Soft Sided Pool Problems

Slope

• Soft-sided pools have little to no outside support structure and have a very small margin for error in grading the slope. If the soft-sided pool has plastic or metal frame poles, the additional support allows for some imperfections in the slope. The slope must be nearly perfectly level in pools with no frame, otherwise the water will slope to one side and collapse the soft sides. This results in costly repairs to the pool, possibly property or terrain damage and the expense of refilling the pool. Hire a professional to grade the pool area to ensure that the ground is suitable for installing a soft-sided pool.

Base

• Pools should not simply be placed on the grass, but instead require a base surface for installation. Sand is one of the most common base materials and is also a cheaper alternative to pouring a concrete pad base. Hard-sided pools also commonly have sand bases, but the steel walls help to hold the sand in place. Soft-sided pools don't contain sand, so the sand easily slides out from underneath the pool from water or even shifts in weight while playing in the pool. You can build a frame, such as with wood, around the base area to help contain the sand. The sand and the pool are both installed inside the wood frame. If the pool is already in place, use boards for the frame or place large river stones around the pool's foundation to help prevent sand erosion.

Filter and Ladder

• Many people are attracted to soft-sided pools because of the low cost, but the low cost also means that the pool filter and plumbing is not high quality. You may find that after owning the pool for about a year, the pump and filter don't work as well as when brand new. Your local pool supply center can sell you a good quality filter that will last for many years to come. If you decide to upgrade to a hard-sided or inground pool in the future, the pump can be transferred for use with the new pool. You may find that the ladder is also lower quality than you'd prefer, so replace it with a better quality ladder or build a pool deck to surround the pool.

Punctures

• Soft-sided pools are commonly made with durable PVC that is puncture-resistant. It is important to note that puncture-resistant does not mean puncture-proof; holes are one of the biggest problems with soft-sided pools. Pool liners get punctured in hard-sided pools, too, but a soft-sided pool is susceptible to punctures both on the inside and outside of the pool. To avoid damage, install the pool in an open area away from tree limbs and traffic. Install a paver walkway around the pool foundation so you don't have to get close to the pool with a lawn mower or weed trimmer. If pets will be using the pool, check to ensure that their claws are filed smooth.