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Measuring Your Pool

Accurate measurements are crucial for a liner that fits perfectly. Most inground vinyl pools have precise angles and specific radius measurements at the corners. While most pools have symmetrical square measures, it's important to note that some pools may slightly deviate from the original specifications over time. Therefore, it's recommended to remeasure the pool completely. To measure your pool correctly, you'll need a measurement form, which you can obtain from the dealer you plan to order the liner from.

Measurement Equipment

To measure your pool accurately, you'll need a 50 ft measuring tape, rigid or flexible, and a 25 ft rigid tape. Additionally, a pool pole is handy as a vertical rod for measuring distances across the floor. You'll also need a clipboard and pencil to record the measurements.

Measuring the Depth, Length, and Width of the Pool

For measuring the depth of the shallow end, use a rigid measuring tape from the bead or track to the flat floor. To determine the depth of the deep end, run a tight string or flexible measuring tape across the edge of the hopper and measure the pole at the point where it intersects the string. Subtract the distance from the deck to the liner track or bead. Use vertical pool poles to measure the length of each section of the pool, and measure horizontally to a pole held vertically for the slope from shallow to deep. For measuring the width of the pool, use a pool pole held vertically in the corner of the hopper and measure horizontally from the liner track to the pole. Measure both sides and extrapolate the width of the hopper.

Measuring Pitfalls to Avoid

When measuring F, H, I, and K, avoid measuring down the slope and measure horizontally to a vertical pole. Double-check that A and B measurements add up to the total length and width measures of the pool. Also, check A and B measures at the top and bottom of the wall to ensure the walls are not leaning. Measure the depth from the flat floor to the bottom of the liner bead track at the top of the wall. Keep your vertical measuring pole straight or use a plumb bob on a horizontal pole.

None of the following steps should be undertaken before you have the liner and materials ready.

Choosing a Replacement Liner

Choosing a new pattern or style for your pool liner is one of the exciting parts of the process. Consider darker colors if you want the liner to absorb more solar energy. Tan and grey tones have become popular choices as they blend well with neutral backyard colors. Look for patterns with mottled designs that help hide dirt and mask wrinkles or imperfections. Opt for a thicker liner (28 or 30 mil) if you can afford it, as they offer greater durability compared to standard 20 mil pool liners.

Warranty is another factor to consider when selecting a liner. However, keep in mind that most liner failures are caused by pool chemistry or natural events rather than defects in materials or manufacture. Most liner warranties are pro-rated and do not cover punctures or sun and chemical deterioration. When ordering a liner, you may also want to consider adding wall foam and adhesive to enhance the pool's aesthetics and comfort.

Supplies and Tools Needed for the Liner Replacement

Make sure you have the following supplies and tools before starting the liner replacement:

Supplies:

• Custom vinyl inground pool liner
• Wall foam and adhesive (optional)
• Floor repair sand or vermiculite
• 2 - 1"x12" boards to stand on
• Duct tape
• New faceplates and gaskets for skimmer, returns, main drain, and light
• 2-4 people for assistance

Tools:

• Razor knife and putty knife
• Flathead screwdrivers
• Liner Vac or HD Shop Vac
• Extension cord
• Push broom
• Cordless drill with #3 Phillips tip

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Getting Ready to Replace Your Inground Vinyl Liner

Before you begin, ensure that you have a safe drainage method for the pool water. Sanitize the water properly and adjust the pH to protect the local watershed. Check the weather conditions and avoid overcast, rainy, or extremely hot days for the installation process. Assemble a team to assist you in the installation, as having extra hands can be helpful, especially when pulling the liner across the pool and locking the bead into the track.

Draining the Pool

Drain the pool slowly and safely, either by using a submersible pump or by utilizing the filter pump and main drains. Make sure to remove all the water, including the last few gallons with a mop, bucket, or wet/dry vac. Be cautious about where you discharge the pool water to avoid causing damage or flooding to neighboring properties.

Cutting Out the Old Liner

Using a razor knife, cut the old liner at the base of the wall and vertically from the floor through the top bead in several spots around the pool. Carefully pull the liner out of the track, roll it up, and remove it from the pool. Remove the faceplates for the skimmer, returns, main drain, light, and any other accessories. Safely store the screws to avoid losing them.

Step 1: Wall Prep

Inspect the walls closely for corrosion, rust, or any odd stains. Scrape and paint any rusty or moldy areas and apply wall foam to enhance the feel and appearance of the walls. Duct tape the wall joints if necessary to hide the seams. Clean the liner track at the top of the wall and repair any cracked or broken sections. Ensure that the surfaces where the faceplates attach are clean and free from rust. Paint these surfaces with a rust-tolerant paint and use duct tape to secure the gaskets for the skimmer, pool light, and main drain before installing the faceplates.

Step 2: Floor Prep

Clean the pool floor thoroughly by sweeping or using a leaf blower. Remove any pebbles, grit, or granules and fill in any holes or low areas with the appropriate mixture (concrete/sand mix, vermiculite/concrete mix, or plain vermiculite mixed with water). For sand floors, be more careful and work gently to prevent adding too much sand, which can affect the liner fit. Pay attention to the area where the wall meets the floor, as it should be level and even.

Step 3: Install New Liner

With the help of at least three people, carefully position the new liner in the pool. Start by locking the corners into the track and proceed to lock the liner into the track all around the pool. Pull up any slack along the wall while keeping slight tension. Use shims or sandbags to hold the liner in place while you adjust it to align with the pool corners. After confirming the liner's position, lock it securely in the track. Pull up the slack from the shallow end floor and make sure the liner is snugly locked into the track.

Tips for Dealing with Wrinkles

If you notice any wrinkles, first, turn off the vacuum temporarily. Then, gently massage or spread out the wrinkle using your hands or a push broom. You can also bang the lower wall with a push broom or use the wood edge of the broom to gently persuade the wrinkles towards the wall. Resume the vacuum to remove most wrinkles.

Step 4: Set the Liner

Attach a Cyclone Blower Vac or a heavy-duty shop-vac to set the liner. Seal off any air leaks with duct tape and let the vacuum pull the liner tight against the walls and floor. Keep the valves on the filter system closed to avoid sucking air through the pipes. Install the main drain gasket, ring, and cover securely.

Step 5: Fill the Pool

Start filling the pool while keeping an eye on the water level. Once the water level is about 6 inches above the floor or just beginning to cover the vacuum hose, remove the hose and duct tape and pop this area into the liner bead track. Continue filling the pool until it's completely full, and ensure there are no leaks.

Step 6: Cut-in Steps, Returns, and Skimmers

Wait until the pool is fully filled before installing the faceplates for the steps, returns, and skimmers. Screw them on tightly, ensuring the gaskets are secure and the screws are firmly tightened. Cut out the vinyl inside the faceplates and flood the lines with water.

Congratulations! You've successfully installed your own inground pool liner. Start the filter system, balance the water chemistry, and enjoy your transformed pool!

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