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How to Replace a Swimming Pool Liner
If you have a swimming pool at home or in your business, then there may come a time when certain parts need refreshing. One such element is the liner of the pool.
Over time, the liner of your pool could suffer damage, such as staining or tearing, and you may wish or need to get it replaced. If you’d rather avoid the costs associated with hiring a professional to do the job for you, it is easy enough to replace a swimming pool liner yourself.
In our guide, we will show you how you can replace an overlap swimming pool liner yourself.
A pool liner is used to hold water in the pool, acting as a waterproof barrier between the water and the pool construct. They are also used to add a nicer appearance to the pool, as the pattern they display can have a big impact on the look of the water.
Pool liners will differ depending on whether they are for an above ground pool or inground pool. For example, most above ground pools or home pools will use a vinyl material as a pool liner, whereas commercial pools will typically use a material like fibreglass instead, as they would experience heavier usage.
Overlap pool liners are the most popular choice for at-home pool liner installation. They are one of the easiest options, as they drape over the pool and then get clamped into place with coping strips.
As overlap pool liners are the best for above ground pools, we will be focussing on this type of pool liner in our guide. Here is how you can replace one:
Measuring correctly is crucial to successfully replacing a pool liner. If the pool liner is the wrong size, it won’t fit in your pool correctly, which could mean that it isn’t watertight.
How you measure the pool depends on the shape:
A round pool should be measured by recording the diameter of the pool across the centre. The measurement should be taken to inside the pool wall. It is a good idea to repeat the measuring process a few times in a couple of different spots to ensure that you have measured the widest spot.
Rectangular pools should be the easiest to measure, as you won’t need to work out where the widest point is. Instead, simply measure the length and width of the pool.
It is also important to consider the type of corners your pool has, as this may need to be taken into consideration. Most pool liners for rectangular pools will come with straight corners, but if your pool slopes or features a diagonal angle, then this will need to be included in your measurements.
An oval pool should be measured from end to end in the centre of the pool. As with round pools, you should take measurements in a few different spots to ensure that the widest point has been noted.
The height of the pool needs to be measured from top to bottom. This should be done from the outside of the pool.
When you have all the measurements you need, you can either buy a pre-made pool liner that would fit with the given measurements, or you can get bespoke, tailor-made swimming pool liners, which will fit your pool precisely.
To help you out, we have a pool liner calculator, to make the process easier.
You can’t reline a pool if it is still full of water, so the next thing to do is drain your pool completely.
The best way to empty an above ground pool is to either siphon the water out with a hose or use a submersible pump. The hose will be cheaper (unless you already own a submersible pump), but it will stop working towards the bottom of the pool, and you may need to resort to scooping the water out with buckets.
First, ensure that all the pool plumbing has been disconnected and pool accessories, like ladders, have been removed.
As the old liner is no longer required, you can use a knife to carefully slice the vinyl. This will make it easier to remove, as it can be broken down into much smaller pieces.
Before you lay a new liner, the floor of the pool needs to be prepared. Typically, a pool will be filled with sand at the bottom, so make sure that this is smooth, to ensure the new liner goes down flat and even.
Using a piece of board and a spirit level, make sure that the floor is even. Add or remove filler as needed to ensure the base is smooth.
Other pools may have a cement floor, so if this is the case, then make sure that all debris has been removed and the floor is clean before laying the new liner.
Check for any damage or rust on the walls of the pool and treat accordingly, for example, by patching and replacing.
Make sure there is somewhere for a pool liner to rest around the edges, either by creating a sand edging or using wall foam.
If possible, it is best to install a new pool liner when it is warm and still, so that you have control of the vinyl without it blowing away, and so that the vinyl has a little give in it.
It’s unlikely you’ll be able to manage this alone, so you’ll need some friends or family to help out.
Start by laying the liner inside the pool, unrolling it carefully along the length of the pool. You then need to reach into the pool from outside and pull the liner up into place - the more the merrier for this task!
With an overlap liner, use clamps to hold it into place. Adjust the liner to ensure that it is even across the pool. The liner should sit about an inch away from the pool floor and should not bunch or sag.
Ensuring the liner is firmly in place, begin to refill your pool. Keep an eye on the liner as you go to check that it doesn’t start to wrinkle, pull or fall down.
Once the pool is full, you can put all of your pool accessories and plumbing back in place.
If you need any further advice on how to replace a swimming pool liner, then please get in touch with our expert team!
