Emptying water before replacing liner

[CathyOh]

Okay we've had our AG pool for 14 years and are having the liner replaced this Saturday. We need to empty it by then. Is there any reason not to have it emptied by the day before? I know we want to have the pool refilled shortly after the liner is replaced but wasn't sure if there was a reason not to completely empty it ahead of time.

[sevver]

I would not completely do it if they are calling for windy conditions, other than that, barring some dumby leaning on the side it should be fine I would think, you could get it finished friday night for Saturday though. Even leaving a third of the water in there until then should be solid enough.

[hrsdennis]

Here's the other side of the coin. You would not believe the number of times over the years that I have shown up to replace a liner and there is 6" or more of green stuff in the pool. With a garden hose still in siphon mode.

Here's what I tell my customers. Start early. It usually takes longer than you expect. If you get the water down to an inch or so and the pump won't pump or the siphon quits you need some time to deal with this. If you have a day or two you simply stab some holes in the liner and let it leak into the ground.

A fully assembled above ground pool is very stable without water. It is only when they are left empty for months on end that you are asking for trouble. It takes a heck of a wind to do any damage. And if by some stroke of bad luck this were to happen they stand back up very easily.

Here's what you do if you want a big hug from your installers, or even a big smile.:)

http://www.shadebuilder.com/Vinyl-Liner-Replacement.html