Pool Wall Rusting? What to Do Before It Fails
A little rust on an above ground pool isn’t an emergency. Rust that has eaten through the wall is. The steel wall is what holds back thousands of gallons of water, so it pays to know the difference, catch rust early, and know when a pool has reached the end of its life.
Step 1
Where rust starts
Rust needs steel and water that sits. On an above ground pool, that means:
- The bottom of the wall and the bottom track, where soil, mulch or grass hold moisture against the steel.
- Around the skimmer and return, where the wall is cut and a slow leak can run down the inside of the wall.
- Under the top rails, where splash-out and rain collect.
- Behind the liner, if water has been getting between the liner and the wall. You won’t see it until the liner comes out.
- Scratches and dents, wherever the coating has been broken.
Step 2
How bad is it?
| What you see | What it usually means |
|---|---|
| Orange spots or streaks on the outside of the wall | Surface rust. Treat it and keep an eye on it. |
| Bubbling or flaking paint | Rust under the coating. Treat it soon before it spreads. |
| A crumbling or broken bottom track | The base of the frame is failing. Get it looked at. |
| Pinholes, or a damp spot on the outside of the wall | Rust-through. The wall is losing strength. |
| A wall that bulges, sags or leans at the bottom | Serious. Stop using the pool and call a pro. |
Step 3
Treating surface rust
Rust on the outside of a solid wall can often be slowed down:
- Clear the area around the bottom of the wall so you can see and reach it.
- Scrub off the loose rust with a wire brush or sandpaper. Work on the outside of the wall only, never on the liner side.
- Wipe it clean and let it dry.
- Apply a rust-converting primer, then a rust-resistant outdoor paint.
- Fix the cause: pull mulch and soil away from the wall, and fix any leak.
Rust behind the liner is a different story. It can only be checked and treated when the liner is replaced, which is why the wall and track should be inspected on every liner job. See 5 Successful Steps to a Perfect Pool Liner Replacement.
Step 4
When it’s dangerous
- Water seeping through the wall from the outside
- A bulge, sag or bend in the wall
- Uprights leaning out, or a bottom track that has rotted away
A failing wall can give way suddenly and release the whole pool at once. Keep kids and pets away from that side, and call for help. Don’t drain it yourself without a plan, since an empty pool can collapse in wind.
Step 5
Preventing rust
- Keep stone, not mulch or soil, against the wall. A border of crushed stone or pea stone keeps the bottom dry. See Above Ground Pool Base Materials.
- Point gutters and sprinklers away from the pool.
- Fix leaks quickly, especially around the skimmer and return. See Reasons Why Your Pool Is Losing Water.
- Keep the water balanced. Low pH is corrosive to metal. See our Pool Chemicals guide.
- Don’t add salt to a steel pool unless the manufacturer allows it. See Can You Have a Salt Water Above Ground Pool?
- Touch up scratches as soon as you see them.
Step 6
Liner, repair or new pool?
- Surface rust, solid wall, worn liner: a new liner is often the right fix, and it’s the chance to check behind the old one. See 7 Signs Your Liner Needs Replacing.
- Rust-through, a failing track or a bulging wall: it’s usually time for a new pool. A new liner can’t save a wall that’s giving out.
- Replacing it? Consider a hybrid or resin model that won’t rust where it matters. See Resin vs. Steel vs. Hybrid and Pool Replacement.
Most pools last 15 to 25 years, and rust is one of the most common reasons a steel pool reaches the end. See How Long Do Pools Last?
Send us a photo and Dave will tell you honestly whether it needs a liner, a repair or a new pool. Liner and pool replacements across Massachusetts and Rhode Island, and site visits are free.