How would you know if you need a new pool liner? If you have a vinyl liner, you can expect it to last for 8 to 12 years. At least, it will last that long if you maintain it properly. But if you are irresponsible with it, you will end up needing to replace it a lot earlier than you should.
Usually, it is the weather and the chemicals in the pool that will make the liner deteriorate over time. This liner is quite expensive to replace so you need to make sure that it really needs to be replaced before you contact a professional. Fortunately, there are specific signs that you can look into that will tell you a pool liner is in need of replacement.
It has cracks
A sign of a deteriorating liner is the presence of cracks. This is usually caused by the chemicals of the pool and the harsh ultraviolet rays of the Sun. If you notice tears anywhere, there is a high chance that there are other cracks in other parts of the pool. It is possible that your pool is leaking because of this problem. If you monitor the level of the water, you might notice that it is going down – faster than it usually does. You can try to patch it up – but if there are a lot, you might have to replace it already.
Stains and signs of fading
Again, this is caused by too much exposure under the Sun and the chemicals you placed in the water of the pool. There are times when these stains are caused by rust or algae. If you find that you can no longer remove them, that is a sign that you need to replace it. You have to know that a vinyl material that has faded will become brittle. This will soon become tears and cracks.
Stretching, slippage and wrinkles
Another sign that you need a new pool liner is when you notice that the liner bead (top edge of the liner) is already out of the track. If it shows signs of slipping from the track, you need to consider replacing it. This is especially true if you cannot slip it back in place. This is a sign that the vinyl is stretching. Vinyl usually loses its elasticity over time – thus causing it to stretch. When the pool liner cannot be kept in its track, it will lose the needed support. This will cause the liner to sag and eventually have the water drain out of the pool. It can also cause wrinkles and distortions. Since the stretch cannot be repaired, you will have to replace the whole thing.
There are some modern types of vinyl pool liners that can resist puncture and tears. However, it is still subject to the natural wear and tear. It will eventually lose its resiliency with age. You can try to patch it up but you have to be honest with yourself too. If it is hard to keep up with all the patches, maybe it is time to get a new pool liner.
If you are not sure about it, you can get the opinion of a professional pool service provider. A replacement will cost you more but multiple repairs will also make you spend. Not only that, it will also make you feel stressed. If you just want to enjoy your pool, just have the pool liner replaced as soon as possible.
