When Should You Replace a Vinyl Pool Liner?
Vinyl pool liners provide a smooth interior finish while keeping water from seeping into the outer concrete shell and causing damage. Due to the professional labor required (draining the pool, removing the old liner, fitting the new liner), replacing your pool liner can become time-consuming and expensive. Pool owners need to know how to look for signs of wear and tear to know when it is time to fix or replace your pool liner. Although the lifespan of a pool liner lasts anywhere from 10 to 15 years, that amount of time can increase if you maintain your pool well. Shoreline Pools is here to help you get the most out of your vinyl pool liner while protecting the structure of your pool.
When Tears, Rips & Scratches Appear
Age, chemical erosion, and debris may cause small rips and tears to appear in your pool liner. If you act fast, you can minimize the damage and only need a small patch. Patching the tear will only set you back $100-$300 and prevent any serious water damage to the concrete pool structure. However, if there are major rips and scratches and water has already seeped into the pool’s foundation, you may need the liner replaced. It is best to replace the liner if you notice the tear is not isolated and occurs randomly throughout the pool. This signifies the liner is weak and brittle and will need an entire replacement. Depending on the size of the pool, a liner replacement generally costs between $1,000 and $4,000.
When You Notice Stretches & Wrinkles
Stretches and wrinkles are signs of underlying issues with your pool’s structure. Sometimes the liner will become loose and pop out of its track. This phenomenon occurs due to groundwater problems; moreover, you’ll probably need a professional pool service company. Grab your phone and reach out to an expert when you spot a sudden onset of wrinkles and stretches. These professionals have the skills to determine the root cause and prevent further damages to your luxury swimming pool.
When Water Inexplicably Drains from Your Pool
Tears and rips usually happen at the waterline and can be easily fixed. However, some tears are not so easy to find. If you notice your pool water keeps mysteriously draining, you may have a hidden leak in the vinyl. This causes your pool water to leak and drain under the vinyl liner. The best way to resolve a leak is to have the pool professionally drained and the liner replaced. Experienced professionals, like the Shoreline team, will ensure there is no water damage to the structure, inform you of care techniques, and properly install a new liner to maximize its lifespan. Pool owners who attempt the replacement themselves risk serious water damage and will receive a hefty repair bill.
How to Care for Your New Vinyl Pool Liner
Taking care of your liner will extend its life cycle, giving you the most bang for your buck! This includes ensuring the proper chemical balance of the pool water, regular cleanings, and investing in a quality pool cover. The chemical balance ensures it does not wear away the material. Cleaning it will yield protection from coarse debris that can scratch or tear the pool. A pool cover protects the liner from the sun’s harmful ultraviolet rays that cause the material to deteriorate and become brittle. Each of these small precautions will help extend the lifespan of your vinyl pool liner.
What Time of Year Should I Replace My Vinyl Pool Liner?
The best season to replace your pool liner is fall. Your pool is no longer in use, and you have ample time to get your pool into shape before the next swimming season. This way, you can adjust and fix any other issues or include additional updates such as hardscaping or landscaping. The process of replacing the liner usually takes 2 to 3 weeks and often includes off-peak prices during the fall season. Early spring and summer are also popular times but may grant less flexibility and higher prices due to increased demand.
Ready to Replace or Repair Your Vinyl Pool Liner?
If you find any leakage, tears, or signs of wear affecting your pool, it may be time to replace your liner. If you need an expert’s advice, contact Shoreline Pools for all your pool liner questions. We make the replacement process quick and easy. Connect with one of our pool maintenance specialists today by dialing (203) 357-1544.
