make sure the cover is clean and dry. Remove any debris and use a cover cleaner to remove any stains. Allow the cover to dry completely before storing it for the winter.

Secure the cover: Use cover clips or water bags to secure the cover in place. Make sure the cover is snug against the pool to prevent debris from getting in.

Winterize the pool: Follow the manufacturer’s instructions to winterize your pool. This may involve adding winterizing chemicals to the water, draining the pool partially, or disconnecting and storing the pool equipment.

Check the cover periodically: During the winter, check the cover periodically to make sure it’s still secure and hasn’t shifted. If necessary, re-secure the cover or remove any debris that may have accumulated on top.

Remove the cover in the spring: When spring arrives, remove the cover and clean it thoroughly before storing it for the season. Inspect the pool for any damage that may have occurred during the winter and make any necessary repairs before opening the pool for the summer.

Tips for a Smooth Disassembly Process

Disassembling a pool can be a time-consuming and challenging task, but with the right approach, you can make it a smoother and less stressful process. Here are some helpful tips to keep in mind:

Plan ahead: Before you start disassembling your pool, make sure you have all the necessary tools and equipment on hand. Also, it’s a good idea to have a plan in place for where you will store your pool and equipment during the winter.

Follow the instructions: If your pool came with assembly instructions, be sure to follow them in reverse order to disassemble the pool properly. If you no longer have the instructions, check the manufacturer’s website or contact them directly for a copy.

Label everything: As you take apart the pool, be sure to label each part so that you can easily find and reassemble them next season. You can use tape or small labels to identify each part and store them in labeled bags or containers.

Enlist some help: Disassembling a pool can be a big job, so consider enlisting some friends or family members to help you out. This can make the process go more quickly and smoothly, and it can also be a fun bonding experience.

Label and Organize Pool Parts

Disassembling a pool can be a complicated process with lots of parts to keep track of. To avoid confusion and frustration when reassembling, it’s important to label and organize all the pool parts properly.

Use Ziplock bags: Place small parts such as screws, bolts, and nuts in labeled Ziplock bags. This will keep them organized and prevent them from getting lost or mixed up with other parts.

Use markers: Use a permanent marker to label each part with its name or number. This will make it easier to identify each part when you are putting the pool back together.

Use a notebook: Take notes as you disassemble the pool, describing the location and function of each part. This will help you remember where each part goes when it’s time to reassemble the pool.

Keep everything together: Store all the labeled parts together in a designated location. This will help you stay organized and prevent parts from getting lost or misplaced.

Frequently Asked Questions