When a liner needs replacing and what the job involves

Signs that a liner is nearing the end

A liner does not "expire" on a set date. It wears gradually, depending on sun, chemistry and use. The signs that a replacement is approaching are:

• Hard, stiff material, especially above the waterline, that loses its elasticity or cracks to the touch.
• Heavy fading, with large differences in shade between sunny and shady areas.
• Small cracks or holes in corners, on steps and around the fittings.
• Leaks that keep coming back despite repairs, or repairs needed every year.
• Permanent wrinkles, or spots where the membrane has come away from the profiles.
• Stains that won't come off with any recommended cleaning method.

A single tear in an otherwise healthy liner can be repaired; replacement is for widespread wear. If in doubt, start with liner repair and ask a technician for an assessment.

How the replacement is done

1. Site survey: the condition of the pool is checked, the dimensions, steps and fittings are measured, and the membrane colour and type are chosen.
2. Draining: the pool is drained just before installation, not earlier. A liner pool must not stay empty for days, for reasons we explain in why we don't drain a liner pool.
3. Removal of the old liner, the trims and the old gaskets at the fittings.
4. Inspection of the structure: this is the only chance to see the walls from the inside. The steel panels are checked for rust, along with their joints, and the floor for dips or sharp points.
5. New underlay where needed, and new sealing gaskets on the fittings.
6. Laying and welding of the new membrane, and inspection of every seam.
7. Refilling straight away and initial adjustment of the chemistry, with pH 7.2–7.6 and free chlorine 1–3 mg/l.

On your side, you need clear access around the pool, electricity for the tools and water for refilling. If you fill from a water tanker truck or a borehole, arrange it in advance so the water arrives as soon as the welding is finished. In the first few weeks, pay particular attention to the chemistry and do not throw chlorine granules directly onto the new membrane.

A chance to change colour

Replacing the liner is the only time the colour of the water changes. If the years have shown you what bothers you, make use of it:

• If you saw every leaf and every speck of dust, consider a mid tone such as sand or light grey.
• If the house has been renovated in a more modern style, light blue may no longer suit it.
• If there are now small children or older people in the family, ask for an anti-slip membrane on the steps.
• If you want a tiled look, there is a membrane with a mosaic pattern.

All the options, with the effect each one gives the water, are gathered in liner colours.

When to schedule it

The best time is autumn or early spring. The weather is usually right for welding, which needs dry days, and the pool is ready before summer. On the islands, moving materials and the crew is easier outside the tourist season. If you are also thinking about LED lighting, a new pump or a cover, see prefab pool renovation, so that everything that needs an empty pool gets done at the same time.

Questions

See also