Fitting a swimming pool liner

This page is not intended as a detailed "how to" guide, but rather as general information aimed at offering an insight into how a swimming pool liner is fitted. If, having read this page, you would like a more comprehensive set of instructions in the form of a multi page guide about pool liner installation you can use the links below.

The following links will provide you with information on the various liner fitting tasks outlined below.

Page 1 covering tools, when to fit, and liner removal.
Page 2 covering pre-liner preparation, and fitting and adjusting.
Page 3 fitting and adjusting (continued) and finishing off.

Removal of an old liner

If you are replacing an existing swimming pool liner with a new replacement liner, then the first job is to carefully detach the old liner.

Before this can be done the swimming pool must be drained, however in the case of below-ground pools this should not happen until immediately prior to the liner removal and replacement activities. Emptying the pool and leaving it drained for any period of time can cause destabilization and, in extreme cases, this may result in a collapse.

If it is necessary to remove an old liner in order to take measurements of the virgin pool, then it is prudent to replace the old liner afterwards to prevent possible damage. It can then be removed again once the replacement has been delivered and is ready for fitting.

The old liner should be removed by cutting around all fittings and releasing any locking mechanisms, tracks or beading. A knife or scissors can be used for this purpose, but care should be taken to avoid damaging any tracking retained to fit the new liner.

Once removed, the old liner should be folded up and discarded in an environmentally compliant way. (Check your country or state’s refuse disposal regulations for further information.)

Liner fittings

The extent to which fittings need to be prepared or fixed will depend upon, whether the liner is for a new pool or a replacement, whether the same kind of liner and fittings will be used for the new liner as were used for the original liner, and whether the pool is below, above, or semi-above ground.

All tracking and beading must be fitted, cleaned and made ready for the new liner. The cleaning of tracks can be done with a small vacuum or blower gun and care must be taken to ensure that there are no obstructions or blockages. Hard and sharp tools should be avoided.

The provision of all fittings, their installation and in-situ cleaning, should be completed before the pool area is made good for the liner’s installation.

Pool preparation

Once the old liner has been removed, or if you are installing a new liner, you need to prepare the pool and the (already cleaned and installed) fitting mechanisms.

The walls of the pool should be checked for obstructions, jagged areas and any other imperfections that could damage or affect the way that the pool liner will attach itself to the base and walls of the swimming pool.

If a below-ground pool has a sand base, then the base should be re-levelled and any material that could puncture the liner should be removed.

With none in-situ constructed pools (i.e. not concrete – but a material like fibre glass), the walls should be checked to ensure that they are water-tight. A sealant and or tape repair can be used to remedy any minor faults.

Fitting the swimming pool liner

There is a general methodology to fitting swimming pool liners that is consistent for all pool types and all pool sizes. This approach minimises the chance of damaging the liner and makes the whole process consistent.

It is a good idea to have a minimum of 4, and ideally more, people involved in the fitting of a swimming pool liner. This avoids the need to "drag" the liner and increases the number of eyes looking for creases and bulges.

• The liner should be transported into the pool in its packaging and all work should start at the shallow end of the pool.
• The liner should be carefully removed from the packaging and unfolded or unrolled to the width of the pool.
• The leading edge of the liner should then be un-rolled and extended (whilst held above the pool base) towards the deep end of the pool.
• Once the liner is open and roughly in place, the corners of the liner should be aligned with those of the pool, starting at the deep end first. Pools with curved or uneven shapes are more problematic, but there are systems and techniques that enable the liner’s correct positioning.
• When the liner appears to be positioned correctly, it can be loosely inserted into the track, again starting at the deep end first. The liner should not be inserted continuously at this time as it will probably be necessary to make some adjustments to its positioning as the installation moves forward.
• This process can be continued on both sides of the pool whilst working down towards the shallow end and continuously checking and re-checking the liner’s position and alignment.
• When fitting a liner, it is highly likely that there may be either a slight excess, or a slight under measurement at various points. When this is the case the liner can be gently worked or stretched whilst being fed into the track.

Vacuuming the liner to the pool

Once the liner is correctly positioned and fitted into its tracks it can be vacuum fitted to the walls of the pool. This operation requires the use of a special vacuum and should only be performed by someone who knows what they are doing. The vacuuming process removes bulges, wrinkles and creases and adheres the liner to the physical structure of the swimming pool.

During this vacuuming process the liner will require constant checking and adjustments. These adjustments take the form of gentle coaxing by stretching or patting the liner to achieve a smooth finish that is free from bubbles, creases, wrinkles and folds.

Filling the pool with water

When the liner is smoothly fitted to the pool the water filling process can begin. This should be done slowly and with the vacuum pump still running.

As the pool is filled, any other measures like fitting face plates should be undertaken as the pool fills to an appropriate level. The vacuum should not be turned off until the pool has been filled. At this point the water pressure will assure the secure attachment of liner to pool.