Replace your own inground pool liner, and save thousands of dollars over local installers! Installing your own inground pool liner is easy, when you take it step by step.
When your vinyl inground swimming pool liner is damaged, dingy, or faded, it's time to install a new one. You could call a professional installer to do it for you, or you could save thousands of dollars by simply doing it yourself.
Installing a pool liner in an above-ground pool can seem like a major chore. However, broken down into smaller steps, it's something you can tackle in a day. To make this project easier and more efficient, work with a partner. Note: make sure to buy the correct liner size for your pool.
Replacing your own above ground pool liner can be an easy weekend project that can save well over $1000, when you measure, buy and install your own pool liner. Assuming that you've already measured the pool, and purchased your pool liner , let's dive into the when and how of installing above ground pool liners.
Short Answer: Not unless you are replacing your liner shortly after. One of the most important things any owner of a vinyl liner pool needs to know is you should NEVER drain the water from your vinyl liner swimming pool. The water in the pool helps hold the liner into place.
Can you put a new vinyl pool liner over an old one? We do not recommend that you leave your old pool liner in your above ground swimming pool when replacing the liner. It may seem like an extra layer of protection, but in reality, it will create more problems for you.
While you may think the best thing to do to prepare for winter is to drain the pool, a vinyl-lined pool should not be drained under regular circumstances. Since the water secures it to the pool, draining it can cause the liner to lose elasticity. The liner can shrink causing tears and rips upon refilling.
The process of replacing a pool liner generally takes at least 2-3 weeks. Replacing your liner in the fall or spring means that you can still enjoy a full, uninterrupted swim season.
Hook hose to water outlet and fill your above ground pool to 15 inches while working out any wrinkles in the liner. Fill the pool to the middle of the skimmer using your hose or have bulk water delivered. Fill the container with water from the pool and take it to a local pool store for analysis.
Vinyl pool liners typically come with warranties of 20-30 years, which can be misleading, because this is not the typical lifespan of an average pool liner. In most cases, you can expect inground pool liners to last between 6-12 years, and above ground pool liners to last 6-10 years.
The typical lifespan of a vinyl liner is anywhere from 15-20 years and where your liner falls in that range depends, most crucially, upon your proper maintenance of the pool's chemistry.
Inground pool liner replacement costs $3,000 to $4,000 on average with prices ranging between $1,400 and $4,800 for materials and labor. Above ground swimming pool liner replacement runs between $350 and $1,600 with most spending $700 on average.
You should not install a pool liner in the rain because the liner needs to be sealed tight on the bottom and sides of the pool creating a smooth, airtight surface that water cannot seep behind. Installing in the rain not only inhibits a proper seal but can cause distortions that create long-lasting issues.
At an average of $0.004 per gallon, city water is the most inexpensive and most popular option. For 15,000 to 30,000 gallons, you'll pay between $60 and $120.
How to avoid wrinkles when installing a new liner: Line Up the Corners: Some liners are marked, others you'll have to follow the seams to make sure the corners line up. Even the Drape: Often pool liners tend to slide into the deep end. Sand bags or water tubes are used to hold it to the shallow wall if needed.
The Right Temperature:
Liners should never be installed during temperatures below 50° and sunny. If you choose a pool liner that is thicker than standard (20 Mil is the standard thickness for in ground liners) then the need for warm weather is greater.
A typical vinyl liner lasts between 10 and 15 years, though there are many factors that can affect its lifespan. Living in an area susceptible to ground water problems can reduce your liner's life, as can not keeping the water in your pool balanced.
A vinyl liner pool itself takes about two weeks to install. But the accompanying patio can take from one week to a year, depending on the construction process.
Why Pool Liners Matter
Pool liners are critical because they form a barrier between the wall of the pool and the water inside of it. Many inground pools have tiled walls that eliminate the need for a liner.
But if you empty the pool, even concrete pools, you risk serious issues, including damaging the vinyl liner, cracking concrete sides, and the pool literally popping out of the ground. Generally speaking, you shouldn't drain your pool any lower than just below the skimmer line.
How long can you leave a pool empty? Well, the minimum amount of time possible in order to minimize the risk of serious damage. Most issues that require a pool drain will take at least a day or two to resolve, but it's recommended to not let it sit empty for any extended period of time.
No matter what the manufacturers say or savvy pool installers tell you, vinyl pool liners are never to be reused. Once a vinyl pool is drained, even if just for a day then it's already time to replace the entire thing.