Do Above Ground Pools Break Easily?
Ever watched your collapsible swimming pool wobble in the wind and thought, “Is this thing going to explode?”
Short answer: not if you treat it right.
Above ground pools can break, but most of the time it’s preventable. From roughhousing kids to wild weather, there are a few usual suspects behind pool damage. Stick around to find out what to look out for—and how to make your pool last for years.
Understanding the Durability of Above Ground Pools
As parents, we’re constantly hunting for ways to keep the kids busy—and off screens. Above ground pools feel like the dream: affordable, fun, and surprisingly easy to set up.
But one big question always pops up…
“Do these things actually last?”
With a bit of know-how and care, yes, they can. We've learnt from personal experience (including one pool disaster involving a scooter and a very sharp elbow) and from chatting with pool specialists across the UK.
Let’s clear up the myths and get into the real reasons why some pools survive summer after summer—and others don’t make it past July.
Factors Influencing Breakability and Damage
Material Quality (thin vinyl liners vs. reinforced steel/resin walls)
Think of your pool like a tent. The stronger the fabric and frame, the less likely it is to cave under pressure.
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Thin vinyl liners? Budget-friendly, sure—but they’re also more likely to tear from the tiniest twig.
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Steel or resin-reinforced walls? These are built like a tank. Pricier, but worth it if you want your pool to last.
You get what you pay for. Skimp on quality and you’ll likely be shopping for a replacement next year.
Installation Quality (proper ground preparation, level base)
Imagine placing a heavy water-filled ring on uneven ground. Now imagine what happens when the kids start cannonballing into it.
Without a level, solid base, you’re asking for trouble. Uneven pressure leads to leaning walls, stress fractures, and—if you’re really unlucky—a pool that dumps its contents into your flowerbeds.
Preparation matters. A flat, stable surface is your pool’s best friend.
User Behaviour and Abuse (rough play, sharp objects)
Let’s be honest—kids aren’t known for being gentle. Whether it’s leaping onto inflatables, dragging scooters nearby, or letting the dog go for a paddle, rough play is a fast track to wear and tear.
We’ve seen it all—punctured liners from dog claws, warped frames from kids climbing the side, and even a garden gnome that fell in and tore a hole.
A little caution (and some firm rules) go a long way.
Common Points of Failure
Liner Punctures or Tears
This is the big one.
Vinyl liners are vulnerable. Whether it's a sharp stone, garden debris, or a rogue pool toy, punctures are frustratingly common. And once there’s a tear, the leak never stops getting worse.
Keep an eye on the liner—and the area around it.
Wall Buckling or Collapse (due to uneven ground or pressure)
Ever seen a pool tilt like the Leaning Tower of Pisa? It’s usually caused by poor ground prep or someone leaning heavily on the side.
Walls buckle when weight isn’t evenly distributed. That includes the water, the swimmers, and even heavy wind on one side.
Flat ground and sensible use keep the walls where they belong.
Equipment Malfunctions (pumps, filters)
Your pool pump is like its heart—keep it ticking.
If your filter clogs, or the pump stops working, circulation drops. Stagnant water not only looks gross, but it also adds stress to your pool structure and ruins water quality.
A broken pump might not look like a big deal… until your liner starts going green.
Types of Damage and Their Causes
Accidental Damage
Sharp Objects (toys, debris, animal claws)
One minute it’s a fun afternoon with water blasters… the next, someone’s dropped a plastic sword that slices the liner.
Even harmless-looking toys can do damage. Add in neighbourhood cats, pointy sticks, or the odd rogue pebble and you’ve got a recipe for tiny, invisible punctures that ruin everything.
A quick sweep of the area and a “no sharp stuff” rule makes a big difference.
Excessive Force or Weight (leaning on walls, too many people)
We’ve seen adults perch on the pool edge like it’s a garden bench. Not a good idea.
Above ground pools aren’t designed to carry external weight. Too many kids roughhousing at once, or people leaning on the sides, can lead to structural failure.
When in doubt, treat it like a giant water balloon—not a climbing frame.
Environmental Factors
Extreme Weather (high winds, heavy snow/ice)
Here in the UK, our weather loves to surprise us. One minute it’s a heatwave, the next we’ve got gales.
High winds can twist frames and rip covers. Snow and ice, if left sitting on top of a winter cover, can bend poles and warp walls.
Keep your pool protected—or be ready for some nasty surprises come spring.
UV Degradation and Chemical Imbalance (weakening materials)
The sun may feel great on your skin, but it’s brutal on vinyl.
Add in unbalanced pH or chlorine levels, and your pool liner can start cracking, fading, or thinning out faster than you’d expect.
Regular testing and proper shade or covers can help extend its life.
Ground Movement or Settling
Over time, even solid ground can shift slightly.
If one side of the pool base dips even a few centimetres, it throws the water off balance. That uneven pressure builds up—until eventually something gives.
Check your ground regularly, especially after heavy rain or drought.
Preventing Damage and Extending Pool Lifespan
Best Practices for Care and Maintenance
Proper Ground Preparation and Levelling During Installation
This step is boring—but it’s make or break.
Take the time to dig, level, and compact your base. Use patio stones, sand, or a purpose-built platform. Even a slight tilt can shorten your pool’s life dramatically.
Regular Inspection for Signs of Wear or Damage
Catch problems early.
Look for sagging walls, small tears, or rusty spots around the frame. A 2-minute check once a week could save you hours (and hundreds of pounds) in repairs later.
Maintaining Correct Water Chemistry
It’s not just about clear water—it’s about your pool’s health too.
Use a reliable test kit to monitor pH, chlorine, and alkalinity. When these levels are off, your liner and equipment suffer.
Think of it like brushing your teeth. A little effort now saves big trouble later.
Protective Measures
Using Ground Cloths and Pool Covers
Don’t just drop the pool onto the grass and hope for the best.
A simple ground cloth blocks stones and sticks from poking through. Covers protect from debris, UV rays, and playful pets.
It’s a cheap fix that stops expensive problems.
Installing Fencing or Barriers to Control Access
A fence around the pool area isn’t just about safety—it’s also protection.
Whether it’s toddlers sneaking in, pets going for a splash, or foxes using it as a water bowl, a barrier stops trouble before it starts.
Winterising the Pool Correctly
When summer’s over, don’t just walk away.
Drain to the right level, remove accessories, clean the liner, and use a proper winter cover. Cold snaps and snow can wreak havoc on an unprotected pool.
Treat it like hibernating a hedgehog—tuck it in safely until the weather warms up.
Have you checked out our other posts?
Are Above Ground Pools Hard To Maintain?
Are Above Ground Pools Dangerous?
What Are The Risks Of Above Ground Pools?
How To Keep An Above Ground Pool From Collapsing?
What Not To Do With An Above Ground Pool?
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