Will a pool pop out of the ground?

Author: Haven Zboncak  |  Last update: Tuesday, June 28, 2022

Regardless of your inground pool's material, it runs the risk of becoming popped. That is because popped pools result from a pressure imbalance that can happen to any inground pool. When your pool is full of water, that water creates a hydrostatic force against the inside of your pool.

How do I keep my pool from popping out of the ground?

How to Prevent a Popped Pool
  1. Don't Drain After Heavy Rains. ...
  2. Direct the Water Far from the Pool. ...
  3. Remove the Hydrostatic Pressure Relief Plugs. ...
  4. Work Fast & Refill Within a Week. ...
  5. Hire a Professional.

Can inground pools pop out of the ground?

Much of this rain water penetrates into the ground, raising the inground water table, which creates a lot of hydrostatic pressure pushing up on the pool. After the water table raises enough, the pool may float or pop up out of the ground.

How likely is a pool to pop?

A concrete pool that “floats” – or pops out of the ground – is an extremely rare event. Most of them occur during major flooding events or hurricanes. 80% of the weight of a pool is water (8 lbs per gallon) and when full, an average inground pool can weigh 250,000 lbs!

Will an empty pool pop out of the ground?

When the pool is emptied, there's no more hydrostatic pressure inside the structure. At the same time, if there's an influx of groundwater, the exterior hydrostatic pressure will cause the pool to crack, bulge, or float (pop).

Pool that popped out of the ground

Can you just fill in a pool with dirt?

Filling your pool with dirt is the fastest and most affordable way to get rid of a pool because there's no need to remove your concrete or metal shell. This saves on both labor and hauling costs. However, filling a pool with dirt is still a delicate process that requires careful preparation, drainage, and demolition.

What happens when a pool pops?

A popped or floating pool is a swimming pool that has risen out of the ground. Popped pools are not an everyday happening, but when they take place, they may result in irreversible damage to your pool.

How do you pop a pool?

How to Open a Pool
  1. Step 1: Clean up debris and check for wear and tear. ...
  2. Step 2: Inventory your pool chemicals. ...
  3. Step 3: Remove the Cover. ...
  4. Step 4: Inspect the Pool. ...
  5. Step 5: Fill Pool to Middle of Waterline Tile and Do Final Debris Removal. ...
  6. Step 6: Turn on the Pool Filter and Test the Water.

What happens if I drain my inground pool?

The greatest danger you face when draining a pool is hydrostatic pressure. That's just a fancy term for the pressure of all of the groundwater around and under your pool pushing against your pool's walls and floors. Water is heavy, and hydrostatic pressure can be significant.

Is it OK to leave a concrete pool empty?

Concrete Pools

Once water is removed (and subsequently, the interior hydrostatic pressure), if there's an influx of groundwater, it will push the pool up and out of place. As a general rule, you shouldn't keep any pool empty for longer than it needs to be.

Is it OK to drain inground pool for winter?

Close the pool for winter – but don't drain it.

In winter, the water in your pool is still your friend. Especially when properly winterized, it helps to protect the pool liner, keep it clean and prevent unnecessary damage from debris, harsh weather and other factors.

How do I open my pool for the first time?

Your Swimming Pool Opening Checklist
  1. Remove, Clean and Store Your Pool Cover.
  2. Fill Your Pool Up.
  3. Clean Out Debris.
  4. Inspect and Clean Your Pool Filter.
  5. Reinstall Plugs.
  6. Prime Your Pool Pump and Filter.
  7. Test and Balance the Pool Water.
  8. Shock Your Pool Water.

How do you open an inground pool?

How to Open Your Inground Swimming Pool
  1. Get the Gunk Off Your Pool Cover. ...
  2. Whisk Away the Winter Pool Cover. ...
  3. Clean and Store Your Pool Cover. ...
  4. Skim the Pool. ...
  5. Remove Plugs and Ice Compensator. ...
  6. Reinstall the Chutes and Ladders. ...
  7. Just Add Water. ...
  8. Set up and Run Your Filter and Pump.

What is backfilling a pool?

Backfilling a pool is the process of filling the empty space left by the inground pool with gravel, sand, or dirt. Backfilling is just one part of the pool removal process. The concrete floor and walls of the pool must be broken up and/or removed prior to backfilling.

How often should pool water be changed?

Generally, pool water needs to be replaced once every five to seven years. This should be done during mild weather so that your pool surface is not at risk from strong sunlight and heat. Your pool maintenance company can recommend when it is time to drain your pool.

What is the cheapest way to fill a pool with water?

At an average of $0.004 per gallon, city water is the most inexpensive and most popular option. For 15,000 to 30,000 gallons, you'll pay between $60 and $120.

What month should I open my pool?

The month of March is the BEST time to open your swimming pool. If you wait any longer for the temperature to rise higher than 65 degrees algae and other organics will start to grow.

Do I need to shock my pool when I first fill it?

At first you'll add chlorine in what's called “shock” levels – an extra heavy dose to start your pool off. A shock dose coupled with extra circulation will ensure that all the water gets treated properly in the beginning.

How long does it take for pool to clear after opening?

As a general rule of thumb a DE filter can clear up a pool within 1-3 days, a sand filter 5-10 days, and a cartridge system can vary widely based on the size and condition of the filter elements, and how often they are disassembled and cleaned.

When should you close a pool?

It is best to close your pool when the temperature of the water is consistently below 60 degrees. Once the water temperature drops below 60 degrees, microorganisms and algae cannot grow and become dormant for the winter season.

Should you shock pool before closing?

Shock and Chlorinate Your Pool

Shocking kills any bacteria that might linger in your pool during the winter. We recommend shocking a few days before you close the pool. If that is not possible, make sure to shock the pool the night before you close it for winter.

Can you close a pool with green water?

If your pool has been green all season you're probably super excited to close it. While it seems like the easiest option – it's not! It's much smarter to close your pool as clean as possible. Algae can grow in water as cold as 50 degrees.

How far drain inground pool winter?

In-Ground Pools

Drain the water down to no more than 6 inches from the bottom of the skimmer if you plan to use a standard floating winter cover. Use your pool filter, switched to the "Drain" setting, to empty the pool water.

How much does it cost to fill a pool?

The average cost to fill in an inground pool is $4,000 to $16,000 for full demolition or $2,000 to $10,000 to fill in with dirt. An above ground pool removal costs $300 to $800, or $2,500 with a deck. The cost to get rid of a swimming pool depends on the size, depth, material, and accessibility.

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