3 Ways You Can Tell You Need A New Pool Liner

An inground pool in your backyard comes with many benefits. You have a private, personal pool available all summer long to escape the heat. You don't have to worry about being in a public pool with 20 or more other people or bring home buckets worth of sand from the beach in your clothes and tote bags. Instead, you can enjoy the weather, your surrounding, and quick trips to the kitchen for a cold drink. The one thing you should worry about when it comes to your pool, though, is the durability of the lining.

Vinyl pool liners can last up to 15 years, according to Total Tech Pool & Leisure, however, there are certain conditions that can shorten their lifespan. For instance, groundwater issues can cause damage to the liner, or if it doesn't fit your pool properly, the liner can tear easily. There can be various problems that will let you know it's time for a new pool liner. Here are some warning signs to look for, ensuring that you get a new pool liner at the right time.

If you notice your vinyl lining starting to wrinkle, it is a clear sign that you need a new pool liner. Mystic Pool & Spa Supplies explain that wrinkles form if there's damage to the wall under the vinyl, or when the vinyl has been installed improperly from the beginning. You'll notice the wrinkles at the bottom of the pool in the corners or on the floor. Wrinkles can also appear around the drain where the return jets and skimmer are. You will need to replace the vinyl as it is stretched out too much and may cause damage to the foundation of the pool.

Most wrinkling occurs because of old age, if you've hit that 10 to 15-year mark, then it is more than likely time to change it altogether. But, if it happens before the 10-year mark, then it could be due to an incorrect installation. Alternatively, the quality of the vinyl can cause early wrinkles to occur, you can do some research before to figure out which vinyl is the best and last longer.

Picking out the design of the vinyl for your pool liner can be hard. You can go for a classic blue color that ranges from light to dark, or choose something that has bold colors that will shimmer in the water. Whatever you decide, just remember it won't always look how it did when you first bought it. Since the pool is subjected to sunlight, it's being exposed to UV rays, which causes the vinyl to fade, according to E-Z Test Pool Supplies.

Choosing a liner with built-in UV inhibitors, states E-Z Test Pool Supplies, will help slow the process of fading, allowing the vinyl to last longer. When a liner ultimately does begin to fade then the plasticizers begin to wither as well, making the vinyl less flexible. So, once you notice the vinyl starting to lose some of its color, it's time to think about replacing it.

One issue you should try to resolve immediately is cracks or tears in your pool liner. They could cause leaks which could lead to bigger problems that you would have to fix and pay more for. Total Tech & Pool Leisure claims that exposure to the sun and pool chemicals could shorten the lifespan of the pool liner making it deteriorate.

You'll be able to notice if there are cracks or leaks by observing the water level. If you see that the water level has lowered drastically in a short period of time, you should call a pool examiner or professional to have a look at it. Total Tech states you can try to patch up any cracks or tears yourself, but if the vinyl is old then it won't last for a long time. It's best to get it replaced than try to patch an old, deteriorating liner.