Repairing the aluminum wall around the skimmer and pump hole!

[Arlinda]

Hello All. I have an AGP that we converted to salt water some 9 years ago. Pool is oval 15x30 aluminum, the skimmer and pump hole area has corroded. The structure holding the pool is very strong and I believe its Esther Williams as it has the blue aluminum deck around it. We had it for 13 years and im sure the previous owner had it for at least 10 years before us. No one wants to come and see my pool and they are telling me I need a new pool over the phone! The aluminum walls are pretty good accept for the skimmer and pump area. I was thinking to get a 4'x12' sheet of aluminum to put on the inside of the pool and reinforce the area where the skimmer and pump are is. The track in the skimmer are is not in the best shape being that it was always in water, the rest is fine. What gage of an aluminum would I need? Has anyone done this? Can my pool explode (mu husband, not a handy guy is telling me yes, but I don't think so)! Ive included some pic and any insight would be greatly appreciated. I've see videos from Hopkins Pools and it looks like its doable and i can salvage this pool considering that the structure is super strong and sound!

 

[ajw22]

Welcome to TFP.

Thoughts on repairs? @Casey @Bama Rambler @Mdragger88 @zea3

 

[Casey]

I'm sorry but that pool has lived it's best life and it's time to let it go. Your husband is right. It can and will split. We've seen it happen here.

 

[Mdragger88]

This is not the more rugged esther williams pool with the thick interlocking panels - if it were u could maybe find replacement panels. It looks like an old sears pool - I agree it has likely lived its life & everyone probably got their $$ worth.

If u were to attempt repair u would need to put each reinforcement panel across the entire length & height between 2 uprights. But That doesn’t account for the possible compromised integrity of the rest of the wall. Do u have any pics of the inside of the pool?

 

[Arlinda]

This is not the more rugged esther williams pool with the thick interlocking panels - if it were u could maybe find replacement panels. It looks like an old sears pool - I agree it has likely lived its life & everyone probably got their $$ worth.
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If u were to attempt repair u would need to put each reinforcement panel across the entire length & height between 2 uprights. But That doesn’t account for the possible compromised integrity of the rest of the wall. Do u have any pics of the inside of the pool?

Thank you so much for your reply, I just got into my pool to get some more pics and pealed of the foam. It does seem like its a Sears Pool from the pics you showed me and here is mine! One of many lies our previous owner told us, you have an Esther Williams Pool!!!! We were clueless ppl that moved in the suburbs from the city. Here are some more pics. Once again the structure holding this blue aluminum wall is very sturdy.

 

[Arlinda]

Thank you so much for your reply, I just got into my pool to get some more pics and pealed of the foam. It does seem like its a Sears Pool from the pics you showed me and here is mine! One of many lies our previous owner told us, you have an Esther Williams Pool!!!! We were clueless ppl that moved in the suburbs from the city. Here are some more pics. Once again the structure holding this blue aluminum wall is very sturdy.

 

[Arlinda]

I'm sorry but that pool has lived it's best life and it's time to let it go. Your husband is right. It can and will split. We've seen it happen here.

Thank you for your reply and really appreciate your time!Are you saying that I should get rid of the whole thing? Or just replace the aluminum walls?

 

[Arlinda]

Welcome to TFP.

Thoughts on repairs? @Casey @Bama Rambler @Mdragger88 @zea3

Thank you for your time, I'm in central Jersey close to the shores. I cant pay enough someone at this time to come and look at this pool!

 

[ajw22]

Thank you for your reply and really appreciate your time!Are you saying that I should get rid of the whole thing? Or just replace the aluminum walls?

We are all saying you are pushing your luck to how many seasons before this happens. Hopefully when no one is in the pool.

The walls are not repairable. If you want a pool invest in starting over with a new pool.

 

[Mdragger88]

The good news is that scrap prices are up - & thats a lot of aluminum. So hopefully that can offset some of the cost of a new pool.

 

[Decoy205]

We also moved into a house with an older pool. I pulled the town permits and found out mine was installed 34 years ago so we made the decision to upgrade. You might be able to get the exact make of the pool that way too.

If you’re going to get it done for this season you should start ordering now since so many places are having supply issues. Also if you need a contractor start booking as well most are quite booked at this point too,

How is the pump and filter? Are they in good shape?

 

[Arlinda]

We also moved into a house with an older pool. I pulled the town permits and found out mine was installed 34 years ago so we made the decision to upgrade. You might be able to get the exact make of the pool that way too.

If you’re going to get it done for this season you should start ordering now since so many places are having supply issues. Also if you need a contractor start booking as well most are quite booked at this point too,

How is the pump and filter? Are they in good shape?

Thanks! Filter and pump need to be upgraded as well. Its a huge structure, and its an eye sore for now. We have a date of March 2023 for someone to come and look at it!!! We are doing inside renovations and no trying to hold of on pouring more funds outside. If i remove the pool i need to redo my whole deck and backyard! Selling the aluminum for scrap seems like a good idea to me.

 

[Decoy205]

Ah good call then to set it up for next year early in the season!