When Should You Replace Your Pool Liner?
With summers just around the corner, swimming pool owners are busy preparing their pools for the warm season fun. However, while most of them pay adequate attention to cleaning, adding chemicals, and ensuring proper equipment functioning, the liner, an essential swimming pool component, often goes neglected. A swimming pool liner acts as a protective barrier whose primary function is to hold the water inside the pool and give it a clean look.
Pool liner maintenance
Swimming pool liners deteriorate over time due to age and constant exposure to elements and chemicals. Holes, rips, or tears in the liner can lead to leakages, allowing water to escape the pool. Liner leaks can cause significant damage to the pool structure and the areas surrounding the swimming pool.
Several pool owners are unclear about when to replace their pool liners. Here are a few indicators that the old and worn-out pool liner needs replacement:
Cracks and tears
An obvious symptom of pool liner replacement is the development of cracks, rips, and tears in multiple areas. They grow larger with time, exposing the pool to water loss and other severe damages. In addition, vinyl pool liners become brittle as they age, making it difficult to patch them. Therefore, regularly inspect the liner, especially around the waterline, for noticeable cracks or tears.
Discoloration and stains
Swimming pool liners fade as they age due to chemicals and UV exposure, making the vinyl hard, brittle, and susceptible to leaks. In addition, several factors lead to liner staining, including organic materials, algae, minerals, and metals. A faded and stained pool also looks unappealing and uninviting. Start looking for a new liner if the swimming pool is significantly faded or stains get extremely hard to remove.
Leak
Every crack or rip in the liner is not easy to spot with the naked eye, especially those below the water surface. However, if the swimming pool loses more than one inch of water in less than two weeks, it indicates a leak. While a minor leak is easier to patch, liner replacement is a viable option if there are multiple cracks, leak location remains undetectable, or the liner is nearing the end of its expected lifespan.
Wrinkles
A liner may develop wrinkles on the corners, bottom, or near pool fittings. Poor-quality materials, age, groundwater issues, and improper installation can lead to the appearance of wrinkles. Consider pool liner replacement if the liner slips out of the track or is too stretched out. Watch out for loose liner fitting around the pool equipment and contact a professional for inspection as soon as you notice wrinkles to avoid costly repairs.
Age of the liner
No pool liner lasts forever, as a liner lasts between 10 to 15 years. However, factors like groundwater issues, poor water balance, heavy pool use, and improperly sized or faulty liners can lead to premature wear and tear and early replacement. Therefore, if an old liner develops issues or becomes damaged, it is advisable to contact a pool professional for replacement.
Do you need to replace your pool liner?
Liner replacement is expensive but essential. Early spring and fall are ideal for replacing a pool liner. Ensuring proper water balance, correctly installing a right-sized liner, covering the pool for winter, investing in regular maintenance by professionals, and patching leaks on time can extend the life of pool liners. Contact a local pool expert for an efficient pool liner replacement.
If you have a pool need, whether it’s service, renovation, repair, lighting, or something else, call Magic Matt’s Pools at 623-255-2239 today!
