Advice on removing and replacing AG pool

[dahler]

We are planning on removing and replacing our pool next spring. Installed in 2009 with original liner and all components. Rust coming through wall on one panel. Planned on using the rest of summer then removing. This morning woke up to pump motor dead. Last year switch went out so I've been turning on/off with breaker.

My question, should I remove this week and leave spot untouched until right before next year install? Will this cause less work or more for installation? Better to drain and let stand in place? I know either way it's going to look ugly. I also don't want a mosquito haven. Thought about just dumping chlorine in periodically. Also will the sides just collapse anyhow if most of the water drained.

Any advice on removing, greatly appreciated. Direct me to any videos or sites . Been googling videos but they're either removal and putting up somewhere else or people shooting holes in the pool for fun.

Thank you!

 

[dahler]

Rusty wall

 

[VinnyinNJ]

We removed a pool in 2019 and bought another in 2022. There was a lot of time between them but this is what I found in our situation.

Any rocks around the pool, remove them before you remove the pool wall. We were told by the installers that they would not install the pool with them. Honestly, a lot of rocks migrated into the sand area because we just took down the pool thinking that was it for pools in 2019. But there was a 3 year difference vs right away.

Was amazed in how much plant life grew in the sand, I would say keep it covered until the new pool arrives. I sifted the whole pool area to get rid of rocks and plant life and doused the area with total vegetation killer to make sure everything was dead. You can cut the liner and leave it down to cover the area. Speaking of sand, you may need more, the installers left the old sand down and added 4 more tons.I guess they didn't trust my sifting!

I kept the bonding wire from the old pool intact but the new codes required something different so that went away.

We paid someone $50 to remove the pool, I've heard installers may do that as well but IDK. If you're doing it yourself go to a Harbor Frieght and buy a cheap grinder and put a metal cutting blade on it to zip through the metal and make the pieces a manageable size. You can use a Sawzall but the vibration may be harsh.

Our new pool which is the same size is not sitting exactly where the old pool was even though the old patio blocks were still down, the installers put new blocks down and installed it and our new equipment is located in a different spot than our old stuff.

I don't know if I addressed everything you want to know, ask for more info if needed.

 

[dahler]

Thank you for the advice. I have a feeling I won't be saving much with installation. I can't imagine taking the time to remove all the rock I have around pool. Not as young as we used to be.

 

[VinnyinNJ]

Thank you for the advice. I have a feeling I won't be saving much with installation. I can't imagine taking the time to remove all the rock I have around pool. Not as young as we used to be.

Both my wife and I are in our mid 60's, we took it all out because the installers said so and put new back after the pool passed inspection; it's back breaking for sure. We took them out on the weekends between when we put a deposit on the pool and the pool was installed ... shovels and wheelbarrow. We have a couple of mounds of rocks that we'll get to eventually, I plan on retiring next year so I guess that's when it'll happen.

We originally were thinking about an IG pool (I was hoping I wouldn't have to do anything other than pay for it! ) but the cost was just too much for what we need so AG is what we got. Maybe your installers won't need anything removed.Our installers were very concerned about the possibility of rocks in the sand.

I would suggest that you're going into a good season to start shopping for a pool. We went in August, pool installed a week before Labor Day and we closed it 3 weeks after Labor Day just to have it open. If you can swing the money now you'll get 2023 pricing vs 2024. Good luck!

 

[dahler]

We're 54 and 58 so I know exactly how you feel!

I would like another Aqua Leader as we have been so lucky having this outlast the average AG life span. Going to a couple of pool stores to see If we can buy the 2023 models like you said.

Thank you again for the great advice

 

[VinnyinNJ]

Our last pool was a Vogue and lasted 20 years, liner lasted that long as well; if the liner didn't rip we would have kept it up. The liner's walls were just blue and the floor originally was a blue swirl that around 16/17 YO it started to delaminate but it never leaked water until it ripped. When we removed the liner I noticed the bottom track was totally gone - not safe!

Things have changed slightly over the years, have fun shopping and good luck with your pool shopping.