Common Signs You Need to Look Out For
Liners are an important part of your pool. Unfortunately, they often get neglected. We spend time balancing water and adding chemicals and ensuring that things are running smoothly, but your linter typically just sits, holding thousands of gallons of water, and it simply does not get enough attention. In this article, we go over some of the must-knows with respect to your liner and the importance of it.
The Average Life Expectancy of a Pool Liner
The average life expectancy of a pool liner tends to be approximately 6-10 years. They’re strong, but they’re not immune to the elements and deterioration over time. Like anything, they eventually wear.
Read More: HOW TO REMOVE/SMOOTH WRINKLES IN YOUR POOL LINER
What Causes Issues with Pool Liners that Require Repair or Replacement?
Many factors impact your liner and cause it to age over time. From chemical exposure to sunlight, the weather, impact from animals jumping in for a swim to old age. Like anything else, time and the elements will take their toll on your liner. Fortunately, if it’s caught on time, you might be able to avoid replacement and do a little patchwork to keep it in tip-top shape longer.
Instances When Repairing Your Pool Liner is an Option
There are a plethora of instances where repair may be all that is required to get you through. Let’s face it; sometimes, budget restraints can mean having to delay a liner replacement. But in many cases, a complete replacement may not be needed at all.
Read More: IS IT TIME FOR INGROUND POOL LINER REPAIR?
Minor Tears
You can usually repair or patch a tear that’s as small as 2 inches and as big as 8 inches. This is usually a temporary fix until you can replace your liner, but it can buy you some time. Patches, however, can be unpredictable. Some can hold up for a long time, whereas others can only hold for a short period of time, even days.
Stains and Discolouration
Your pool can be in perfect working condition, but if your liner is stained and discoloured, it makes getting into it far less appealing. Organic material, metal sources, corrosion from pipes—there are so many factors that can discolour or stain your liner.
Minor Leaks
Even the most minor of tears can lower a pool’s water level by ¼ to ½ an inch per week. If you notice your water level dropping, it may be an indication that you have a leak. You’ll need to fix the leak. Eventually, a replacement will be necessary, but small leaks can typically be repaired if caught early enough.
Read More: POOL LEAK OR EVAPORATION?
Liner is Slipping Out of Tracks
Liners can come out of the track. It’s a common problem, but it is a problem that is easy to repair. It’s important to determine if your liner is slipping due to age, however. If it is, you may need to start considering a replacement.
When a Replacement Becomes Necessary
Replacing a pool liner is one of the most expensive aspects of upkeeping your pool. It’s a significant amount of money for most homeowners. That is why repairing when replacement is not necessary yet, is the better option.
Deterioration, Rips and Cracks
The first sign of deterioration is usually cracking in the liner in multiple different areas of your pool. Cracks are typically visible to the naked eye but there could be some that you simply cannot see at all. If you start to see multiple cracks, you need to start shopping for a new liner.
Stretching and Wrinkles
If your pool liner feels like it is looser than usual, or if the liner is coming out from its track in areas, this is an indicator that it may be time to look at a replacement.
Major Water Loss Factors to Consider When Determining a Course of Action
A pool liner that is leaking allows water to access the area between the liner and the pool walls. Chlorinated water being held against steel walls, which can quickly result in rust forming. It can also cause floor damage and deck damage.
The Age of Your Liner
Pool liners have a shelf life of 6-10 years on average. But damage, leaks and tears can have an impact on how long it lasts. If things are looking drab and you’re somewhere within that time period, it may be time to look at a replacement liner.
The Issue At Hand and The Severity of it
When it comes to pool liners, you can’t just look at the issue that is right in front of you and ignore others that may need attention. Consider the problem and the risk they post to the future of your liner. In some cases, the problem can be so severe that it requires immediate replacement.
Is the Issue Reoccurring?
Does the problem keep coming back? Have you installed multiple patches in the same area? Do you continue to lose water? If a problem keeps returning, then it’s probably time to replace your liner completely. Things that are working properly should not require you to keep fixing the same problem.
The Importance of Maintaining Your Liner
Your liner is one of the most important pieces of your pool. Your liner is what gives your pool its beauty, it’s what holds all of the water in to prevent it from causing damage to your pool walls. Vinyl liners are the less expensive option, they require some maintenance but not as much as one would think and, in the end, repairs can be less costly and time-consuming. But if you want it to last, you need to maintain it properly. Speak to your local pool supplier. They can provide you with a lot of valuable information and assist you with regular maintenance as well.
