Pool Liner Replacement
Tips by a Pool Owner

Pool liner replacement is part of pool ownership.  Vinyl inground pool liners can last up to 8-10 years depending on how much UV light it's exposed to and how well the pool chemicals are balanced. Selecting one that you will be happy with requires a little bit of knowledge.

Get Several Pool Liner Replacement Estimates

Depending on the use of the swimming pool and how well it is maintained, you can expect to enjoy your pool liner for many years.

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However, the time will come - like it did with us - when you've done as much repairing and patching as possible to delay the inevitable - spending lots of money to replace the darn thing.

Try to repair small leaks or holes in your liner with a swimming pool liner repair kit. We did this several times and we were able to extend the life of the liner by one more season. However, this year we got a 3 foot tear just above the water line. This is the spot where the liner gets the most sun.

When it is time to replace your pool liner get at least 3-4 estimates. There was quite a range in the price estimates - with a price difference of $1500 between the highest and the lowest estimate.

So when you are about to spend several thousands of dollars it's time to do a little research.

Measure the Pool

We also found that a couple of companies wanted to charge $85- $100 to come out and measure the pool. The cost for measuring would then be deducted from the price of the installation. But we choose to use companies that didn't charge us for an estimate.

In order to compare apples to apples you will need to find out what all is included in the estimates besides just replacing the liner like:

1. Drain the Pool

2. Remove and dispose of old liner

3. Prepare and provide a skim coat of sand and cement to the bottom of the pool

4. Replace wall foam if needed

We decided to remove our inground pool lights.  They were a constant source of problems with bulbs blowing and fuses tripped.  Our pool liner company also said they are one of the most common places for pool leaks.  

5. Replace and Install Pool Skimmer Parts, Main Drain and Return Faceplates

You no longer are limited to white skimmer and drain pool parts - you can go light or dark grey, royal blue or navy blue. 

Swimming Pool Skimmer Faceplates

6. Replace pool eyeballs or pool jet nozzles

7. Install Liner

8. Include start up chemicals for the pool

Most installers require half of the payment upfront before ordering the liner and the remainder is due when the job is completed.

Repair Inground Swimming Pool Steps

After more than 20 years of pool fun, our inground swimming pool steps needed some repair (which is WAY cheaper than replacing the steps).  Of course the time to do it is just before you replace your inground vinyl pool liner. 

However, timing the repair can be tricky as the temperatures need to be warm enough for the epoxy to dry -  for 3 days because several coats will be applied.  

We got some warm days this spring so the steps will be done when it's time to replace our liner. 

We found someone who was able to reinforce our steps after years of settling, repair cracks and bubbles, and apply a fresh coat of epoxy.  This time we decided to go blue. 

When is the Best Time for Replacing Pool Liners?

When is the best time for replacing pool liners? We developed a large tear at the end of the summer and we knew that it was time to replace the liner. However, we did get it patched, and although it didn't look great, it didn't leak.

My thought was why have a brand new liner that will be sitting there unused but also getting wear and tear from chemicals and the sun for almost 9 months?

So we delayed and had our vinyl swimming pool liner replaced in the spring - April to be exact. Now, it's important that you get your name on the list early so that you can get your liner replaced before your swimming season starts.

We found that our pool liner replacement company had a really busy spring and we were 7 on a list of more than 20. Others who were on the bottom of the list didn't get their new liner in until the end of May or early June.

What Color and Design?

Here are some things to consider when replacing pool liners:

What Thickness is Best

What are the Best Colors

What is the Warranty

Who is the Manufacturer of the Liner

Choosing pool liners is a big decision as you have to live with your selection for many years. It's difficult to picture what your pool will look like from a small sample piece of vinyl.

Ideally, if you have friends or neighbors with pools, ask to look at their design and what they've liked or not liked about it.

Our first vinyl design had a lighter colored bottom that has faded quite a bit from the chemicals and our frequent use of stain removers due to lots of leaves in our pool. This time we choose a darker design that won't show stains as much.

When replacing pool liners do not choose a liner with a solid color. The solid color will show more stains. When a solid vinyl pool liner discolors, it will discolor unevenly and be more noticeable than one with a pattern.

To see pictures of our lighter pool liner and the new one using a dark pattern click here:

Choosing Pool Liners

Steps to Replacing Pool Liners

Replacing pool liners involves many steps by the right installers. We had our liner replaced in the spring and here is what happened.

First a pump is placed on the bottom of the pool to drain the pool. Our swimming pool liner installers came the day before they were going to install the liner. The pump started running around 6:00 PM and ran all night.

Drain Your Inground Pool

Remove All Leaves and Debris

We knew that we needed a new liner. Our 10 year old liner had many small leaks, but then we had a 3 foot tear at the water line at the end of the summer.

A large white piece of vinyl covered the tear so that the pool didn't leak. Meanwhile, we thought it would be smart to install the new liner in the spring, rather than the fall since we wouldn't be using the pool anyway.

So we winterized the pool and thanks to lots of trees around the pool, there was quite a mess to clean up.

Remove All Plates & Skimmers

Before the new liner can be installed all the plates need to be removed. Later the vinyl will be cut out.

Our contract included all new plates and skimmers - the new white ones sure look good!

Tear Out the Old Liner and Haul Away

Make a Mixture of Sand and Cement and Smooth Out the Surface

Install New Vinyl Swimming Pool Liner

The new liner goes up and we are loving the new darker pattern and the top tile design as well.

Run Vacuum to Smooth Out Wrinkles

The vacuum runs for hours so that the liner has a really smooth finish without any wrinkles.

Install New Skimmer and Drain Plates and Directional Eye Balls 

Choose from white or colored plates and skimmers.  They certainly add to the fresh new look.  

Fill your pool with water and add your pool chemicals.  Contact your local water department and let them know you are filling a pool to see what kind of adjustments they can make to your water bill. 

Lights for Pool

A great time to perform your pool light replacement is when you are replacing your inground vinyl swimming pool liner.

After several years these lights will start to leak and some will rust.

Even though one of our two underwater pool lights were still working, we had new halogen bulbs put in all of our lights.

Our installer showed me the burned out halogen bulb. When I told him that we didn't use our underwater pool lights that often, he explained that because they get so hot, sometimes they just blow from the heat and not from hours of use.  So now we use LED light bulbs.

Roleadro Led Pool Light, Waterproof IP68 47W RGB Swimming Pool Lights Multi Color, 12V AC Led Inground Pool Light Control with Remote Controller 6ft

When replacing pool liners in the spring, contact your local pool company early to get on their waiting list.  Often it can take several weeks or even months to get a crew out to do the job.

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