5 Signs It May Be Time to Replace Your Pool Liner

If you’ve had your pool for a long time, its liner may be starting to look a bit worse for wear. Since the primary purpose of a pool liner is to protect the pool’s structure and foundation, this could be the first sign of a major problem.

How can you tell if your liner has a minor cosmetic issue or is about to give out on you? Look for the signs listed below to decide when it’s time for a replacement.

1. Leaks

Pool liner leaks are not always obvious, but they are always serious. Aside from the annoyance of constantly having to top up the pool’s water levels, leaks will slowly erode your pool’s foundation. Water can also cause cracks in the stone if it freezes, leading to permanent damage that is difficult and expensive to fix. Be sure to check your pool liner for leaks on a regular basis and replace the liner immediately if you find any.

2. Cracking and Tearing

Cracks and tears are clear indications that your liner is past its prime. Even small torn areas will eventually grow into large gashes that water will easily seep through. Don’t wait for the problem to get to this point before replacing your liner – acting before the cracks actually break through to the other side allows you to avoid the worst of the potential damage.

3. Fading

Pool liners are built to resist the UV light of the sun’s rays. Fading happens when this protection has begun to fail. A liner that has begun to fade has lost a lot of its plasticity and cannot expand and contract like it needs to. This will inevitably lead to leaks and tears if it is left in place.

4. Wrinkles

Wrinkles are another seemingly minor cosmetic problem that may actually be a symptom of something more severe. They happen when your liner is too old, was not properly installed, or is made of poor-quality vinyl – in other words, when it won’t last long. Replace it with a new high-quality liner that is properly installed to preserve your pool in the long run.

5. Issues with the Beading

Are you having difficulty getting your liner beads to stay in the track? This often happens when a liner has lost the structural integrity it needs to remain in place. Liners in this condition can sometimes be reattached with careful stretching, but this problem usually means it’s time for a replacement.

Listen to Your Liner

In short, if your pool’s liner looks like it should be replaced, that’s probably the right thing to do. Most visual defects are actually hints that point to much more serious problems. By paying attention to these cues, you can protect your pool and avoid costly damages in the future.