How Long Do Above-Ground Pools Last?

The lifespan of a pool depends on a number of factors including what kind of environment the pool is in, how the pool will be maintained, how complicated the pool system is, and the type of pool you have. No matter what the situation is with any of those factors, a pool that has been maintained will always outlast one that has been neglected.

Below, we share everything you need to know about how long an above ground pool lasts.

How Long Does the Average Above Ground Pool Last?

The average lifespan of an above-ground pool is anywhere from 7 to 15 years. How long your above-ground pool will last depends on the type of pool, method of installation, maintenance history, location, and system mechanicals.

Key factors that would affect the life expectancy in a negative way would be an improper installation or if the pool was installed in an abnormally wet location that would cause corrosion to the body of the pool, thus weakening the structure prematurely.

Factors Affecting the Lifespan of a Pool

Maintenance

One of the biggest factors that will determine how long a pool lasts is how well it is maintained. Has the pool been regularly vacuumed and repaired? Often the pools that last the longest, regardless of type or finish, are simpler pools because fewer things can go wrong. Fewer moving parts generally equals fewer things that can break. Keeping with the simple theme, chlorine pools generally last longer just because they do not need a salt generator and are easier to fix, test, and maintain.

To re-iterate, poor maintenance, especially when it comes to identifying and eliminating leaks, would certainly shorten the lifespan of a pool. For example, letting a leak continue to drip down the side of a metal pool would cause excessive corrosion due to the chlorine in the water (yes, this includes salt pools as well).

Even leaving leaves in the skimmer or pump basket can hurt the life expectancy. This can cause unnecessary stress on the pool motor and allow excessive debris into the filter, clogging it faster and allowing it to dump dirt back into the pool which would then affect the liner and lead to a leak.

Types of Pools

• Liner Pool: The longevity of this type of pool strongly depends on how the liner is taken care of. With proper care, a liner can last up to 10 years or as little as five.
• Fiberglass Pool: A fiberglass pool with proper care can last at least 30 years, but over time, the fiberglass layer will separate from its backing and cannot be re-adhered. This is because the rate of expansion and contraction due to the temperature is different for the fiberglass and its concrete backing.
  
• Concrete Pool: A concrete pool, while being one of the more expensive types of pools can last at least 30 years due to the durable nature of concrete. However, over time due to the porous nature of concrete, the concrete and plaster will crack, eventually causing a leak. But, with regular maintenance, this type of pool can last a lifetime.

The Pool's Location

Another factor that affects your pool's lifespan is the geographical location. Will your pool be used year-round or shut down for winter? If it is improperly winterized you can end up with cracked pipes, hoses, machinery, or, if not drained to an appropriate level, frozen pool water can break your pool structure.

This is why a pool is partially drained when closed—when the pool water freezes in winter, it has a place to go and doesn't overly stress the pool's structure.

What Shortens the Life of an Above-Ground Pool

There are several ways that the life of a pool can be shortened which almost always comes back to being improperly maintained. Some ways that a pool's lifetime can be shortened are as follows;

• Chlorine is a form of bleach and is caustic; over chlorination can make internal plastic parts or hoses brittle and prone to failure, or cause bleaching in the pool.
• Sitting on the top rail of the pool or if the pool structure is not level can cause a collapse or weakening of the pool over time.
• Running the pump with a low water level.
• Not taking care of your filter will shorten the life of a pool.

The most important factor in how long an above-ground pool will last is proper maintenance. It is important to remember that a pool works by containing and dispersing the significant pressure of the water against the body of the pool. Take care of leaks, limit corrosion, and replace and monitor failing components of any pool, and it will provide many years of great memories for everyone.