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Replacement Pool Liner 101

Most pools are protected by liners. Liners extend the life of swimming pools by protecting walls and floors from damage and mold. These are made from durable components like vinyl or other synthetic materials. Installation is done during construction, using waterproof adhesive.

Above ground pools use overlay or beaded liners. Overlapping siding covers inches past the top of the wall, while beaded siding uses siding locks that snap into a rail. There are also beaded vinyl liners for inground pools, but an overlay is not applied. Most of the above ground applications are simple as the shapes are usually oval or round. In-ground pools can be more complicated with the different shapes. In-ground pool wall installation can be expensive and challenging, so it should be done by licensed pool contractors.

At some point the liners will need to be replaced due to wear. A licensed pool professional specializes in installing a replacement pool liner kit especially for in-ground pools. However, installing a replacement pool liner is easy, whether it’s for an above-ground or in-ground pool. Here is a step-by-step process that may be helpful to the do-it-yourself homeowner.

First of all, you will need tools and materials, such as trowels, sand, siding sealant, and masking tape. In some cases, protection strips are used instead of a liner lock.

To remove the old set of liners, you will need to drain the water from the pool. The top rail is removed by unscrewing the bolts and screws. Next, the liner locks or trim strips are removed before removing the old liners.

The sand is sifted to make sure there are no stones, smoothed and leveled with a trowel. The sand should prevent the growth of grass or weeds. Pool walls should also be checked to ensure the entire surface is smooth. The walls can be sanded, cleaned and painted if necessary to prevent rust. Duct tape can be used to cover severe rust damage or surfaces that cannot be repaired.

As you cover the area with the replacement pool liner, leave some slack as the replacement pool liner stretches as the water fills it. There should always be excess coverage over the top of the wall for an overlay replacement pool liner. Capping strips or locks are placed once the replacement pool liner is in place. Just make sure the replacement pool liner is smooth and straight. Once the replacement pool liner is in place, you can begin filling with water.

Make sure the edge or top of the wall is secure and the replacement pool liner will not slip or come out of place. At this point, smoothing out the wrinkles would be easier while the water level is shallow, ideally below a foot deep. As the water fills the pool, you can start cutting holes for accessories such as the filter pump inlet and outlet. Filter plates can be installed as the water continues to fill the pool.

Most DIY-savvy homeowners can install a replacement pool liner. When in doubt, there are licensed pool professionals who can do the job for you.