Wierd queston I know, any hints on taking an above ground pool down by yourself?

Answer 1

Not easy, especially if it is a large one.

1. Empty the pool completely. You can use the pump for the first part, then you need to set-up a siphon system that you can adapt to your pump. Use a shop-vac to empty the last few gallons. If you are keeping the liner, clean and spray with a preservative (see your pool supplier).
2. Remove the post caps and the top rails.
3. If the liner is old and/or damaged and you do not want to keep it, just fold it and dispose. Otherwise, fold the sides down carefully onto the floor with as few creases as possible. Aboveground pools are set on sand; try to get as little as you can on the vinyl. Fold the floor carefully, with as few creases and as little sand as possible. Remove the liner.
4. Cut a slit along the length of a 3/4” PVC pipe longer than the height of your pool. This will be used as an edge protector.
5. Remove the leg at the seam in the steel wall.
6. Remove all the bolts and reinstall them on the inside end.
7. Slide the PVC pipe over the screws to protect the edges from scratching your pool while rolling it.
8. Roll the pool loosely (standing) with the PVC pipe on the inside. This will make a large roll. Tie the roll with strapping in at least two places.
9. Remove the remaining legs.
10. Remove the base.
11. Carefully tip the Pool side roll onto its side. Undo the straps and carefully unroll. Re-roll tighter, again with the PVC pipe on the inside, cleaning the steel as you go. Re-fasten the straps around the circumference. Add strapping in several places from the inside to the outside to prevent the cylinder from telescoping. Wrap the cylinder in cardboard, bending the cardboard to protect the top and bottom edge of the steel.
12. Use the Force or a dolly to move the cylinder because it is very heavy. Store all the screws, nuts and other small parts in an empty, clean jar.

Answer 2

ok, i have your solution! i will take it down for you, if you let me have it :)

seriously, you can take it down by yourself...just depends on what type it is, as to the difficulty of this...

if it is a blow up type, then you can do it pretty easily yourself...my friend has one, and she does it every summer by herself...it should have instructions, however, she just lets some air out, lets some water dump out, lets some air out, lets some water dump out, and so on....

the metal pools are tougher...i think i would get help if there is anyway possible, as they are easily bent under the weight of all the water...and then they are basically useless....my mom and dad tried this when i was younger...with TWO of them, and totally destroyed our pool...i would just wait until i had some help.

you could always throw a *going away pool party*...invite some strong people over to swim, and have a cook out, and the you could all take the pool down together ;)

good luck!

Answer 3

Valid answers so far. Help with many tasks is a good thing. If you can drain the pool from the pump, you probably should run a hose from the drain to some area that will allow no flooding of your yard, possibly killing grass or eroding soil.

The more critical issue is keeping any framework, as the pool begins to collapse, from damaging the liner. It's pretty much going to collapse evenly, and anything you can remove before draining, such as a top rail, will be helpful.

I'd let it drain before trying to remove any upright bracing though, just to keep stress off of any adjacent uprights.

If there is a way to partially dissassemble as the water drains, perhaps you can "Tease" the uprights "Away" from the circumferance, rather than allowing it to collapse inward.

Steven Wolf

Answer 4

Have a pool destruction party! Offer food and you will have more help than you need. And it is fun.

Answer 5

is this thing like a million gallons or just one of the small ones that wall-mart had at one time what ever it is I'm sure it has a drain plug if it does not get a pump

Answer 6

depends on how big it is...you can empty the water by yourself...its good to get help so as you dont damage the pool good luck

Answer 7

I think it is something I would have help with. One person is not a good idea.