Fitting a swimming pool liner – (DIY project)

You may want to fit a new swimming pool liner for any of the reasons listed below.

• You want a liner for a new pool.
• You want to replace an existing vinyl pool liner.
• You want to improve the appearance of a free standing (above ground) pool.
• You want to replace a tiled pool lining with a vinyl liner.
• You want a softer feel to the pool walls and base.

Whatever the reason you will need to start by preparing the pool for the new liner and this means that the pool's side walls and base need to be free from projections, obstructions and any imperfections that could cut or tear the new liner. This is essentially a tidying up and restoration task and the success of the project will be determined by how carefully this part of the project is undertaken.

If the pool is an above ground one, then there is a choice between a beaded or an overlapping liner to be made. With a below ground pool, only the beaded liner is suitable.

Initial job

If the project is one of replacing a liner in an existing pool, then the first task is to drain the pool and remove the old liner. This should be done carefully by cutting around any fittings and then pulling the liner's beading out of the tracks.

Any tidying up or remedial repairs need to be done at this stage.

If the pool is a new one, or if it is an above ground pool that has not previously had a liner installed, it should be inspected to ensure that all surfaces are clean and smooth.

Fitting the liner

The ways in which a beaded and an overlapping liner are fitted vary in terms of the top of the pool treatment. This makes the fitting of an overlapping liner somewhat easier than its counterpart.

If the swimming pool is going to have a beaded liner, then a track must first be fitted around the perimeter of the pool. (If the liner is being fitted to an existing pool that previously had a liner, then the existing tracking may be reusable. This will be determined by its condition and the care that was taken in removing the old liner).

If the pool is going to have an overlapping finish then no tracking will be required.

Roughly putting the liner in position

When the pool is ready (and fitted with tracks if required), the liner can be unrolled both across the width and the length of the pool. This is a task best undertaken by 3 or 4 people. (Most contractors unroll the liner towards the deep end of the pool during this process.)

When roughly in place it will be necessary to do some pulling and stretching in order to get the liner aligned correctly. Matching the corners of the liner with the corners of the pool is the most important factor at this stage.

When a stage has been reached where everything appears to match up, the liner can be pulled up against the side walls of the pool. This should be started at the deep end first and both side walls should progress at the same rate. At this point the beads can be loosely fitted into the track or, with an overlapping liner, the liner folded over the pool's walls. Care should be taken to make sure that the base corners of the liner and the pool still match up together.

Finalizing the pool liner fit

The next tasks requires the liner to be accurately fitted with any folds or bubbles smoothed out. This is a time consuming job and it needs patience and care. During this stage a vacuum pump will be used and the pool will be filled, either gradually or in stages, to correspond with the liner fitting progressing up the height of the side walls.

Using the vacuum pump - The vacuum pump is lowered between the pool walls and the liner and it sucks the air out creating a vacuum that fixes the liner to the pool's base and walls. It may need to be moved around the pool at different times.

Whilst this takes place the liner need to be smoothed out by working out any bubbles, folds or lumps. Different fitters use different techniques to achieve this, however the objective is to remove any air from between the liner and the pool walls. As this process continues the pool will be gradually filled with water.

Again, as this process is underway the beading can be accurately fitted into the track and any cut-outs will need to be made as the water level approaches their position.

This is a very superficial summary of a liner fitting project that simplifies and omits certain tasks. For a detailed description of how to undertake this project see this page liner fitting summary or this liner fitting - step by step guide guide.