How to Tell if You Need a New Pool Liner
All pools have maintenance needs, and one need common to some inground pools, is the care and keeping of the pool liner. On average, pool liners last between eight and twelve years, making pool liner replacement an infrequent but still critical task. Choosing the right kind of liner can make this replacement process easier. Liners also come in a variety of styles, which offers pool owners to choose from a range of aesthetic options.
Why Pool Liners Matter
Pool liners are critical because they form a barrier between the wall of the pool and the water inside of it. Many inground pools have tiled walls that eliminate the need for a liner. Pools that feature a vinyl pool liner also have a layer of foam cushioning that forms a buffer between the liner and the pool wall.
Signs It’s Time to Replace Your Pool Liner
Pool liners are subject to a significant amount of wear and tear, so it is important to keep an eye out for potential problems. These are some signs your pool liner might need to be replaced:
- You notice significant fading. Sun exposure can be dangerous for pool liners over time, causing the vinyl to become brittle. Brittle vinyl is more likely to suffer a puncture and begin to leak, or simply to rip because it cannot stretch to fit the pool properly anymore. If you notice significant color loss to your vinyl liner, it may be time to replace it.
- You’re losing water. Some water loss is normal for any pool; it can be caused by swimming, splashing, and evaporation. However, more than an inch of water loss per week that is not caused by splashing can be a sign of a tear in your liner, which may necessitate replacement. Depending on the size of the pool and your ability to locate the tear, you may be able to patch the hole. Larger holes, or holes that cannot be located, mean you will need to replace the liner entirely.
- Your liner is wrinkled. A wrinkled liner is a sign your pool’s chemistry has not been well maintained. In addition to being aesthetically unpleasant, wrinkling can be a sign that your liner has become brittle and that it is liable to rip. Once your liner is wrinkled, it is not possible to undo the process without entirely replacing the liner.
Pools of Fun would be glad to come out and inspect your pool liner – contact us today!