How To Replace Your Above Ground Pool Liner In 8 Easy Steps
If you find yourself needing to replace your above ground swimming pool liner, either because of tears or excessive staining, you dont need to hire a professional.
As long as you have a little time on your hands, you can save yourself some serious money by doing it yourself.
Hiring a professional can cost well over $1,000 on top of the cost of the liner!
And since we are all about getting stuff done ourselves and saving money around here, Im gonna show you how its done!
Remove The Old Liner And Accessories
Keep the top rail installed so it stabilizes the pool walls. Remove the skimmer and return, using a screwdriver and pliers.
Using a utility knife, cut the liner a few inches below the top rail. Cut the liner into smaller pieces, so its easier to remove and discard.
Remove the liner pad and coving, if you have them, so youre left with bare sand or dirt inside the pool walls. If you dug a hole to drain excess water, fill it in now.
Ensure The Ground Is Level And Prepare It For Construction
Part of proper pool planning includes choosing the area for your pool and obtaining the permits to install your pool. Once that has been completed the next step is to ensure the ground is level. This is a critical step to ensure your pool is structurally sound and safe.
To make sure your ground is level you can either:
Once the ground is level you need to take measurements before starting construction:
Find the center point . Use an existing object and measure the area and mark where the edges of the pool will go. Measure half the width of the pool from the marked edges. This is your center point. Mark the center.
Use a soft measuring tape to measure around the perimeter of the pool. Measure the outline of your pool using the radius mentioned above so you have a guideline for construction. Add one foot to the measurement and then mark the ground around your center point, following the pool shape and measurements given in the instructions.Use stakes to mark the ground.
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Preparation Of Above Ground Pool Bottom
The pool liner IS NOT a structural part of the pool. Its function is to keep the water from leaking out of the pool. The water pressure is held by the pool wall and structural parts, not by the liner. The pool liner must be installed properly with all the areas touching the ground, earth mound, pool wall and not supporting the weight of the water, which will damage the above ground pool liner.
Slight wrinkles appearing during the installation of a pool liner is natural. This is caused by an over allowance of vinyl material to avoid damage to the linear if shrinkage should occur.
When To Replace An Above Ground Pool Liner
When your pool was new, the pool liner was vibrant, wrinkle free, and sealed tight. Now that youve opened your pool for the summer years later, you may be noticing that it doesnt look or feel the same as it used to.
Signs that may indicate it is time to replace an above ground pool liner include fading, staining, wrinkles and stretching, and even damage that needs repair.
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How Do You Measure Durability
No industry standard exists for precisely measuring the strength of pool liners, but the thickness can give you a sense of durability.
Very thick liners can be cumbersome to install and tougher to get wrinkles out of. Poor fit or installation mistakes can affect your vinyl as well, so the thickest liner around may be only as good as its installation.
Two units of measure refer to the thickness of above ground pool liners : mil and gauge.
How To Install Above Ground Pool Liner With Deep End
Pool liner is very important in every type of pool. It not only prevents leaks but also keeps the water inside the pool.
With time it can lose its value and can get wrinkles, cracks, stretching, and leaks. So, you should replace the pool liner to avoid big issues.
In this article, you will learn how to install above ground pool liners, their types, and when you should replace them.
You can do the task by yourself if you have enough free time or can also hire a professional for the service. Lets dive into it.
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Add And Smooth The Sand
If you used sand previously, check whether theres still enough to support the bottom of the pool. If not , lay enough sand to create a 3-inch bed across the entire inside of the pool.
Level the sand bed using a push broom, then pack it down with a tamper. If you dont have a tamper, you may be able to rent a soil compacting tool from a local hardware store.
How To Install A Swimming Pool Liner
Learning how to install a swimming pool liner can easily save you $1,500 $4000 dollars, depending on your swimming pools size and can be easily done with the help of a few friends! Its really not that hard to do and with the proper measurements your liner will fit like a glove. Watch our how to install a swimming pool liner videos and learn what we consider to be some best practices for measuring and installing a rectangle vinyl inground pool liner. First start by watching the rectangle pool liner measurement video and then follow it up with the installation videos. These videos represent the BEST way to measure and install a pool liner from Pool Warehouse. Pool liners are measured differently depending on the manufacture If you are installing a pool liner not sold by Pool Warehouse these measurement tips and installation techniques may not work.
Watch & Learn How To Measure A Swimming Pool Liner
Watch & Learn How To Install A Swimming Pool Liner
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Water Care Is Liner Care
You take care of the things you care about. You wouldnt put grandmas china in the dishwasherat least, not after what happened last time. Your pool liner may not be as delicate as that china, but it still requires maintenance to prevent damage and extend its life.
Using too many harsh chemicals in your pool or letting it go to swamp at the end of each season may severely affect the integrity and longevity of your liner.
Keep your pool chemistry balanced for the health of the liner, your pool, and everyone who swims in it.
No one wants to hang out in swamp water. Except, of course, swamp monsters. But theyre not invited to your pool. To keep it clean, clear, and monster free, follow the correct steps to winterize your above ground pool every year.
Got A Leak Good Luck With That
Dont get us wrong. Leaks in above ground pool liners are super easy to fix, and its always good to know how to patch a pool liner. Just Get a repair kit and youll be swimming again before you can say Marco Polo. The challenge is finding the leak.
Unless its a huge, obvious gash pouring water into your yard, finding a leak in an above ground pool is notoriously difficult. If you want to take a shot at finding the pool leak, you can try the bucket test. But finding a tiny leak in an above ground pool is so challenging, it may take you less time to get a new liner and install it.
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Why You Need An Above
Pool liners for above-ground pools are essential. The pool wouldnt be able to hold water if it didnt have one. Pool liners also help maintain the pools structural integrity. Above-ground pools dont have the earth around their sides to help support them that in-ground pools do. Thats why having a sturdy and properly installed liner is critical to your above-ground pools health and longevity. Liners also ensure the pool doesnt leak.
Installing A Pool With A Sand Base Foam Cove Liner Floor Pad And Wall Foam
Step 1
Using fine sand , lay a 3 thick bed of sand across the entire inside of the pool this will form your base.
Step 2
After installing the 3 sand base, lay the liner floor pad on top. Please note your liner floor pad is pre-cut to fit your pools exact dimensions.
Step 3
Using spray glue or duct tape attach the pool wall foam to the metal pool wall. Start attaching the foam at the top of the pool wall. This will leave a small portion of the bottom of the pool wall not covered with foam but this area will be hidden with a sand or foam cove.
Step 4
After installing the pool wall foam, attach the pool cove by removing the adhesive backing and sticking it to the metal pool wall directly on top of the liner floor pad .
Step 5
This is the completed above ground pool liner installation. The vinyl pool liner should be completely supported by the pool base to avoid any stress or damage to it or the metal pool wall.
In conclusion, there are several ways that one can prepare their pool base prior to installing your above ground pool liner. If these steps are followed correctly they can help prevent issues with your above ground pool liner post installation and in years to come!
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Swimming Pool Liner Thickness
Liner thicknesses can range from 0.45-1.5mm. These thicknesses are usually expressed in 100ths of a millimetre – for example, 45/100 is equivalent to 0.45 mm, or 150/100 is equivalent to 1.5mm.
Reinforced liners are recommended for heavily used swimming pools, especially if the pool is regularly used by children. This is because thinner liners can be somewhat susceptible to damage if exposed to boisterous playfulness.
A reinforced liner will start at the thickness of 85/100. Thicker liners are better at withstanding pH imbalances, which can be increased by the number of bathers.
Small above-ground pools are recommended to use 50/100 liners.
Small inground pools liners are recommended to be a minimum thickness of 75/100.
How To Install An Above Ground Liner
Its best to take on the task of installing a new liner with a friend. Two sets of hands will make the process much easier and will make it much less likely that you end up with a crooked liner or having to start over.
Youll want to keep a close eye on your pool as it fills with its new liner. This way, you can catch any mistakes before it gets too full and the weight of the water rips the new liner.
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Set The Liner With A Vacuum
This step could be considered optional, but can be very helpful in preventing wrinkles in your new liner. A heavy duty wet/dry vac or a Cyclone Liner Vac, can be used to suck out the air between the liner and the walls, to pull the liner tight, revealing any potential wrinkles. Use duct tape and cardboard on the outside of the pool to seal up the wall returns, and then set-up the wet/dry vac on a table or chair next to the pool skimmer. Snake the vacuum hose into the skimmer top, and out through the skimmer front opening, running about halfway down the pool wall. Use lots of duct tape around the top of the skimmer, to prevent air from leaking around the hose.
Turn on the vacuum, and within a few minutes you should see the liner suction tightly to the walls and floor of the pool. You may also see some wrinkles on the walls and floor. If so, shut off the vacuum and pull and push on the liner towards the nearest wall. Turning on the liner while you quickly yank the liner towards the wall, or push the liner with a pool brush, or just with your hands, can often help pull wrinkles out towards the wall, or smooth them out into larger areas.
Tips To Install The Pool Liner:
- Be careful not to tear the liner during installation.
- You must install the liner on a warm, sunny day and check to ensure the evening temperature doesnt dip too low.
- Lay the liner in the sun for a few hours before you start so it is easier to lay out. Liners are usually slightly smaller than the pools support structure and it will stretch more easily when it is warm out. You should not install a liner on a cold day or fill the pool with very cold water once the liner has just been installed.
- Wet the sand and then rake it before putting the liner in the pool. This will ensure a level base
- Do not step on the liner with your shoes on. Install it either barefoot or in socks.
- Make sure you dont track any rocks into the pool with you while you are walking on the liner towork the wrinkles out.
- Work all the wrinkles to the outside of the pool.
- Once the stabilizer rails are installed you can take down the landscaping stakes.
- This is the last chance you have to ensure the bottom of your pool is level and free of debris
- Do not trim off the excess liner. If the liner ever needs to be removed, trimming the liner willmake re-installation very difficult. Instead, roll up any excess liner and tape it in place near the top of the pool wall.
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How To Choose An Above Ground Pool Liner
Above ground pool liners are made of vinyl and come in different patterns and thickness. At Bonnie & Clydes, we can help you choose an above ground liner that is right for your pool.
We carry overlap liners and unibead liners for the perfect fit for your pool. Contact us in Arlington, Burleson, Decatur, North Richland Hills, Lake Worth, or Weatherford, Texas. Well help you find the right pool liner to bring your pool back to life.
Cut Out The Return Inlet Fittings
Before you begin cutting out the return inlet fitting, the water level must be immediately below the fitting. If the liner is cut too soon, stretching may occur, which will create creases around the fitting.
1. Locate the screw holes and pierce them with the bradawl.
2. Align the flange plate with the gasket and tighten the screws. Ensure that you continue to work in diagonally opposite pairs to evenly secure the fitting.
3. Once secure, carefully cut out the inner circle of the liner.
4. Screw the eyeball housing assembly into position.
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How Do I Replace My Pool Liner Myself
If your liner is old, leaking and the wrinkles are permanent its time to install a liner in an above ground pool. The good news is most pool owners of an above ground pool can replace the vinyl liner themselves.
Replacing a liner is easier when the weather is fine and warm. This ensures the liner is more pliable and easy to work with.
Most liners come with instructions and the way you fit the liner depends on the type of pool you have as each pool manufacturer provides a different way to connect the liner to the top of the wall. When you purchase a replacement liner please ensure it comes with instructions or follow the original pool suppliers instructions.
Drain the Pool
Drain the water from the pool. You will need a submersible pump to remove all the water into a drain or creek. Some more advanced filtration systems have a valve for backwashing into a drain so you can drain the pool water into the drain with your pump. You need to connect a hose from the skimmer box to the bottom of the pool. Usually you can use the pool vacuum hose for this purpose. So its like vacuuming the pool into the drain until the pool is empty.
Some pool owners use a hose to siphon the water from the pool into a drain but this will take overnight at least and is only recommended for a small above ground pool. It will be difficult to get the last few inches of water out of the pool.
Remove the Old Liner
Disconnect the power supply, filtration system, skimmer box and pump.
