Above-Ground Pool in Manheim, PA Splits and Buckles

Landscaping Inspection Services investigates the cause behind an above-ground pool splitting open in Manheim, PA.

After an extremely cold winter in Manheim, PA, there have been many reports of broken and leaking above-ground pools. We were called upon to investigate one such instance of an above-ground pool that split and buckled on one side, causing half of the water to leak out, as well as cracking the skimmer.

Landscaping Inspection Observations

One of our licensed landscaping inspectors visited the property and spoke with the insured, who stated that the pool had buckled on one side, and noted that the skimmer had cracked as a result. Our inspector performed a thorough inspection and investigation on the above-ground pool, and made the following observations:

• The pool was half full of water at the time of the inspection.
• The pool’s wall had split open.
• Some rust existed on the outside of the pool wall.
• The uprights of the pool were bent.
• The skimmer was cracked.

Expert Analysis of Damage to Manheim, PA Pool

After a thorough inspection and investigation of the damaged landscaping and surrounding areas, our inspector commented that when the frozen pool water started to thaw, it shifted and caused the pool wall to buckle. As there was rust present on the split portion of the pool, he determined that the stress of the shifting ice would have caused the wall to split open at the point it had rusted.

Our inspector adamantly stated that the pool needed to be completely drained, to prevent further damage to the property as well as to prevent injury to anyone in the vicinity. Unfortunately, with the uprights of the pool being bent, the entire pool would need to be replaced.

Cause of Loss and Repair Estimates

The professional opinion of our inspector is that freezing winter temperatures caused the damage to this pool. When temperatures started warming up, the shift in the frozen pool water caused undue stress on the wall, which resulted in a split, bent uprights and a cracked skimmer.

To replace the above-ground pool with a comparable model, our inspector gave an estimate of $8,206.00, which included removing the old pool, purchasing and installing the new pool, and sales tax.