Are you ready to say goodbye to your Intex above ground pool for the season? While it may seem like a daunting task, dismantling your pool can be a straightforward process if you have the right tools and follow the proper steps.
The first step in taking down your pool is to gather all necessary tools and supplies. Once you have everything you need, you can move on to draining the pool and removing the liner. From there, you’ll need to disassemble the metal frame and properly store your pool for next season.
But don’t worry! With a bit of effort and patience, you can successfully take down your Intex above ground pool without any hassle. In this article, we’ll provide a step-by-step guide on how to take down your pool and offer some tips and tricks to make the process as smooth as possible.
So, let’s get started! Follow along with us as we break down the process of taking down your Intex above ground pool and help you prepare for next season. Keep reading to learn more!
Table of Contents
Gather Your Tools and Supplies
Before starting the process of taking down your Intex above ground pool, you’ll need to make sure you have all the necessary tools and supplies. To make this task as easy as possible, you’ll need a few specific items, such as a screwdriver, a pair of pliers, a box cutter or scissors, a garden hose, and a submersible pump.
Additionally, you’ll want to make sure you have the necessary safety equipment on hand, such as heavy-duty work gloves and safety glasses. Keep in mind that the pool will be wet, so be sure to wear shoes with good traction to avoid slipping.
It’s also a good idea to have a few additional items on hand, such as a tarp or large plastic sheet to lay the pieces of the pool on as you take them apart, and some cleaning supplies to clean up any dirt or debris that may be left behind after the pool is removed.
By gathering all of these tools and supplies beforehand, you’ll make the process of taking down your Intex above ground pool much smoother and more efficient.
Gather Your Tools and Supplies
Safety First
Before you start taking down your Intex above ground pool, make sure to prioritize safety. Wear proper protective gear like gloves and goggles to prevent injury from sharp edges or pool chemicals. Additionally, it’s important to have a helper with you to assist with heavy lifting or holding the pool components in place while you work.
When you’re ready to drain the pool, make sure to use caution and avoid contact with the pool water, as it may contain harmful chemicals. It’s a good idea to have a sump pump or pool vacuum on hand to speed up the process and prevent the water from pooling around the pool area.
Another safety consideration is to be aware of any nearby electrical sources. Make sure to unplug any electric pool equipment and avoid using power tools near the pool’s electrical connections to prevent electrocution.
Finally, it’s important to read the owner’s manual and follow any specific instructions for your Intex pool model. This will help you avoid any potential hazards and ensure a safe takedown process.
Required Tools and Supplies
Before you begin the process of taking down your Intex above ground pool, make sure you have all the necessary tools and supplies on hand. Here are some of the things you will need:
- Rubber gloves: You’ll be working with chemicals and rough surfaces, so protect your hands with a sturdy pair of gloves.
- A pool cover: After you take down your pool, you’ll want to protect it from the elements with a high-quality pool cover.
- A sump pump: You’ll need a pump to remove the water from the pool.
- A utility knife: You’ll need to cut away the pool liner, so a sharp utility knife is essential.
- A screwdriver: You’ll need to disassemble the metal frame, so make sure you have the right type of screwdriver on hand.
These are just a few of the things you’ll need to successfully take down your Intex above ground pool. It’s a good idea to gather all your tools and supplies ahead of time to make the process as smooth as possible.
Note: Depending on the specific model of your pool, you may need additional tools or supplies. Check the owner’s manual for specific instructions.
Drain the Pool Water
Step 1: Turn off the pool’s pump and filter system. This will prevent any new water from entering the pool during the draining process.
Step 2: Connect a garden hose to the pool’s drain valve and place the other end in an area where the water can safely drain away from the pool area.
Step 3: Open the pool’s drain valve and allow the water to drain out. This process can take several hours depending on the size of your pool and the amount of water left in it.
Step 4: After the pool is empty, use a wet-dry vacuum to remove any remaining water from the bottom of the pool. This will prevent any potential damage to the pool liner or metal frame during storage.
Use a Pump or Siphon
Step 1: Before draining the pool, make sure to turn off the power to the pool pump to avoid damage.
Step 2: If you have a pump, connect a hose to the drain outlet and run the other end of the hose to a drainage area. Turn on the pump and let it drain the water.
Step 3: If you don’t have a pump, you can use a siphon to drain the water. Connect a garden hose to the pool drain and fill it with water. Place one end of the hose in the pool and the other end in the drainage area. Suck on the end of the hose until water begins to flow out.
Step 4: Once the water level is low, use a bucket to scoop out the remaining water until the pool is empty.
Choose a Drainage Location
Before draining the water, choose a drainage location that is appropriate for your yard and will not cause damage. The best place to drain the water is on a sloping area away from the pool, preferably a storm drain or a street gutter.
Make sure to avoid any area that could cause flooding or erosion, such as a garden bed, and do not drain the water into a neighbor’s yard or pool.
It is important to note that some municipalities may have regulations on draining pool water, so be sure to check with your local government before starting the draining process.
Once you have chosen a safe location to drain the water, you can proceed with the next steps to empty the pool.
Be Mindful of the Environment
Check for Local Regulations: Some municipalities have regulations about where and how pool water can be drained. Check with your local authorities to make sure you’re complying with any regulations.
Don’t Drain Pool Water onto Plants or Grass: Pool water contains chemicals that can be harmful to plants and grass. Avoid draining pool water onto vegetation, as it can damage or even kill them.
Dispose of Pool Water Safely: When disposing of pool water, make sure it’s going into a storm drain, a sewer cleanout, or a designated drainage area. Don’t dump pool water onto the street or in a ditch.
Consider Reusing Pool Water: If the pool water is still relatively clean and clear, you may be able to reuse it for other purposes, such as watering plants, cleaning outdoor surfaces, or even flushing toilets. Consider ways you can reuse the water before disposing of it.
Remove the Pool Liner
Locate the seam: Locate the seam where the pool liner is attached to the top rail of the pool. Carefully remove any clips or fasteners that may be holding the liner in place.
Remove the liner: Slowly and carefully remove the liner from the pool, starting at the seam and working your way around the pool. Be sure to fold the liner neatly as you remove it to avoid tearing or damaging it.
Clean the pool: Once the liner is removed, take the time to thoroughly clean the pool. Scrub the walls and floor of the pool with a pool brush and pool cleaner to remove any dirt or debris.
Remove the Top Ring
Step 1: Locate the top ring on the pool and use a pair of scissors to cut it away from the liner.
Step 2: If the top ring is inflatable, deflate it completely and remove it from the pool area.
Step 3: Use a utility knife or scissors to cut the liner away from any straps or clips that were attached to the top ring.
Step 4: Set the top ring and any straps or clips aside for future use or disposal.
Cut the Liner into Pieces
Before you start cutting the liner, make sure that you have all the necessary equipment ready, including a sharp utility knife, a pair of heavy-duty scissors, and a marker. Measure the liner carefully and mark the cutting lines with the marker. Start cutting the liner using the utility knife or scissors, and work slowly and carefully to avoid damaging the walls or floor of the pool. Remove the liner in sections and fold each piece neatly to make disposal easier and more efficient.
Recycle or Dispose of the Liner Responsibly
Recycling: If your pool liner is made of recyclable material, contact your local recycling center to see if they accept pool liners. If they do, follow their guidelines for proper disposal.
Landfill: If your pool liner cannot be recycled, it must be disposed of properly. Contact your local landfill to determine if they accept pool liners, and if so, how to dispose of them. Some landfills may require you to cut the liner into smaller pieces.
Professional Disposal: If you are unsure of how to properly dispose of your pool liner, consider hiring a professional pool company to handle the removal and disposal process. They will have the knowledge and resources to dispose of the liner responsibly.
Take Apart the Metal Frame
Gather Your Tools: Before starting, make sure you have all the necessary tools such as screwdrivers, pliers, and a rubber mallet to disassemble the metal frame of your pool.
Loosen the Joints: Use a screwdriver or pliers to loosen the joints where the metal frame pieces connect. You may need to use a rubber mallet to gently tap on the joints to loosen them.
Remove the Metal Frame Pieces: Carefully remove the metal frame pieces one by one, making sure to keep them organized. Label each piece with a marker if necessary to help with reassembly.
Follow the Manufacturer’s Instructions
When taking apart the metal frame of your pool, it’s important to follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully. This will ensure that you don’t damage any of the components or risk injury to yourself.
The instructions will likely include steps for disassembling each section of the frame, as well as any hardware that needs to be removed. Be sure to keep track of all the pieces so you can easily reassemble the frame if needed.
It’s also important to take note of any specific safety precautions recommended by the manufacturer, such as wearing gloves or eye protection while handling certain parts of the frame.
Clean and Store the Pool for Next Season
After disassembling your above-ground pool, it’s important to properly clean and store it to ensure it’s in good condition for next season. Here are some tips:
Drain and dry the pool: Use a pump to drain all the water from the pool and let it dry completely to prevent mold or mildew growth.
Clean the pool: Use a pool cleaner or a mild detergent and scrub brush to remove any dirt, debris, or algae from the pool’s surface and walls. Rinse thoroughly.
Store the pool: Store the pool in a dry, covered area, free from moisture and direct sunlight. Make sure all components are properly labeled and stored together to make assembly easier next season.
Inspect and repair: Before storing the pool, inspect all components for any signs of damage or wear and tear. Replace any damaged parts before storing to avoid further damage.
Maintain the pool cover: If using a pool cover, make sure it’s clean and dry before storing it. Check for any tears or holes and repair them as needed. Store the cover in a dry area away from sunlight and moisture.
Thoroughly Clean the Pool
Drain the water: Use a submersible pump to remove the water from the pool, making sure to direct it away from your home’s foundation.
Scrub the walls and floor: Use a pool brush and a cleaning solution to scrub the walls and floor of the pool. Pay special attention to any areas with visible dirt or algae.
Clean the filter: Remove the filter and clean it according to the manufacturer’s instructions. This will ensure that the filter is in good working order for next season.
Remove debris: Use a leaf skimmer or pool net to remove any leaves, twigs, or other debris that may have accumulated in the pool.
Balance the chemicals: Use a pool testing kit to check the chemical levels of the water. Adjust the chemicals as needed to ensure that the water is properly balanced for next season.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the steps involved in taking down an Intex above ground pool?
Taking down an Intex above ground pool involves several steps, including draining the water, disassembling the pool components, removing the liner, and cleaning and storing the pool for next season.
What tools are needed to take down an Intex above ground pool?
Tools required to take down an Intex above ground pool include a pump to drain the water, pliers or a wrench to remove the bolts or screws, a utility knife or scissors to cut the liner, and a storage container for the pool components.
How long does it take to take down an Intex above ground pool?
The time it takes to take down an Intex above ground pool varies depending on the size of the pool and the complexity of the disassembly process. On average, it takes 4 to 6 hours to take down a pool.
How do I dispose of the Intex above ground pool liner?
It is important to recycle or dispose of the Intex above ground pool liner responsibly. Check with your local waste management authority for guidance on how to dispose of the liner properly.
Can I reuse an Intex above ground pool liner?
It is not recommended to reuse an Intex above ground pool liner as it may be damaged or worn out. Using a damaged or worn liner may compromise the safety and integrity of the pool.