The Answers to All Your Vinyl Liner Questions
Every inground pool needs a liner, and vinyl liners make a great option. They’re cost-friendly, they’re durable, and they look great. Despite their long-lasting properties, all vinyl liners need to be replaced after a certain time.
As the owner of a pool with a vinyl liner, you might find yourself asking these questions:
- How long should I expect my vinyl liner to last?
- How will I know when it’s time for a replacement?
- What’s the point of replacing a liner?
We’ve answered those questions and more below.
When Is It Time To Replace My Pool Liner?
No matter how much maintenance you put into a pool liner, its quality will fade eventually. When vinyl liners deteriorate, they put you at risk for costly repairs and irritating damage – leaks being among the most common.
If you notice any of the following signs of damage, you should start considering getting a replacement liner.
READ MORE: Is It Time to Replace Your Pool Liner?
Cracks and Rips
It’s common for cracks to appear here and there. If you notice plenty of them, though, you may need to replace your liner. These tears appear because chemicals and UV rays from the sun increase the liner’s sensitivity.
Water Loss
As a pool owner, it’s always a good idea to keep an eye on your water level. A fluctuation may be a sign of something simple like a weather change, but significant changes may indicate that you have a problem. If your pool loses a ton of water, your liner might be damaged.
Wrinkles and Stretching
Think of your pool liner like skin; it ages, leaving wrinkles and stretch marks over time. Environmental factors like weather and chemical imbalances tend to cause these visible marks.
Fading and Staining
A new vinyl liner provides a sparkling sense of cleanness – almost similar to how an ice rink looks after a Zamboni cleans it. Over time, liners develop dark stains and rough patches that compromise the glimmer a pool surface should provide.
READ MORE: Signs Your Liner Needs Replacing
How Long Do Vinyl Liners Typically Last?
With proper care, a vinyl pool liner should last up to a decade. However, there are plenty of circumstances that can shorten a liner’s lifespan, and some of those circumstances are out of your control.
Be careful – these factors can shorten your liner’s lifespan:
- Your pool’s chemicals are not balanced
- You live near groundwater
- Your liner is not fitted or installed properly
- Your clean your liner with harsh, household products
How Do I Take Care Of My Pool’s Vinyl Liner?
By taking proper care of your pool, you can extend the liner’s life by years. This will, in turn, save you time and money.
- Keep your pool’s pH and alkalinity balanced – learn how here
- Ensure that your liner is professionally installed when you get it
- Continue to monitor your pool so you can deal with damage before it gets worse
READ MORE: How to Remove Smooth Wrinkles in Your Pool Liner
What Is The Best Time Of Year To Replace A Liner?
The replacement process often takes a few weeks, as pool professionals need time to remove your liner, create a new one, and ensure that it fits. You won’t want to make your wait time longer by getting your liner replaced during the pool company’s busiest season – for most, that is springtime. Any other time will likely require less waiting.
READ MORE: What is Pool Liner Floating and How Do I Fix It?
What Does The Replacement Process Look Like?
A pool care professional can ensure that the entire replacement process is free from errors and confusion. From start to finish, our professionals will work hard to give your pool’s surface the healthy new coating it deserves. Here’s what the process typically looks like:
- Pool is measured
- Type of liner is chosen
- Pool is drained
- Old liner is cut and removed
- Wall is cleaned and prepared for the new liner
- Floor is cleaned and prepared for the new liner
- Liner is installed
- Pool is refilled
READ MORE: Questions You Should Ask Pool Experts About Liners
The Takeaway
Not sure if replacing your pool liner is worth it? Think about it – your pool will have a refreshing glow and it will be healthier than you’ve seen it for a while. Plus, you’ll be protected against any damage that have accumulated.
At HB Pools, our pool experts have years of experience repairing and replacing pool liners. We’ve seen it all, and can help you diagnose any sources of damage.
