How Will I Know if I Need a New Pool Liner?

There will come a time when you will have to replace your swimming pool liner with a brand new one.

Your inground pool liner does indeed have a certain shelf life – usually between eight and 12 years. However, you may need one sooner than that – or, if you’re lucky, you could get up to 15 years out of your liner depending on quality and use. But inevitably, there will come a time when you will have to replace your swimming pool liner with a brand new one. Weather, chemicals, wear and tear, and frequency of use can all contribute to the deterioration of pool liners. How do you know when that time has come?
Cracks
Over time, your liner could develop small cracks thanks to the sun’s ultraviolet rays as well as the chemicals you use in your pool. Occasionally, you will have to inspect your pool for signs of cracks, tears and leaks – many of which you often can’t even see. One way to check for signs of water leakage is by keeping an eye on the water level for one week. If it goes down by more than an inch in that time frame, you likely have a crack in the liner. Sometimes, there are several cracks in several different places contributing to the leak, especially if your pool liner is beyond its suggested life span.
Wrinkles
It’s normal for a couple of small wrinkles to develop over time, but if you’re noticing large wrinkles and sagging portions of the liner, this can lead to drainage of water. Another sign of wear is when the top part of your liner has slipped off its track, with a loss in elasticity overall. Fittings can also come loose, particularly around the skimmer and pump. When the liner has been stretched like this, it can’t be easily fixed and will need replacement.
Fading
Chemicals and the sun will do a number on the vibrant color of your liner, leading to fading over the years. Sure, these days the better liners are made to withstand fading from these culprits, but slight fading and/or staining is normal. When the fading is extreme, it can be a signal that your pool liner is deteriorating. The vinyl will soon become brittle, leading to cracks and leaks.
Leaks
Losing water is a big sign your liner needs to be replaced. Most pool liners today can withstand tears, punctures and everyday wear, but as they age, they aren’t as resilient as they once were. You’ll find that your liner is becoming more sensitive to cracks, which will need to be patched. You can only perform so many wet patches before the integrity of the entire liner comes into question. Untreated leaks can lead to erosion of the backfill and corrosion of the supporting walls.
If you’re unsure if it’s time to replace your swimming pool liner, call in the experts at Central Jersey Pool for an evaluation. We make the process as smooth, affordable and painless as possible!