Rusted horizontal rail

[debbritt]

Just finishing up on the second year with our Bestway pool. Several of the horizontal support rails have rust on them, but this particular rail looks on the verge of giving up the ghost at any time. It's the one closest to the return. Figuring it must have deteriorated more rapidly due to occasional overspray of the salt water from the fountain attachment we added earlier in the season this year. Is there anything at all we can do to preserve this, or any support we can add without having to empty the pool and replace it now? We were kind of counting on getting three years out the pool before having to do anything that major. We're in South Carolina and have kept the pool up all year with pump running rather than closing it up. Just hoping for a miracle.

 

[VinnyinNJ]

I don't know anything about Bestway pools. I would think if that section can be removed and you can find an aluminum or steel pole and the section is not that long it may be doable. I believe electrical conduit aluminum pipe may work although it is not made for any pressure but I would think Bestway doesn't use much better metal either. Just a thought, not sure it'll work.

 

[Bperry]

Just finishing up on the second year with our Bestway pool. Several of the horizontal support rails have rust on them, but this particular rail looks on the verge of giving up the ghost at any time. It's the one closest to the return. Figuring it must have deteriorated more rapidly due to occasional overspray of the salt water from the fountain attachment we added earlier in the season this year. Is there anything at all we can do to preserve this, or any support we can add without having to empty the pool and replace it now? We were kind of counting on getting three years out the pool before having to do anything that major. We're in South Carolina and have kept the pool up all year with pump running rather than closing it up. Just hoping for a miracle.

Water splashing, (not just salty water) will do that. That pole is done for. See if they offer replacements and soon.

 

[JoyfulNoise]

I could crush that pipe into powder with my bare hand … it is structurally unsound at this point. It needs to be replaced. Inspect all other horizontal supports and have Bestway send you replacements. Sucks to have to drain a pool but you want to do the right thing here. A catastrophic failure could cause all of the pool water to empty at once which would damage or destroy anything in its immediate path. That much flowing water can easily take down fencing or undermine concrete block walls. God forbid someone is in the pool when it lets go as they could be seriously injured from the excessive flow.

When you do replace it, I suggest looking to do a paint coating on those exposed areas of piping to help act as a water barrier. My guess is the original powder coating was probably cheap and got scratches in some way which led to all that corrosion. Once iron starts to rust, it’s a self-propagating reaction that will not stop until all of the metal is consumed.

 

[Mdragger88]

That rail is severely compromised.
Its gotta go. The pool should be drained. Failing to do so you risk collapse and much worse consequences.
Contact bestway for a replacement asap.

Customer Support

bestwayusa.com

If one isn’t available look around on fb marketplace for pools people are getting rid of. Its not uncommon this time of year to see them by the roadside.

 

[debbritt]

I could crush that pipe into powder with my bare hand … it is structurally unsound at this point. It needs to be replaced. Inspect all other horizontal supports and have Bestway send you replacements. Sucks to have to drain a pool but you want to do the right thing here. A catastrophic failure could cause all of the pool water to empty at once which would damage or destroy anything in its immediate path. That much flowing water can easily take down fencing or undermine concrete block walls. God forbid someone is in the pool when it lets go as they could be seriously injured from the excessive flow.

When you do replace it, I suggest looking to do a paint coating on those exposed areas of piping to help act as a water barrier. My guess is the original powder coating was probably cheap and got scratches in some way which led to all that corrosion. Once iron starts to rust, it’s a self-propagating reaction that will not stop until all of the metal is consumed.

Have you ever heard of someone replacing just one horizontal bar without having to drain all the water out? Would it be possible?

 

[JoyfulNoise]

Have you ever heard of someone replacing just one horizontal bar without having to drain all the water out? Would it be possible?

That would not be advisable. Considering you live in a part of the country where the cost of water is not really an issue, you should just bite the bullet and drain the pool to do the fix. Yes it’s inconvenient … but then again, so is a catastrophic blow out where someone gets injured or serious property damage occurs.

 

[Mdragger88]

Have you ever heard of someone replacing just one horizontal bar without having to drain all the water out? Would it be possible?

When the pool is empty the final top rail is generally really hard to get in place (which is by design so its rigid & snug) so I would say no.

 

[debbritt]

That would not be advisable. Considering you live in a part of the country where the cost of water is not really an issue, you should just bite the bullet and drain the pool to do the fix. Yes it’s inconvenient … but then again, so is a catastrophic blow out where someone gets injured or serious property damage occurs.

Got it. Pool is draining now. Thanks for your advice!

 

[debbritt]

When the pool is empty the final top rail is generally really hard to get in place (which is by design so its rigid & snug) so I would say no.

Thanks ... I'm draining the pool.