Side Panel - Stabilizer Rail Problem

[b2001]

As I’ve discussed in other threads, I appear to have a leak in my ag pool liner. In the course of inspecting the pool, I’ve noticed an issue with sidewall warping and pulling away from the stabilizer rail under the top rail. I have a 18’ x 36’ doughboy morning dance brand pool. The pool has a deep end approximately 3’ deeper than the standard 4’, and the pool is buried 2’ into the ground.

I’ve not inspected around the entire pool yet, I know this is happening in at least one spot. Here is a picture:

http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b370/HTCstephen/IMG_3159-revised.jpg

As I’ve said, there is about 1’ of water as measured from the shallow end – I’m sure this has contributed to the situation. I seem to have minor buckling issues around the pool. It would seem wise to address this particular situation now rather than when the pool is full.

I’m assuming that I need to remove the top connectors on both sides of the specific top rail, and try to rework the top of the side panel so that it is “straighter and will fit back into the stabilizer rail.

http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b370/HTCstephen/IMG_3158-revised.jpg

I assume that the stabilizer rail is not connected to the to rail; the top rail just rests on top of it.

Of course, any advise of what to do , and what not to do is appreciated.

[hrsdennis]

Hi b2001, The stabilizer rod has pulled loose from the top and allowed the coping and liner to go into the pool. This can happen for many reasons but you mentioned some buckling and that is probably the cause. My biggest concern is that the water level is below the dirt level. You are asking for problems anytime this happens.

I would fill the pool to above the dirt level before taking anything apart. The picture is not clear on this but I hope you have enough liner to pull back up over the wall. If the liner has not shrunk you should be OK.

The rail does just sit over the rod and fixing it is easy. Sometimes it is possible to work the liner, coping and rod back into place without removing the top rail but not always. Sometimes it is also helpful to pinch the rod a little with pliers so it has a little tighter grip.

With the pool being part way in the ground and with your decking next to the pool changing the liner could be a real chore. It will be best to do everything possible to save the one that’s in there.

I have not read your posts about the liner leak but with two foot of clear water the hole should be fairly easy to find. I will go back to see what others have suggested and maybe add more if I can.

Best of luck, Dennis

[b2001]

First, Dennis, thanks very much for the response.


My biggest concern is that the water level is below the dirt level. You are asking for problems anytime this happens.

I immediately went out just now and started the hose to get it up above 2' of water.

The picture:

You're looking up at the bottom of the top rail from inside the pool. The stabilizer rail appears to be ok to me.

It's hard to tell from the picture - but the side has warped to the outside of the rail and pool about 1 1/2" and appears to be below the stabilier rail channel about 1/2" to 1". I can't tell for sure, but it appears possible to bend it back into shape once the top rail is removed so I can get to the side. There does not appear to be shrinkage at this point.

I just went around the pool and there is one other spot where it's less pronounced but also warped to the outside of the stabilizer rail.

The buckling around the pool appears to be very minor at this point - there is one area where I'm sure it buckled as I tried to remove my cover with waterlogged leaf trash in it.


Sometimes it is possible to work the liner, coping and rod back into place without removing the top rail but not always.

That does appear possible - I would need some type of firm, thin, but not sharp, rod with a little hook to get on the back side of the liner to pull it in.

I'm not sure what you mean by coping and rod - I'm using terminology from the doughboy parts list - maybe you could identify in my picture.


I have not read your posts about the liner leak but with two foot of clear water the hole should be fairly easy to find. I will go back to see what others have suggested and maybe add more if I can.

Unfortunately, the water is not clear, but it is mostly because of trash on the bottom. Since the water level is low, my options at this point seem to be using a wet/dry vacuum to skim the bottom.

Anything you can add over what's been said in my other post on locating the leak would be great.