Is It Time to Replace Your Above-Ground Pool? Here's How to Tell

Your above-ground pool has been there for you through it all—backyard BBQs, cannonball contests, and those perfect summer days where nothing beats floating in the sun. But lately, it’s been looking a little…tired. Maybe it’s losing water faster than you can refill it, or the walls are starting to look like they’ve seen one too many New Jersey winters. You might be wondering if you can squeeze out one more season or if it’s finally time to say goodbye and bring in something new.

We see this all the time. Homeowners patching up rust spots, fighting leaks, and holding their breath every time they step into their pool, hoping the walls hold up just one more summer. But here’s the thing—hanging onto a pool that’s past its prime can actually cost you more in repairs, maintenance, and frustration than simply replacing it. So, if you're spending more time fixing your pool than actually enjoying it, that’s your first sign.

Rust is one of those problems that starts small but doesn’t stay that way. A little surface rust? No big deal. Rust creeping along the pool wall, skimmer, or supports? Now, that’s trouble. Over time, rust eats away at the structure, making it weaker and weaker until one day, instead of holding water, your pool starts holding regret. If you’re constantly scraping off rust or covering up brittle spots, it’s time to start thinking about an upgrade before your pool decides for you.

Then there’s the liner—one of the most underrated yet essential parts of any pool. If yours is looking more cracked and faded than a beach towel from the 90s, it’s not just an eyesore—it’s a sign that the liner is breaking down. A small tear here, a leak there, and before you know it, you’re patching holes like you’re in a sinking boat. Sure, replacing the liner might seem like a quick fix, but if the walls and frame are also showing their age, that new liner is just lipstick on a pig.

And let’s talk about water loss. Every pool loses a little water to evaporation, but if you’re refilling yours every other day, something’s not right. A slow leak in the liner or plumbing might seem manageable, but over time, it can lead to serious damage—not to mention a spike in your water bill. If you’re tired of playing detective trying to figure out where the water is going, it might be time for a fresh start.

A pool should feel sturdy—period. If your walls or frame feel wobbly, dented, or just generally unstable, that’s not something you can ignore. Over time, ground shifting, weather damage, and years of use take their toll, and when the structure starts to weaken, the pool is no longer safe. A strong pool should feel solid and secure, not like something that might collapse if you lean on it the wrong way.

If opening your pool every spring feels more like a home improvement project than the start of a fun summer, that’s another sign it’s time to let go. At some point, constantly fixing an aging pool becomes more expensive and exhausting than just replacing it. Newer pools come with better materials, improved durability, and features that make maintenance a breeze. Wouldn’t it be nice to spend the summer in your pool instead of fixing it?

If you’ve been going back and forth on whether to replace your above-ground pool, now is the perfect time to do it. Spring is when installations start filling up, and scheduling early means you’ll be swimming by summer without the wait. At Y.E.S. Contractors, we handle everything—from removing your old pool to setting up your brand-new one with precision and care. If you're ready to upgrade, give us a call today and let’s turn your backyard into the summer spot everyone wants to be at.