Can a freestanding pool's poles be cut to accommodate sloped concrete?

Question

We have a "Bestway 24' x 12' x 52" Power Steel Frame Above Ground Rectangular Swimming Pool". We placed it on a slab and it is slanted away from the house.

Can the pool's poles be cut to level the pool out?

Answer 1

Yes, you probably could shorten the poles on the higher side. This might level the top edge of the pool*. However, think for a minute about what you're asking.

1. The bottom of the pool is sloped to match the concrete. You can't change this.
2. The surface of the water is level. You can't change this.
3. Cutting the poles will potentially lower the high side of the pool. This doesn't change #1 or #2. The only thing it changes is to lower the top of the pool wall with respect to the water level. Is this important?

What are you trying to accomplish, exactly?

_{* Side effects could be a wrinkle or pleat at the bottom of the wall and loss of tension resulting in lateral sag elsewhere (general misshapenness).}

Answer 2

The problem with cutting the poles is that the liner that goes inside won't fit like it's suppose to. Where the "shorter" poles are, part of the sides of the liner will be on the bottom of the pool. The sides are weaker the the bottom part of the liner and doing this could cause a leak. Your best bet would be to find out why the slab is slanted and do what you need to do to fix it. Temporarily leveling it off with a frame and sand would get you through the summer and then you could work on a permanent solution.

Answer 3

Check the manufacturer's installation instructions for what the maximum supported slope/gradient is before you commit.

(EXAMPLE NUMBERS) I bet it is recommended to be installed on ground that is flat to within 2 degrees overall and contains no hollows or lumps, with a maximum slope of perhaps 5 degrees at which point the warranty is void, and the manufacturer is not liable for any failures of the product.

Of course trimming the top of poles off will also void the warranty, if that is important to you.