Replacement Pool Liners Compared With Liner Repairs

Vinyl swimming pool liners last about 8 to 10 years before needing to be changed. However, problems such as seepage or fading could require their replacement sooner.

How To Repair Leaking Pool Liners

As soon as your swimming pool begins to leak through its liner the constant loss of water will result in greater expenses. As the water seeps out, some heat and chemicals will leak out with it so that additional energy is needed to keep it heated and the chemicals will need to be topped up more often, so dealing with the problem sooner instead of later is in your best interest. If you can catch the leak fast enough, chances are you'll be in a position to make a repair job as opposed to having to purchase a new replacement.

Finding leaks may be difficult but it is not impossible. The initial location to look is in the vicinity of all the fixtures and fittings that protrude through the liner such as lights, drain, return, pump, heater, skimmer etc. Look to see if the liner has broken free or there are signs of leaking coming from behind a fitting. Check for confirmation of leaking or moisture.

If you don't find any leaks around your swimming pool equipment you'll want to begin looking at the liner itself. Underwater leaks might be identified with a dye test. You can obtain a kit specially designed for leak discovery or might even experiment with food coloring. Deposit the dye into a still swimming pool within a quarter inch of a suspected leak. If there's a leak, close to the place where you introduce the dye, it is going to be sucked out. Generally dye testing can be done from outside the pool, now and then however, you may be required to get into the water with a diver's mask to completely check the pool liner for leaks.

Once you locate the leak you'll need to make your mind up whether or not it is something you can sort out on your own or whether you ought to contact a specialist.

You can fix small rips with a cheap vinyl liner repair kit and there are a variety of epoxies and sealants that can be used. If it's below water you'll require a "wet" patch package. Apply the waterproof bonding agent to the vinyl material and stick it directly on top of the rip. Then level out any air or water bubbles.

Calling Into The Pool Professionals

At times leaks are in bits of the pool that are not easily or you may simply be unable to find it yourself. In this circumstance you will have to call in a skilled pool leak professional who will make use of noise detection or alternative specific apparatus and systems to unearth the leak.

Time for Replacement Pool Liners?

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

And like with the repair example you will have to come to a decision whether or not this is a task you want to manage yourself or whether you will call in the professionals.