Expandable pool liners last roughly eight to ten years prior to needing to be changed. However, problems like leaking or fading can necessitate their replacement sonner than that.

Repairing Leaking Swimming Pool Liners

If your swimming pool begins to leak through its liner the steady loss of water will result in higher costs. As the water leaks out, some heat and chemicals will go with it so additional power is needed to keep it heated and the chemicals will have to be topped up more frequently, so dealing with the issue sooner rather than later will have the best result. If you are able to catch the leak fast enough, chances are you will be in a position to make a patch up instead of needing to obtain a new replacement.

Finding leaks may be challenging but it’s not impossible. The initial place to look is in the region of all the fixtures and fittings that protrude through the liner like lights, drain, heater, pump, skimmer etc. Look to find out if the liner has come away or there are indications of leakage seeping from behind a fixture. Check for confirmation of leakage or water.

If you don’t find any leaks round your swimming pool equipment you will have to start looking at the liner itself. Underwater leaks can be identified with a dye test. You can purchase a kit specially designed for leak detection or could even try food coloring. Put the dye into a calm swimming pool within a quarter inch of a suspected leak. If there is a leak, near the spot where you introduce the dye, it will be sucked out. Most dye testing can be carried out from outside the pool, occasionally however, you may be required to get into the pool with a diver’s mask to completely inspect the liner for leaks.

After you find the leak you will have to choose if it is something you are able to fix yourself in which case you’ll want to start looking for cheap pool liners, or whether you need to call in a specialist.

You can patch up small rips with an inexpensive vinyl liner repair kit and there are a number of epoxies and sealants that can be used. If it’s underwater you’ll need a “wet” patch package. Apply the watertight bonding factor to the vinyl material and place it exactly on the rip. Then flatten out any water or air bubbles.

Calling For The Swimming Pool Specialists

Occasionally leaks are in bits of the pool that are not easily or you may simply be unable to find it yourself. In this case you will have to seek the services of a skilled pool leak professional who will use sound detection or other specific apparatus and methods to unearth the leak.

Are Replacement Pool Liners A Better Option

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

And like with the repair example you will have to make your mind up whether or not this is a task you wish to attempt yourself or whether you will call in the specialists.