Rusting top railing connecting plates

[johnnydot]

Hi, I have an 18x33 above ground pool that is about 8 years old. It has connecting plates that are fastened to the top if the vertical supports. The top railing sections are screwed to these connecting plates. The plates were galvanized but are now rusting due to the salt in the pool. Does anyone know if it is safe to replace these connecting plates one at a time without draining the pool?

 

[dereksanders]

Pics, please.

 

[johnnydot]

Pics, please.

Pics, please.

trying to figure out how to post pictures, it say's file is too large.

 

[johnnydot]

trying to figure out how to post pictures, it say's file is too large.

 

[johnnydot]

I'll try this youtube link John Meyer

 

[dereksanders]

I can see the pic. Is every union affected? How far down are you planning to empty for winterization?

 

[johnnydot]

they are all about the same, the water level you see is what it will be when I put the cover on it.

 

[dereksanders]

First, I’m not a structural engineer. I haven’t brought down any of my houses, garages, or pools so I have that going for me.

Clearly, that high of a water level will definitely apply pressure that may distort the shape, especially on the arcs. If the rest of the pool is in solid shape I would try it. If you can’t get the replacement plate to seat correctly you’ll have to drain enough so you can get it seated and secured.

I’d wait for someone else who has done something similar to chime in just to be on the safe side.

 

[Mdragger88]

You can attempt it - I know people change top rails one at a time with the pool full.
This guy did just what you’re asking about 7min into the video (ignore how he thinks not adding any more salt will make him no longer have a salt pool)

Edit to add- if you notice resistance/pressure at all when loosening things up STOP

 

[johnnydot]

First, I’m not a structural engineer. I haven’t brought down any of my houses, garages, or pools so I have that going for me.

Clearly, that high of a water level will definitely apply pressure that may distort the shape, especially on the arcs. If the rest of the pool is in solid shape I would try it. If you can’t get the replacement plate to seat correctly you’ll have to drain enough so you can get it seated and secured.

I’d wait for someone else who has done something similar to chime in just to be on the safe side.

Thanks for your input. I was thinking about replacing the plates maybe in the next year or two. So far they are not so far gone that they impose a risk.