Above-Ground Pool Wall Collapse in Reading, PA

After a pool wall collapses in Reading, PA, Swimming Pool Inspection Services is called upon to determine the cause of the collapse, and to determine who or what was at fault.

Reading, PA Swimming Pool Inspection

Swimming Pool Inspection Services was called out to inspect an above-ground swimming pool in Reading, PA that had partially collapsed. Our inspector spoke with the insured, who stated that the pool wall and upright had split. The insured also stated that he lowered the water level to prevent the wall from giving out.

Pool Inspection and Observations

Our inspector performed a thorough inspection of the pool and surrounding areas, and made the following observations:

• The cover was on the pool upon arrival.
• The pool was halfway full of water.
• The pool wall was buckled.
• One of the uprights was broken.

Analysis of Pool Inspection

Our inspector determined that the pool was not able to be repaired. He also noted that the insured taking the step of lowering the level of water in the pool was a good idea in this instance. In an inground plaster, vinyl, or fiberglass pool, lowering the water level is almost always a bad idea, and can result in damage to the pool material. However, in an above-ground pool, lowering the water level may not cause further damage, as was the case in this pool.

Our inspector also noted that draining any water from the existing pool immediately was recommended to prevent any further property or personal damage.

Cause of Loss in Reading, PA Pool Damage

It was the opinion of our inspector that the weather caused the pool water to freeze. The frozen water then pushed up on the top rail of the pool which, in turn, caused the rail to buckle and the upright to break.

Our inspector also noted that in his opinion, rust did not assist the situation; the water freezing and pushing up caused the lateral pressure to break the upright. Had rust not been present, the upright might not have broken, but it still would have pushed up and bent. (Our inspector stresses the importance of keeping the water level down for this very reason.)