Unlike a traditional pool that’s built into the ground, an above ground pool is going to have a unique set of details that need to be considered.
For example, let’s assume you take out the water in an above ground pool. What will happen?
Will the above ground pool collapse without water?
Yes, the above ground pool will collapse without water. This will not happen instantly. It will take time and it’s dependent upon the amount of water in the pool, the material of the pool, and how long it’s left empty. It’s also recommended to check how stable the base is under the pool.
This is essential because if the base is unstable or the pool has been left empty for weeks, this will create a situation where the pool is going to fall.
It’s important to be proactive when it comes to filling the above ground pool. This is how you are going to prevent the above ground pool from collapsing.
This article will highlight important factors to consider to stop an above ground pool from falling.
Factors To Consider To Stop Above Ground Pool From Collapsing
1. Amount Of Water In The Pool
It’s important to start with how much water is in the swimming pool.
It’s common for people to assume when there is an “empty” above ground pool, this means it is completely empty. This is not always the case unless you took the time to drain it.
There might be a little bit of water in there and that might be enough to hold the shape of the above ground pool a bit longer.
Does this mean it will be safe forever? No, it will fall eventually.
You will want to take the time to see how much water is in the above ground pool and then adjust from there. If it is completely empty, the window is going to narrow when it is going to collapse.

2. Material
You will also want to take the time to think about what the pool is made of.
The pool walls are the reason these types of pools fall in the first place. You are going to have a situation where the material is going to break down and it’s going to create a situation where things continue to get worse as time goes on.
You have to be diligent and pay attention to the type of material the pool is made of.
If the pool wall is brittle (i.e. vinyl), this means it is not going to last long at all. it is going to last perhaps 7 days and then it is going to fall.
You will want to account for this and make sure the pool walls are robust enough to hold for a few weeks. Otherwise, it will begin to wilt as soon as the pool walls are exposed to inclement weather.
3. Amount Of Time Left Empty
You should always think about the amount of time the pool has been left empty.
If the above ground pool has been left empty for a few days, it might not collapse. It should be able to hold up well unless it is quite windy in the area.
If it is too windy, this can expedite how fast the empty above ground falls.
Otherwise, you should be able to get a few weeks out of the above ground pool in this state before it begins to wilt.
This is why you have to take the time to focus on the timeline. This means understanding how much time the above ground pool has been empty and how much time you will have until it falls.
4. Stability Of The Base
Since the above ground pool is going to be sitting on the ground, it is important to think about how stable the base is.
If the base is unstable, this is going to make it much harder for the pool to retain its shape. It will start to give out right away.
This is why you always have to make sure the base is sturdy.
This is a must to ensure the pool does not fall instantly.
Final Thoughts
Will above ground pool collapse without water?
An above ground pool can collapse without water. It will often collapse withing 7-14 days. This is dependent on the weather, the stability of the ground under the pool, and the material it’s made of. In general, it will take a few days for the pool to lose its shape.
This is why it is important to protect the above ground pool and ensure it is not compromised too much.
This is how you are going to feel confident with the swimming pool and get it to stay in shape even when there is no water in there. Focus on this when caring for the pool.