When Is It Time to Replace a Pool Liner?
If you have a vinyl liner pool, be sure to follow all the manufacturer’s instructions. Although that will help the pool liner last a long time, usually 8 to 12 years, at some point, it will need to be replaced. As the homeowner, you should know some of the reasons why liners deteriorate. If you catch these issues early enough, there is a good chance that you can have the problem repaired. Otherwise, you need to install a new one.
The following are some of the primary reasons a pool liner deteriorates:
- Age of the pool liner
- Quality of the liner
- How often people use the pool
- Chemicals for cleaning and maintenance
- Degree of sun exposure
- Weather conditions
Warning Signs
- Cracks and Tears – Usually, tiny cracks and tears are the first signs of trouble. While they may not seem critical to the naked eye, they allow water to leak out and stress the entire liner. To determine if the liner of your pool has any small cracks or tears, monitor the water level for about 10 days to see if it goes down.
- Staining and Fading – Even high-quality liners fade due to sun exposure and chemical use. However, a significant degree of fading could indicate deterioration. As for stains, some will have no impact on the pool’s level of performance, whereas, large rust or algae stains can cause problems. Along with being unsightly, oversized stains like these also lead to
- Stretching and Slippage – If there is an issue with stretching, you will notice either the top edge of the liner or the liner bead slipping out of place. When liners lose their elasticity, they begin to sag, which causes water to drain. If a pool liner stretches to the point that you cannot get it back on the track, it needs to be replaced.