How Do I Install A Pool Liner For Myself?

Installing a liner can be a tricky task, often only carried out by pool professionals, however, use our step by step guide to ease the pain.

1.Double check the shell bottom, and be sure to remove all stones, twigs, or sharp objects which might damage the liner. Always work without shoes whilst in the shell bottom. If sharp objects remain underneath the fitted liner, then they could split it once installed. Make sure that the linerlock is cleared of any debris.

2. If the shell is non porous, then any standing water must be removed. The liner will float on any remaining water, and therefore will not fit properly.

3.For ease of installation and the best finished appearance, liners should be installed in warm weather. The vinyl can be stiff, hard and difficult to handle at temperatures below 60F. Before installation it is best to place the vinyl somewhere warm for at least 48 hours.

4. Prior to the installation of the liner, cement inside gaskets to skimmer, inlet fittings with silicone or a non-aggressive PVC glue. It is imperative that they are sealed properly.

5. Prepare for unpacking the liner by making sure the pool surround is completely clear of any debris.

6. The liners are usually clearly marked so that it is easy to identify which end is which, and are folded so that unpacking and folding is simple.

7. Once the ends have been identified, place the folded liner at the centre of the shallow end pool surround. Two people should grab a folded corner of the deep end fabric and slowly, carefully, walk the fabric down the pool until the corners are roughly in place.

8. Once the liner is roughly in place, the centre of each length and width should be clipped in to the linerlock.

9. Now clip the remainder of the bead into the linerlock by starting at the middle and working into the corners.

10. Position the vinyl so that the bottom fits snugly into the corners. Try to smooth out any wrinkles as you work.

11. Now use an industrial vaccum to suck the liner completely against the shall surfaces, and remover any last wrinkles. Do this by unclipping about six inches of the llinerlock and inserting the suction end of the vacuum behind the vinyl. If necessary close any gaps with tape to ensure a sealed opening. Turn on the vacuum and as the vinyl is sucked back against the shell walls, try to smooth out any remaining wrinkles. If necessary, turn off the vacuum to reposition parts of the liner until it is absolutely flat and in the right position.

12. Once the liner is completely flat against the pool walls with no wrinkles, start filling with water. Leave the vacuum running.

13. Once there are about 12 inches of water in the deep end it is time to fit the main drain face plate. Find the screwholes for the faceplate by touch. Once you know where they are, puncture some holes for the screws, fit the gasket and faceplate. Cut away the vinyl covering the main drain, then fit the main drain cover.

14. Continue working out wrinkles while pool is filling. Any wrinkles which are not removed at this stage will be either very difficult or impossible to remove once the water pressure is sufficient to hold them in place.

15. Turn off the vacuum when there is about six inches in the shallow end.

16. Re-fit other faceplates as the water level reaches about 3 inches below the bottom of the fitting.


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Francis Lowe is a leading expert in swimming pool maintenance with a huge wealth of experience developed from 40 years in the industry.
To see a full range of pool equipment, including pool supplies and swimming pool supplies please see the website of specialist supplier poolwarehouseuk.com