Remember when your pool was brand new and how beautiful and inviting it was to look at?

You were probably really proud of how it looked and even showed it off to your friends.

The way the crisp sharp colors and patterns of the liner stood out boldly was one of the things that made you want to jump right in!

Fast forward 10 plus years or so and maybe you’re not feeling it so much! The color and the details are much harder to make out and it’s not nearly as inviting as it used to be.

But there’s more to an aging liner than just color fade. So how do you know when it is time to replace that tired old liner? 

But there’s more to an aging liner than just color fade. So how do you know when it is time to replace that tired old liner?

Here are 6 signs that it may be time to replace your liner.

1. Fading

OK, so we mentioned it a bit, but let’s discuss why fading can be such a problem. A good quality vinyl pool liner will always have built in UV inhibitors, as well as other substances that help slow fading. Over time though, sun and chemicals inevitably will cause fading. The problem is not just skin deep however. As the liner fades over time, there will be a loss of plasticizers which normally keep the vinyl supple and pliable. In short, a heavily faded liner has typically become harder, more brittle and does not expand and contract as easily as it once did.

2. Wrinkles

A new liner made of high end virgin vinyl (be sure to use only liners made from this), properly installed will fit all of your pool’s surfaces like a glove. Yet another sign that your pool liner has seen better days is the presence of wrinkles. They may appear on the bottom, corners, or even near fittings (such as skimmers, returns, drains, etc.). Wrinkles may be the consequence of age, poor quality vinyl material, improper installation, or damaged under-floor or under-wall spots. No matter the cause or the location, winkles are more serious than you might think.

3. Cracking and Tearing

These symptoms are much more obvious signs to most of us. Cracks, tears and rips seldom stop but will often continue to grow in size. Often accompanied with this condition is water loss also. But water loss may be more than just a nuisance. Aside from topping off water constantly, water leaking under the liner may damage the pool base (often vermiculite or other similar substance) by means of erosion. Don’t ignore these signs.

4. Leaks

This is a perfect segue into leaks in general. A leak is typically evident if the water level of the pool drops greater than 1” in less than 2 weeks – anything less may be simple evaporation. As mentioned above, long term pool leaks lead to inevitable erosion and possibly even worse, sinkholes which may lead to complete pool loss! Don’t put off repair or replacement for this problem.

5. Liner Bead Problems

Have you found the bead of the liner popping out of track and won’t go back in easily? This may happen at any point along the wall, but can be common in corners. In some cases a professional may be able to heat up the liner using hot water to maximize the liner’s elasticity, and slowly stretch the liner and re-attach the bead into the track. If this is happening in your pool (especially if the bead cannot be re-attached), then it may be time to consider replacement.

6. Stains & Discoloration

Although stains are unattractive, they typically may not be as much of a cause for alarm as you might think. Stains are often the result of minerals, metals, algae, chemical damage or even organic materials. Most stains can be removed or lessened with the right advice from a pool professional. However, for those stains that simply will not lift (or barely), replacement may be your only option.

If your liner is suffering any of the above listed ailments, it may just be time to think about breathing a little life back into your pool. If so, please feel free to call a true pool professional from E-Z Test and discuss your options. You’ll be glad you did.