Your swimming pool’s vinyl liner, which covers the base of the pool, is watertight, preventing leaks, and it also protects the base and walls of the pool from water as well as pool- chemical-related damage.
However, pool liners don’t last forever. Here’s a bit of background, as well as what to look for when you’re starting to think you might need a vinyl pool liner replacement.
How Long Do Pool Liners Last? What Causes Pool Liners to Break Down?
Most pool liners will last around 10 years, but depending on conditions they can break down in as little as 5 or last for 15 or longer.
There are a number of factors that influence the longevity of a pool liner, including water chemistry, the thickness of the pool liner and vinyl quality, and the frequency of use. Pools that see a lot of use will typically have their liners wear out more quickly.
Another factor that influences the longevity of a pool liner is exposure to the UV radiation in sunlight. Ultraviolet light damages vinyl and will prematurely break it down, which is one of the reasons people keep their pools covered when not in use.
Regardless of the reasons for the decline of your pool liner, here are some of the things to look out for that might tip you off that it will soon be time for a vinyl pool liner replacement.
Do I Need a Replacement?
If your pool liner is exhibiting any of the following, it’s time to get serious about looking for a replacement.
- Tears and cracks in the liner. Tears and cracks in the liner will allow water to leak out, which can damage the pool’s walls and foundation. Leaks can also potentially make it difficult for you to manage the water chemistry. It may be possible to patch a tear in a new liner, but old liners that have become brittle are difficult to patch and often must be replaced.
- The liner is leaking. While it may be hard to determine the source of the leak, if the level of water in your pool noticeably drops it is almost always due to a leak. Worse, the chlorine and other chemicals in pool water can damage the pool walls, as stated. Never ignore a leak; always get ready to replace it as soon as possible.
- It’s stained or discolored. UV-related damage is the main culprit here, which will cause the liner to fade where it has deteriorated. However, rust and chemical stains can also indicate damage to a pool liner that will need to be rectified by replacement. Significant fading and staining, even if it does not signify a serious degradation of the pool liner, may also warrant replacement simply for aesthetic purposes.
- The liner is warped or deformed, has become wrinkled, or otherwise lost its shape. UV and pool chemical related damage may not just change the coloration of your pool liner; they can also cause it to warp, deform, become wrinkled, stretch, shrink or otherwise change its shape. When a liner loses its shape it can pop out of the coping track that holds it in place, allowing leaks to form. If you see this sort of damage, you must replace your liner soon before a leak forms and results in damage.
Where to Get a New Vinyl Pool Liner Replacement
Need a pool liner replacement? If you’re reading this and you’re in the Memphis area, you’re in luck. Give Smith Pool Service a call at 901-512-6662 or visit their website for more details on the vinyl pool liner replacements and services they offer. Don’t ignore the warning signs; replace your pool liner while you’re ahead.
