Get in The Swim of Things!

One of the most amazing freebies I have ever acquired, and have since helped a few of my friends to acquire also, was a high end above ground pool! There was labor involved, and a new liner to purchase, however the cost to purchase a comparable new one would have been up to 6 times what we averaged spending on our liners.

There are two ways to go about this. The first is to simply place an ad offering to "uninstall" an unwanted pool at low or no charge.

The second one which will have your phone ringing, and may even start you a little sideline business, is to contact all your local real estate agents. Many times an above ground pool is not a welcome fixture to the prospective buyer, and they request its removal. Viola! In comes you and a couple of friends with a few common tools and off you drive with a free pool which was very costly new. Sometimes money is held in escrow until the owner of the home is able to remove the pool from the premises, so they are happy to work with you. Learn what the new liner will cost you, and try to negotiate that in your 'removal fee'. Now you have really made a deal that delights everyone. The realtor can close the house on time, you have a great pool with a new liner and your family sees you as a hero!

It is vital that you take copious photos before beginning to dismantle the pool, and during the process. Also, any sections that seem tricky at all can be numbered with a bold sharpie. If you are fortunate, the owner kept their assembly directions, however that is rare. It is possible, however, to locate some models assembly directions online, so do take the time to investigate that avenue, also. Lots of pictures as you are taking it apart is probably going to be the key to a successful rebuild, however, so be diligent to do that.

You will not be able to re-use the pool liner for its original purpose, no matter how sound it appears, however, do not discard it. In a future column we will offer at least 20 wonderful ideas for putting those old liners to new use.