Expandable pool liners last roughly eight to ten years prior to needing to be changed. However, problems such as leaking or fading may require their replacement sooner.

Fixing Leaking Pool Liners

If your pool starts to leak because of its liner the constant loss of water will result in higher expenses. While the water seeps out, some heat and chemicals will seep out with it so extra energy is required to keep it warmed up and the chemicals will have to be replaced more often, so tackling the problem sooner rather than later will have the best result. If you can catch the leak fast enough, it is likely that you will be in a position to make a repair job instead of having to buy a fresh replacement.

Discovering leaks can be challenging but it is not impossible. The initial location to look is in the vicinity of all the fittings and fixtures that protrude through the pool liner such as drain, return, pump, heater, filter, skimmer etc. Look to find out if the swimming pool liner has broken free or there are indications of leaking coming from behind a fitting. Check for confirmation of leaking or moisture.

If you do not find any leaks round your swimming pool equipment you will have to start looking at the pool liner itself. Below the water leaks can be discovered with a dye test. You can purchase a kit specially designed for leak discovery or might even experiment with food coloring. Deposit the dye into a calm swimming pool within a quarter inch of a suspected leak. If there is a leak, near the place where you put the dye in, it is going to be sucked out. Generally dye testing can be done from outside the pool, at times however, you might have to get into the water with a diver’s mask to fully check the pool liner for leaks.

As soon as you locate the leak you will have to choose if it is something you are able to repair yourself in which case you’ll want to start looking for cheap pool liners, or whether you should contact an expert.

You can fix small tears with an inexpensive vinyl pool liner repair kit and there are a number of epoxies and sealants which can be used. If it is underwater you’ll need a “wet” patch kit. Apply the watertight bonding agent to the vinyl patch and stick it exactly over the rip. Then level out any water or air bubbles.

Calling In The Pool Professionals

From time to time leaks are in areas of the pool that are not easily or you might simply be unable to find it yourself. In this case you will have to seek the services of a qualified pool leak expert who will utilize sound detection or alternative specialized apparatus and systems to locate the leak.

Are Replacement Pool Liners A Better Option

Making repairs could go a long way towards prolonging the life of your swimming pool but ultimately, vinyl swimming pool liners need replacing. When the liner is dry, rotted, brittle and falling apart, which is a common occurrence right above the water line, it is time for a new one.

And like with the repair situation you will have to decide if this is a task you would like to take care of yourself or whether you will call in the experts.

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