Written by Pools Reno | Updated July 2025
What is a Popped Pool?
If your inground swimming pool has lifted or “popped” out of the ground, it means the structure has lost its balance between internal and external water pressure. This rare but serious issue can lead to extensive damage to your pool shell, paving, plumbing, and electrical systems. At Pools Reno, we frequently assist homeowners across Cape Town and the Western Cape with full swimming pool restoration, reinstallation, and preventative solutions.
Main Takeaways:
- A popped pool happens when underground water pressure pushes the pool out of the ground.
- The most common cause is draining your pool improperly or after heavy rainfall.
- Popped pool repair requires excavation, underground pipe reconnection, pool lifting, and reinstallation.
- To prevent this, install hydrostatic pressure valves and avoid draining your pool without professional help.
Why Swimming Pools Pop Out of the Ground
Inground pool popping is most likely to occur when a pool is emptied or drained incorrectly, especially in areas with high groundwater levels or following significant rainfall. When the internal pressure (pool water) is removed and the external pressure (saturated soil) remains or increases, the pool shell can float and lift out of the ground.
This can happen to concrete pools, fibreglass pools, or even older marbelite-lined pools. If you live near the coast or in flood-prone zones around Cape Town, Somerset West, or Stellenbosch, your pool is at higher risk.
Common causes include:
- Draining the pool after heavy rain
- Poorly managed hydrostatic relief
- Long-term empty pools
- Poor backfill during construction
How We Fix a Popped Pool in the Western Cape
1. Damage Assessment and Safety Prep
Our first priority is to assess the structural integrity of the shell and surrounding decking. We’ll check for underground pipe damage, electrical risks, cracks, or compromised pool walls.
2. Pool Deck Removal and Plumbing Checks
Once the pool is safe to work on, we carefully remove the damaged paving or deck. We also locate and document all underground plumbing and electrical conduits to reconnect later.
3. Pool Shell Lifting & Drainage
Using specialist equipment, our construction team lifts the pool shell while draining any trapped water from the cavity beneath. We install or inspect hydrostatic pressure relief valves to stabilise pressure during the reinstallation process.
4. Subsoil Preparation and Reinstallation
We grade and compact the soil, often adding gravel for drainage, then reposition the pool. This may include realignment or deeper excavation depending on the soil movement. Once level, we reconnect plumbing and electrical services.
5. Pool Deck and Coping Repair
We rebuild or re-tile the deck and coping stones using slip-resistant finishes that match your existing pool surrounds.
6. Pool Surface Resurfacing (If Required)
If the pop caused surface cracks or delamination, we may recommend fibreglass relining, marbelite resurfacing, or full shell replacement.
Our Pool Restoration Services in the Western Cape
At Pools Reno, we provide a full suite of residential and commercial pool services throughout Cape Town, including:
- Emergency pool repairs
- Hydrostatic valve installation and servicing
- Inground pool lifting and reinstallation
- Deck and coping repairs
- Marbelite and fibreglass resurfacing
- Drainage and waterproofing solutions
We operate in Durbanville, Bellville, Somerset West, Strand, Stellenbosch, Paarl, Hout Bay, Southern Suburbs, Atlantic Seaboard, and other areas.
Preventing a Floating Pool: 5 Expert Tips
1. Never Leave Your Pool Empty
An empty pool has no weight to resist ground pressure. If you must drain your pool, do it under professional supervision with pressure valves in place.
2. Install or Maintain Hydrostatic Relief Valves
We can inspect or retrofit your pool floor with hydrostatic relief valves to allow groundwater to seep up, balancing pressure and preventing lifting.
3. Avoid Post-Storm Draining
If Cape Town has had a week of heavy rains, do not attempt to empty your pool. The soil will be saturated, increasing the chance of floatation.
4. Direct Drainage Water Away from the Pool
Improper drainage around your pool can increase water retention in the soil. We can help you install proper drainage solutions to divert water safely away.
5. Use Professional Pool Services
Pools Reno offers draining, refilling, and winterisation services using best practices that protect your structure from damage.
FAQs About Popped Pools in Cape Town
What is the cost to fix a popped pool in South Africa?
Repairing a popped inground pool can cost anywhere from R60,000 to over R200,000, depending on the extent of structural and plumbing damage.
Can a fibreglass pool pop out of the ground?
Yes, all inground pools including fibreglass, concrete, and vinyl can pop due to hydrostatic pressure imbalances.
How do I know if my pool has hydrostatic relief valves?
If your pool has round screw-in fittings at the bottom or during initial installation mentioned such valves, they may already be present. We offer full inspections.
Can you prevent pool popping completely?
You can greatly reduce the risk by installing pressure relief valves, maintaining proper drainage, and never leaving the pool empty without planning.
Do you offer emergency repair services in Cape Town?
Yes, Pools Reno offers urgent pool repair call-outs across the Western Cape, including emergency drainage, temporary stabilisation, and deck repair.
Final Thoughts
Pool popping is rare, but devastating when it happens. With the right knowledge and support, your pool can be saved or rebuilt. At Pools Reno, we help property owners across Cape Town and the Western Cape avoid disasters through professional maintenance, preventative solutions, and expert repair.
Get in touch with us today for an on-site assessment, or browse our other pool repair guides and renovation services on www.poolsreno.co.za.
Related Services:
- Fibreglass Pool Resurfacing Cape Town
- Marbelite Pool Renovations
- Swimming Pool Drainage & Cleaning
- Pool Deck Repairs and Re-tiling
Pools Reno | Trusted Swimming Pool Services in Cape Town & Beyond
