Manheim, PA Above-Ground Swimming Pool Collapse

Usually when an above-ground pool collapses, it’s due to ice; is that the case in this Manheim, PA pool? Swimming Pool Inspection Services Investigates.

Manheim, PA Pool Collapse

Swimming Pool Inspection Services was called upon to inspect an above-ground swimming pool in Mannheim, PA that had mysteriously collapsed on one side, causing the water to run out. The insured told out inspector that he had properly closed the pool for winter, but that the pool wall had collapsed after a storm with high winds. The insured also stated that about a month before the collapse, he had checked on the pool, and found the water level had not dropped, and everything seemed to be in order.

Pool Inspection and Observations

Our inspector performed a thorough inspection of the swimming pool and adjacent area, and made the following observations:

• A large section of the pool wall was buckled.
• The locking track was broken.
• The uprights and top rails were in good condition.

Analysis of Mannheim, PA Pool Inspection

Usually when an above-ground pool collapses, it’s because the water in the pool freezes, and as it begins to thaw, the ice may shift and tear the pool wall, causing a collapse. It’s also common for ice or snow to pile on top of the pool cover and cause the collapse. In both of these cases, however, the top rails and uprights would be compromised in some way.

Because the uprights and top rails were in good condition, our inspector felt that something else must have caused the collapse.

Cause of Loss in Above-Ground Pool

An above-ground pool gets its strength and stability from the water within the pool. If the water level drops, the pool can no longer withstand strong winds, or other weather conditions. Our inspector concluded that a small hole or tear must have been present in the liner at the time the pool collapsed, and after losing water, the pool was weak when the windstorm hit, causing the wall to fully collapse. The entire pool would need to be replaced.