How Long Do Vinyl Pool Liners Last?
Modern vinyl pool liners are constructed from a thicker vinyl substance. This makes them more long-lasting and resistant to UV rays. However, the liner in your pool will need some TLC on your part if it is to retain its attractive appearance and structural integrity for more than a few seasons.
If you’re willing to keep up with the pool’s chemistry, a vinyl liner for an in-ground pool could last 15 to 20 years. Over-chlorination can reduce liner longevity, whereas the optimal pH maintains a stable water environment. Poor water balance can cause the vinyl to lose flexibility and alter its chemical composition, reducing its useful life.
Vinyl pool liners are also important for the visual appeal of a pool. A common practice among in-ground pool owners is replacing the liner every seven to ten years when it no longer has a “like-new” appearance. A pool will deteriorate over time due to pool chemicals and the sun’s ultraviolet rays. If you want to start a maintenance plan for your pool right now, contact a pool service near you.
How can you tell if it’s time to replace the vinyl pool liners?
· Rips and cracks
When your liner shows signs of wear and tear, it is time to replace it. The chemicals used to keep the pool clean and the sun’s UV rays will eventually damage the liner. Because of this, vinyl is very fragile and can suffer damage easily. These fissures tend to manifest themselves close to the water’s surface.
If the leak is only tiny, you may not need to replace the liner. A simple liner patch kit should be sufficient to fix most minor leaks. Only when the liner has many tears or a single tear that you cannot patch will you need to replace it.
· Discoloration/Fading
As your vinyl liner stains or fades, that’s a sign of deterioration from the sun and chemicals. Usually, this symptom appears before the actual tears or cracks appear. The liner’s brittleness and vulnerability to tearing are both increasing as a result of the fading.
· Wrinkles and Stretching
With time, vinyl pool liners lose some of their elasticity and flexibility. The liner may be pulled out of the track at the top of the pool if the creases grow bad enough. You can give reinstalling it another go, but there’s a chance it won’t function with your system. You should buy a replacement liner if this occurs or if the issue persists.
· Leaks
Especially when your liner ages and wears thin, you should keep an eye on any water loss. This is to make sure there are no hidden cracks or leaks. You should monitor water loss because leaks below the surface are difficult to spot. If you think you’re losing water, use a “bucket test.” This will let you see if the water evaporates naturally or escapes through a crack.
How to get the most life out of vinyl pool liners:
Maintain a Stable Water Chemistry
The alkalinity and pH levels of the pool water need closer tracking and maintenance. The chemical balance of your pool affects the longevity of your liner, in addition to keeping your pool clean and safe. Your pool’s liner may deteriorate more rapidly if the water in it is frequently acidic. As a result, you should never pour granular chemicals such as chlorine straight into the pool. This is because they will settle to the bottom, where they can corrode the vinyl lining. Rather, you should always mix the granular chemicals with water in a bucket before introducing them to the pool.
Avoiding Punctures
Even though a thicker liner is less likely to get punctured due to sharp or stiff objects, keeping your pool free of such items is still a good idea. Debris removal will improve the aesthetics of your pool. Additionally, you’ll guard the liner against harm from foreign objects like stones and sticks.
Check the water level regularly
Vinyl pool liners could tear if the water level drops too low. Keep an eye on the water level to detect any small leaks or holes in the liner, so you can fix them before they cause any major damage.
Put a cover on the pool
Covering your pool when it’s not in use is also recommended. A pool cover has two purposes: it keeps the swimming pool free of debris that could cause punctures and shields the pool liner from excessive sunlight, which can lead to brittleness and fading. As a bonus, pool owners may extend the life of vinyl pool liners by winterizing them when they’re not using the pool.
Proper liner installation
With the help of a blower or vacuum, you can easily suction the old liner to the pool walls and install the new one yourself. Be sure to get precise measurements and iron out any wrinkles in the liner. If you are not confident installing vinyl pool liners, hire a professional.
Conclusion
A complete replacement of your pool liner is unnecessary, but keeping an eye on it can save you money in the long run.
Certain things should be kept in mind that contribute to its decline. Vinyl pool liners can survive for at least ten years with proper and frequent cleaning and maintenance. Patching can help to temporarily fix minor damage such as cracks, tears, and stains. As a result, it is important to always employ a reliable pool service company like Quality USA Pools. Contact us today!
