A pool liner is an integral part of many pools and a cracked one can be a big headache. Cracks can cause water leakage, damage the pool itself, and cause water contamination – all of which will make your pool less than inviting. For that reason, liners need to be replaced every few years or when a crack appears. Learn how to reline a swimming pool below! For more information on waterproofing your pool, visit SANI-TRED
Step 1: Drain and Prep
Drain the pool completely and remove all fixtures, drains, and lights (if you have any).
Step 2: Remove the Old Liner
Remove the old liner’s bead from the track and start cutting the liner out. Cutting the liner into sections makes removal easier.
Step 3: Inspect Walls and Floor
Once you’ve removed the old liner, take time to inspect the walls and floor of your pool for cracks, holes, or other imperfections. If a section of the pool is highly corroded, replace with a new section. Also make sure to inspect the track that holds the liner and replace that if needed.
Mix 2 parts LRB (Liquid Rubber Base) with 1 part TAV™ (Thickening Activator). Apply to repair any cracks in the walls and floor and smooth the surfaces with a trowel.
Step 4: Put in New Liner
Drape the new liner across the top of the pool while making sure not to drag it across the surface. Be sure to enlist the help of a couple friends, as this isn’t a job for just one person.
Once the liner is stretched out fully across the pool, carefully drop it down to the pool floor.
Check with the company that makes your particular liner on proper installation techniques.
Step 5: Secure Liner
Take the outer edge of the liner and start inserting it into the track. Continue this process all the way around the pool.
Step 6: Remove Air from Liner
Close off the skimmer hole with some duct tape and insert a vacuum hose about three quarters of the way down the wall between the wall and the liner, making sure to also seal the area around where the hose is inserted. Turn vacuum on, which will eliminate wrinkles in the liner.
Step 7: Install Drain
Keeping the vacuum on, start filling the pool. In case you need to turn off the vacuum, be sure to turn the water off first. Fill until you end up with about 4 inches of water in the deep end.
Enter the deep end and find the drain. Remove the screws from the gasket and secure the second drain gasket. Once the second gasket is secured, cut the liner around the inside of the two gaskets. Then attach the drain cover.
Step 8: Remove Vacuum
Turn on the vacuum, then continue to fill the pool until you end up with 2-3 inches of water in the shallow end. Once you’ve reached this point, remove the hose and connect that section of the liner into the track.
Step 9: Replace Fixtures and Fill Pool
Install any fixtures you removed at the beginning using the same technique as the drain.
Once all the fixtures are in place and the skimmer hole is uncovered, continue to fill to the appropriate level.