Pool Liners 101: When to Replace and How to Keep Yours in Top Condition
- laurie2769
- Jun 17
- 4 min read
A typical vinyl pool liner is made to last anywhere from 10-15 years depending on climate, use and care. Still, there comes a time when even the most well-maintained liner will need to be replaced. Here are four telltale signs that it’s time to start shopping for a new pool liner:
Cracks or Tears - A pool is a delicate ecosystem that requires proper balancing of water chemistry and pH. While a vinyl liner is meant to withstand harsh UV rays and chemically treated pool water, cumulative wear and tear over the years is to be expected. In addition to fading, the one-two punch of UV rays and pool chemicals can cause any liner to degrade, resulting in small cracks or tears. Also, if you notice your pool’s water level beginning to drop by more than an inch over the course of a week or two, this can be a sign that your liner has a leak. Small tears may be able to be patched but larger cracks can mean it’s time to replace your liner.
Stains and Discoloration - Over time, your once-brilliant liner may lose some of its vibrancy due to exposure to constant sun, UV rays and the outdoor elements. It can also lose coloring as a result of chemical damage. While it’s perfectly okay to want to replace your liner for cosmetic reasons, stains and discolorations are also indications that a liner is aging. Older liners become more fragile and prone to tears and wrinkles, inching you closer to a liner replacement.
Stretching or Slipping - While some liners become brittle with age, others become increasingly elastic and stretch over time. A little extra give is normal for an older liner, but if you notice significant wrinkles in your liner or it continues to slip and sag out of the coping track, it’s likely time for a replacement.
Falling out of the Track - Most vinyl liners are held in place by what is called a “track and bead” system. The track is a groove that runs around the top of the pool walls, and the bead is attached to the edge of the liner itself and snaps into the track. Over time, a liner bead can fall out of the track due to age, water pressure and exposure to chemicals. Much like the liner itself, a bead can become more brittle with age and won’t fit as securely into the track. Temperature fluctuations can also impact a liner becoming detached from the bead. While this can be a DIY repair, in many cases, a liner falling out of the track is a clear sign it’s time for a replacement.
Show Your Liner Some Love and It Will Love You Back for Years to Come
A little TLC over the years can help to extend the life of a vinyl liner. Following are some tips from the experts at Latham, The Pool Company, for keeping a liner in top condition:
Use Proper Chemicals and Keep Them Balanced - Proper water chemistry plays an important role in your liner’s longevity, regardless of whether you have a saltwater or chlorinated pool. If your chlorine levels are too high, it can more rapidly degrade the quality of your liner, causing it to fade and breaking down its structural integrity. Regularly testing your water chemistry and shocking your pool only on an as-needed basis can help your vinyl liner last longer in a chlorinated pool.
Take Care of the Exposed Top Edge of the Liner - The most vulnerable area of a liner is the top 6-8 inches above the water line. This area is regularly affected by such things as body oils, lotions and airborne contaminants that can cause it to dry out. Use an approved cleaner to clean the exposed edge at least once or twice a month.
Avoid Activities that Might Cause Damage to the Liner - Be smart about what you use around the pool and also what goes directly into it. Keep sharp objects, including pet claws, far away from a vinyl liner.
“This may seem like a no brainer, but you’d be surprised by the things we in the pool industry see that ruin vinyl liner swimming pools every day,” says Latham President and CEO Scott Rajeski. “Pool vacuum poles are not meant to be used as pole vaults, and vinyl liner swimming pools should never double as hockey rinks in the winter.”
The Best Seasons and Reasons for a Liner Change
If the time has come to replace your liner, the best time of year to have it done is either in the spring or fall. This way, you’re not cutting into prime pool season. If you’re planning to remodel your pool, that is also a good time to change up your liner choice since it will likely need to be replaced anyway.
Beyond its functional purpose, a vinyl pool liner can influence the entire look and feel of your pool. Latham offers a wide assortment of vinyl liners for pools of any size, shape or style, from classic oval and rectangle pools to kidney, lagoon and countless other layouts. To find the perfect liner for your pool, the Latham Liner Visualizer makes it easy to explore different patterns and styles applied to a pool similar to your own.
For more information about vinyl pool liners, visit LathamPool.com.