Are Swimming Pool Professionals Required To Fit Replacement Pool Liners?

Expandable pool liners last an average of eight to ten years before requiring to be changed. Although, problems such as leakage or fading might call for their replacement before then.

How To Repair Leaking Pool Liners

If your swimming pool begins to leak because of its liner the continuous loss of water will cause increased expenses. While the water leaks out, some heat and chemical compounds will go with it which means extra energy is required to keep it warmed up and the chemicals will have to be topped up more frequently, so tackling the problem sooner rather than later is in your best interest. If you can deal with the leak fast enough, chances are you will be able to make a repair job rather than needing to buy a new replacement.

Discovering leaks can be difficult but it’s not unattainable. The first place to look is in the vicinity of all the fixtures and fittings that protrude through the liner such as drain, lights, heater, pump, skimmer, filter etc. Check to find out if the liner has come away or there are signs of leakage seeping from behind a fixture. Look for evidence of leakage or water.

If you don’t discover any leaks round your pool equipment you will need to begin looking at the liner itself. Underwater leaks might be discovered with a dye test. You can purchase a product specially designed for leak discovery or could even experiment with food coloring. Deposit the dye into a still pool about a quarter of an inch from a suspected leak. If there’s a leak, near the place where you put the dye in, it will be sucked out. Most of the time dye testing can be done from outside the pool, occasionally however, you might have to get into the water with a dive mask to completely inspect the liner for leaks.

As soon as you locate the leak you will have to decide if it’s something you know how to fix yourself in which case you will want to start looking for cheap pool liners, or whether you ought to contact an expert.

You can mend minor tears with a cheap vinyl liner repair kit and there are a number of epoxies and sealants which can be used. If it’s underwater you will need a “wet” patch set. Apply the waterproof bonding agent to the vinyl patch and place it exactly over the tear. Then flatten out any air or water bubbles.

Calling For The Pool Specialists

At times leaks are in bits of the pool that are not accessible or you might simply be unable to locate it yourself. In this case you will have to seek the services of a skilled pool leak expert who will use noise detection or alternative specialized apparatus and methods to find the leak.

Time for Replacement Pool Liners?

Making repairs should go a long way towards extending the life time of your pool but eventually, vinyl swimming pool liners need changing. When the liner is dry, brittle and falling apart, which is a regular occurrence just above the water line, it’s time for a new one.

And as with the repair situation you will have to come to a decision if this is a task you wish to take care of yourself or whether you will call in the professionals.