It's 2024, and although swimming pool liners have come a long way, they're still not indestructible. A good vinyl pool liner can last over ten years, and more if it's taken care of. But, how do you know when it's time to replace your pool liner? Are there early warning signs of a pool liner's aging? This article will help you listen closely to the silent words of your swimming pool liner. 

You keep your pool well-maintained. Your pool water is always balanced, and you clean it frequently. You also know that pool maintenance includes caring for the pool liner. And eventually, you'll have to replace it – whether you have an above-ground pool or an inground pool. So how do you know when to replace your pool liner? 

The typical pool liner lasts between eight and twelve seasons. So you won't find yourself replacing it frequently. All you have to do is keep an eye on signs of wear and deterioration.

Pool liners are impacted by swimmers, chemicals, and the elements, so knowing what potential problems to look for is key.

HERE ARE 3 EASY WAYS TO KNOW WHEN TO REPLACE YOUR POOL LINER:

1) WATCH FOR FADING

Exposure to direct sunlight is a primary factor of pool liner wear. It's just like skin. Without sun protection, UV rays will make the vinyl (no matter what gauge it is) brittle over time. Brittle, inflexible vinyl is at greater risk of punctures and tears. It can develop pinhole leaks or even rip because its elasticity is gone. It is important to inspect your pool's liner from time to time. 

If you notice that the vinyl has faded significantly, it's probably time for you to replace your pool liner.

To keep accurate track of fading, take a "before" picture after your pool is installed. Every year, under the same conditions, take another picture and compare the liner color. You'll start to see a pattern – and you'll be able to replace the liner before it fails.

2) WATCH FOR WATER LOSS

Every pool loses some water. Evaporation, swimmers exiting the pool, splashing – normal use will naturally knock a bit of water out of the pool.

You may have a leak in your pool liner if you're losing more than an inch of water each week. However, leaks could also come from your pool's plumbing and drainage system. 

Abnormal water loss may indicate a tear or puncture and it's time to replace your pool liner. Depending how large your pool is and how easily you can find the tear, you might be able to get through the season with a patch on the hole.

Large tears – or holes you can't find – make full pool liner replacement a must.

3) WATCH FOR WRINKLES

A wrinkled pool liner typically has one cause: poor pool chemistry maintenance. Besides looking shabby, wrinkles may be a sign that the vinyl is brittle and likely to tear more easily. You won't be able to reverse the wrinkling process unless you replace the pool liner completely.

WHY REPLACE YOUR POOL LINER?

Your pool liner is the only barrier between the chemically-treated water in your pool and the pool wall itself.

The barrier is especially important for steel-walled above-ground pools and inground pools, since they rust if they're allowed to sit in water.

It's much better to replace your pool liner than to do major repairs on the wall, wouldn't you say?

At The Great Backyard, we know pools. We'd love to answer any questions you have about replacing your pool liner. Just come on in or give us a call at one of our store locations! We're ready to help. We can even send out a team to assess your pool liner health and install a new liner for you this summer!

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