Safely remove concrete deck around vinyl liner IG pool for repairs?

[thomasanthony95]

Hello all,

I recently bought a home with a neglected pool (installed mid-1970s) in need of rehabilitation. I’ve had several pool contractors come out and received varying suggestions on how to proceed. The pool at a minimum will need a new liner and plumbing/electrical updating. The concrete deck around the pool is cracked and in poor condition, which I plan to replace with travertine pavers. It also appears the deck/walls have significantly settled in the shallow end. I have been told by some contractors breaking up the concrete is the first step in the process, and by others not to break the concrete because it is supporting the pool walls, and removing it could cause the pool to collapse. What is the best way to go about this? If I should break the concrete, which I plan to do myself, any tips to doing it safely? If I should hold off on breaking the deck, what would my next steps be in the process?

Additionally, should I be concerned with the settling in shallow end? Some contractors advised it wasn’t that big of an issue to remediate, while others suggested helical piles to stabilize the area to prevent future settling from occurring.

Thank you in advance, I appreciate your time and help!

 

[ajw22]

Welcome to TFP.

I think it may take some exploratory digging to determine the actual construction of the pool before you begin breaking everything up.

How long has the pool been empty? It may be best to support the walls with 2x4s while you figure out what you are going to do so that no walls collapse on you.

@jimmythegreek how would you approach this rehab?

 

[thomasanthony95]

Welcome to TFP.

I think it may take some exploratory digging to determine the actual construction of the pool before you begin breaking everything up.

How long has the pool been empty? It may be best to support the walls with 2x4s while you figure out what you are going to do so that no walls collapse on you.

@jimmythegreek how would you approach this rehab?

The pool was closed after the 2012 season, a tree branch fell onto the cover and into the pool, and it has been uncovered in that condition ever since. Currently there is still water/debris in the pool.

 

[Casey]

Ouch... that is certainly a sight for sore eyes. That poor pool has seen better days. We've seen concrete pools resurrected from the dead. Not so sure about vinyl lines spools with steel walls. I'm wondering if the tree bent the wall by the shallow end?

I'm subscribing to this thread.

 

[jimmythegreek]

Its hard to advise without being there to see the actual wall panel condition. The settling is an issue. What does the area of the deck look like where its dipped down?
The deck is likely the final step in a rehab like this. It can cause the pool to fail if cut out amd left like that. Depends greatly on ground conditions and groundwater.