Pool Care /
How to Take Down an Above Ground Pool Safely
Start by shutting off power, then drain the pool, remove accessories, and dismantle the wall and frame in reverse order of assembly. Follow the manual and stop if anything looks unsafe.
Archive date: this article was written for PoolSkimmer on Oct 23, 2026 and given the earlier archive date of Apr 30, 2026 so the blog reads as an organized archive. It was not published on that date.
Safely taking down an above ground pool
There is a right way to go about dismantling an above ground pool and it involves patience. The procedure is to shut the pump, let the water out as the manual dictates, put away any accessories and then take apart the frame, wall, rails and liner in the exact reverse of how they were put together. Take your time and make sure the work area is unobstructed. Should you come across rust or a bent piece, or an electrical component you are not certain can be disconnected with safety, put the project on hold.
Where to begin
Do not start with the structure; attend to the water and equipment first.
1. Before you put a hand on the plumbing or skimmer basket, make sure the pump and associated gear are off. 2. Consult the manufacturer’s manual for proper shutdown and drainage. 3. Put on the appropriate PPE, eye protection and gloves being a must. 4. Make sure children and pets are not in the vicinity.
Any powered elements like timers, lights or heaters should be left to a licensed electrician or other qualified pro. There is no room for guessing when it comes to electrical disconnection.
Draining and clearing accessories
Stick to the method the manufacturer has laid out for draining. Improvising with filters or electrical parts is not advised. Be mindful of where the water is going to avoid creating a runoff issue or a hazard in the yard.
Once the pool is drained, clear away anything that is meant to be removed prior to the heavy lifting:
- Ladder or steps
- The cover
- Skimmer parts and return fittings (if the manual calls for it)
- Any loose toys or vacuum hoses
One error people make is trying to loosen the wall with too much water still in the pool. This puts undue stress on the frame and can leave the whole thing unstable.
The order of disassembly
While most models will come apart in reverse order of installation, the design may dictate otherwise.
1. If your model has them, get the top rails, trim and coping out of the way. 2. With the wall no longer held up by water, the liner can be taken out. 3. Then move on to the base components, uprights and wall. 4. As you work, sort and label your hardware.
If a bolt is seized or the wall is warped and will not budge without some prying, do not force it. It is better to have a professional step in than to risk damage or injury.
Storing and cleaning
Moisture is the enemy of good storage, so clean and dry everything before putting it away. The liner should be folded only after it is thoroughly dry and in accordance with the product instructions.
Some practical tips for storage:
- Put hardware in containers or bags with labels.
- Find a dry, sheltered spot for the rails and panels.
- Be careful of sharp edges that could harm the liner or the person handling them.
- Do not leave parts lying in the yard where they present a trip hazard.
What to avoid
Rushing the job is what leads to most teardown problems for homeowners.
- Never reach into suction equipment while it is running.
- Leave the skimmer basket alone until the pump is off.
- Do not cut or pry at structural parts with water in the pool.
- Unless you are qualified, do not attempt to disconnect powered accessories or make electrical repairs.
- Do not make the assumption that every ground pool is built with the same sequence or hardware.
Time to call in a pro?
It is wise to get assistance if the situation is unclear or you want to be on the safe side. Contact a professional if:
- You cannot safely isolate the electrical.
- The base or frame shows signs of rust or instability.
- The drainage is blocked.
- The water is stagnant or full of debris.
- You need guidance on complete removal and disposal.
And once the pool is down and out of use, secure the site so it is not a hazard for the next season or for anyone and anything in the yard.
Sources and further reading
- [Hayward: Weekly pool maintenance](https://www.hayward.com/maintenance/weekly-pool-maintenance)