When an above ground pool reaches the end of its life, most homeowners want the new one right where the old one stood. In most yards that works well, but an old pool site is almost never ready for a new pool as it is. Here’s when the same spot makes sense, when to move or resize, and how we prepare the ground so the new pool lasts.

Step 1
Is it time for a new pool?

Most above ground pools last 15 to 25 years. A worn liner alone doesn’t mean the pool is done, so check the structure first.

If it’s the liner, see 7 Signs Your Above Ground Pool Liner Needs Replacing. Not sure? Send us a photo and Dave will tell you honestly.

Step 2
Why the same spot usually works

• The area is already cleared. No new trees, roots or lawn to remove.
• You know how it gets sun. You’ve already seen how the spot warms up and where the shade falls.
• Access is proven. The path from the street worked for the last pool’s parts.
• Your yard is already laid out around it. Patios, walkways and the filter pad are usually nearby.

Step 3
When to move or resize

A replacement is the best chance you’ll get to fix what bothered you about the old pool. Consider a new spot or a new size if:

• Trees have grown in. Overhanging branches mean more leaves, more shade and roots under the base.
• Water collects there. A spot that stays soggy after rain is hard on the wall and bottom track.
• You want a bigger pool. Round pools run 15′ to 33′ and ovals from 12′×24′ to 18′×40′, and a larger pool needs more level ground.
• You want a smaller pool. Less to heat, treat and maintain, and more yard back.
• Your town’s rules have changed. Setbacks and fencing rules can be different from when the old pool went in. See Do You Need a Permit for an Above Ground Pool in Massachusetts?

Step 4
Why old sites need re-leveling

After years under a full pool, the ground is rarely flat. The old sand base has shifted, the cove has broken down, and sinking uprights often leave low spots. Setting a new pool on that base is the fastest way to shorten its life.

When we replace a pool, we use laser-transit leveling down to virgin soil, with a concrete patio block under every upright. Then the new pool gets a fresh sand base and foam cove. Learn more in How to Level an Above Ground Pool and How Out of Level Can My Above Ground Pool Be?

Step 5
How a replacement works

1. Free site visit and quote. Dave reviews the yard, the slope and your access, then quotes the full package.
2. Teardown and haul-away. We shut down and disconnect the plumbing, take the old pool apart, and haul away the old liner, walls, frame and rails.
3. Re-level the ground down to virgin soil, with a block under every upright.
4. Install the new pool. Wall assembly, foam cove and sand base, a vacuum-seated liner, then the filter, skimmer and return hookup with a leak check.

One crew handles the whole job, and buying your new pool from us lowers the removal price. Decks, old filter equipment and fencing aren’t part of standard removal, so tell us about them and we’ll include them in your quote. See Above Ground Pool Removal: What to Expect for more on the teardown.

Step 6
Upgrade while you’re at it

If rust ended your last pool, consider a hybrid or all-resin model. Resin parts don’t rust, and the all-resin models are salt ready. Compare them in Resin vs. Steel vs. Hybrid, and see Pool Wall Rusting? for the warning signs.

• Steel: Noble, Rio II
• Hybrid: Palissade, Revelle
• All-resin: Nakoma, Gemini

Compare them all on our Above Ground Pools page. Financing is available, and one loan can cover the whole job. See Financing.