What Not To Do With An Above Ground Pool?
Thinking of plonking your above ground pool on a slope, skipping the manual, or trusting a collapsible swimming pool to defy gravity? Don’t. That’s how pools collapse, kids slip, and summers get soggy.
Want to avoid the mess? Keep reading for the biggest blunders to dodge and the simple steps that’ll keep your pool safe, fun, and standing strong all summer long.
Common Mistakes to Avoid with Above Ground Pools
Installation Pitfalls to Prevent
Not Levelling the Ground Properly
One of the fastest ways to wreck your pool? Set it up on a wonky surface. If the ground’s not flat, water shifts to one side, which pushes against the pool wall like a mini tidal wave.
We had a neighbour who learned this the hard way — their pool leaned so badly it looked like it was trying to escape the garden.
The fix? Get that spirit level out and do the job right before a single drop of water goes in.
Skipping Ground Preparation Steps (e.g., ground cloth, sand base)
No, you can’t just throw up a pool on bare grass and call it a day. Laying a sand base or ground cloth isn’t just “nice to have” — it’s essential.
These steps protect the liner from sharp stones, keep the bottom smooth, and stop weeds poking through.
Miss this bit, and your pool will be patchy, bumpy, and prone to rips.
Over-Tightening or Under-Tightening Frame Components
Tightening your pool bolts is a bit like making a good cuppa — there’s a sweet spot. Go too loose and the frame wobbles like jelly; too tight and you risk cracking parts.
Follow the manual step-by-step, and don’t overthink it. Or underthink it.
Relying on the Pool Structure for Deck Support
Tempted to build a deck around your pool? Great idea. Just don’t let the deck lean on the pool frame for support.
Pool walls aren’t meant to carry weight. Attach a heavy platform and you’re asking for cracks — or worse, a full collapse.
Leave a small gap and let each structure stand on its own.
Usage and Safety Missteps
Allowing Unsupervised Swimming (especially children)
Letting the kids splash about while you nip off to hang the washing? Don’t risk it. Above ground pools might seem safer than deep in-ground ones, but accidents still happen fast.
A quick slip, a missing float — and suddenly it’s serious.
Stay close, stay alert, and treat it like open water.
Diving or Jumping into Shallow Water
Here’s a simple rule: if you can’t dive in a bath, don’t dive in an above ground pool. These pools are built for chilling, not Olympic jumps.
Diving can cause serious head or neck injuries — even in just a metre of water. Keep it feet-first and fuss-free.
Overcrowding the Pool
It’s not a festival. If your pool’s rated for six people, don’t cram in ten.
Too much weight can bow the walls and make it harder to spot if someone’s struggling. Spread the fun out — or rotate in shifts.
Leaving Ladders Accessible When Not in Use
Leaving the ladder in place all the time? It might seem harmless, but it’s a huge safety risk — especially if you’ve got curious toddlers or nosy neighbourhood kids.
Remove or secure ladders when the pool’s not supervised. It’s a simple habit that could save a life.
Maintenance Blunders to Steer Clear Of
Water Chemistry Errors
Neglecting Regular Water Testing and Balancing
If you're not testing your water, you’re guessing. And when it comes to pool health, guesswork just doesn’t cut it.
Unbalanced water can eat away at your liner, damage the filter, and irritate skin. Use a decent testing kit — it’s not complicated, and it saves you money long-term.
Make it part of your weekly routine, like bin day or watering the plants.
Over-Chlorinating or Under-Chlorinating the Water
Think more chlorine equals cleaner water? Not quite.
Too much can bleach your liner and burn your eyes. Too little, and you’ve got a swamp on your hands. Stick to the levels recommended — not the “glug-and-hope” method.
Mixing Pool Chemicals Incorrectly
Here’s a rule that should be in bold on every bottle: never mix pool chemicals directly. Not in your hand. Not in a bucket.
Doing so can cause dangerous reactions — including toxic fumes. Always add chemicals to the water one at a time, with plenty of spacing in between.
Cleaning and Equipment Neglect
Ignoring Debris Buildup and Algae Growth
Leaves, bugs, grass clippings — they all end up in the pool. And if you ignore them, so does algae.
Once algae takes hold, it’s harder to shift than a red wine stain on white carpet. Skim daily, vacuum weekly, and don’t wait until your pool turns green to act.
Failing to Clean or Backwash Filters Regularly
Filters aren’t just there for show — they’re your pool’s lungs. If they’re clogged, nothing works properly.
Check your filter schedule. Cartridge filters need cleaning; sand filters need backwashing. Don’t put it off till “next weekend.”
Running the Pump for Insufficient Durations
Running your pump for just an hour a day might save a few pennies — but it’ll cost you in murky water and angry bacteria.
Most pools need 8–12 hours of circulation per day. Set a timer and let it do its thing.
Ignoring Leaks or Minor Damage
A small leak might not seem urgent, but left alone, it can grow into a liner-splitting disaster.
Watch for wet patches, saggy walls, or mysteriously lowering water levels. Catch it early, patch it fast, and you’ll avoid big repair bills.
Protecting Your Investment and Ensuring Longevity
Environmental and Storage Mistakes
Not Winterizing the Pool Properly in Cold Climates
Winter’s coming — and if you don’t prep your pool, it’ll bite back come spring.
Drain to the right level, clean it out, remove the gear, and cover it well. Frozen water expands — and cracks things.
Follow the manual or get a winterising kit. It’s less hassle than a shattered liner.
Draining the Pool Completely Unless Required (can cause collapse)
Unless your manual says otherwise, don’t fully drain your pool. Empty pools lose structure and can buckle under wind pressure or pop out of soft ground.
Always check the manufacturer’s guidance first. Sometimes “clean and refill” isn’t the smart move.
Storing Pool Components Incorrectly During Off-Season
Chuck the ladder behind the shed and leave the pump out all winter? That’s a no-go.
Dry, clean, and store your gear in a sheltered spot. UV light, frost, and damp will wreck your investment if you’re not careful.
Aesthetic and Structural Damage
Using Sharp Objects Near the Liner
That innocent-looking rake, barbecue skewer, or garden gnome? Keep it well away from the liner.
Even the tiniest tear can grow — and liners aren’t cheap to replace. No tools, no shoes, no pets with claws inside the pool.
Painting or Altering Pool Walls Without Proper Preparation
Want to freshen up your pool walls? Fine — but don’t just slap paint on and hope for the best.
Improper prep leads to peeling, bubbling, and rust. Sand, prime, and paint with products made for pool use, or it’ll just flake off with the first splash.
Placing Heavy Objects Directly Against Pool Walls
That deck chair might look fine resting on the pool’s edge — until it presses too hard and leaves a permanent dent.
Avoid putting anything heavy against the pool wall. It’s there to hold water, not your barbecue kit.
Have you checked out our other posts?
Are Above Ground Pools Hard To Maintain?
Are Above Ground Pools Dangerous?
Do Above Ground Pools Break Easily?
What Are The Risks Of Above Ground Pools?
How To Keep An Above Ground Pool From Collapsing?
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