When to Replace Swimming Pool Liners

Owning a pool is typically a great return on your investment. You get a place to relax, entertain and play in exchange for little upkeep. And, unlike the bold art arrangements you bought for your living room a few years ago, pools don’t go out of style. Besides regular cleanings to get the dirt and bacteria out of the water, a quick inspection when you open and close your pool for the seasons is all it takes to ensure that your pool is in top form.

You can go years without ever having to make any big changes to your pool, explains Bruce Wetterer of Imperial Pool and Spa Service. One change that you may have to make is replacing your pool’s liner, because unfortunately, although the liner of you pool can last for years, it can’t last forever.

Here, Wetterer explains the signs that should alert you to problems with your liner and when a simple repair may be all that you need.

Fading: Most liners come with some sort of color scheme or pattern which will fade over time due to the sun’s rays and the chemicals that are added to the water. A new liner will refresh and enhance the entire look of your pool.

Small tear: Over time, your liner may tear in some places. But, explains Wetterer, these tears are often easy to repair and can be done usually on your own. Vinyl liner patch kits are sold at pool stores and are available for liners that are above the water’s surface as well as tears that occur underwater. Simply follow the instructions on the packaging to seal the tear and prevent leaks.

Wrinkling: If your pool has been drained or the liner becomes loose, it may detach from the shell of the pool and wrinkle. When no water is in the pool, then the liner will expand, says Wetterer. But if the liner is a few years old, then it may not return to its place when new water is added. Additionally, sometimes liners slip off the track that aligns it with the support structure of the pool. Occasionally, you can stick the liner back in place by hand, but most of the time more of liner will start to unravel. In order to tighten the liner again, a pool service company will have to come to your home with a special vacuum that sucks out all of the air that is caught between the liner and the shell.

Chemical balance: If your water’s chemical levels are not in the desirable range, then it can wreak havoc on your liner. Too much chlorine can stain and weaken liners while a pH level that is too low can eat away at the plastics. While small holes and slight wrinkling can be fixed, fading and large tears probably require that your entire liner be replaced. To get the job done correctly so that your liner will last for years to come, search for local companies that specialize in replacements and check with the Better Business Bureau to make sure that they are in good standing. The replacement can usually be done in a day or two, and for above ground pools, it will cost $300 to $600 depending on the pattern you choose and the size of your pool. Replacing an in-ground pool’s vinyl will be about double this cost.