DIY Inground Pool Liners

An inground pool liner can last for a decade if you take time to properly care and maintain it.  Sooner or later, vinyl pool liners will need replacement which can be a long and expensive process. DIY inground pool liners aren’t unheard of, but it’s best to review the essential steps of the process that need to be done prior to going ahead and installing or replacing your own inground pool liner. Here are some of the steps you should know for a DIY inground pool liner.

Step 1 – Measure Your Pool and Your Existing Liner

The first step in the DIY process is simple: break out your tape measure and measure the dimensions of your existing pool and liner. At retailers like the Pool Liner Factory Outlet, you’re able to easily input the dimensions of your pool for a custom fit inground vinyl pool liner, available at factory-direct pricing.

Step 2 – Order the Pool Liner

A pool liner takes 1 – 2 weeks to manufacturer and be delivered.  We are capable of expediting the process for an additional fee. Please ask your sales representative for details. Using the Pool Liner Factory Outlet’s Quick Estimate Tool, you can enter the dimension of your pool to get an easy pricing estimate before ordering and speaking with a professional.

Step 3 – Preparing Your Pool

To prepare your pool for your DIY inground pool liner, you’ll first need to drain the water from the pool, and remove all lights, drains and fixtures. Next, you’ll need to remove the existing liner if you haven’t already. You should be able to take the liner from its tracks and cut it into smaller portions, most of which can be recycled later. You can also duct tape on the seams that join the walls together to hide the seam after the new liner is installed.

Signs of rust and other irregularities on the walls of the pool should be sanded or scraped off before installing your DIY inground pool liner. If you notice signs of corrosion or rough areas in the walls of the pool, you might also considering installing wall foam before installing the liner to ensure there won’t be any holes or weakened areas. Wall foam can help keep your pool in good condition and prevent damage to liner. You should also check the track for the liner to make sure that the liner bead is still fit to handle regular wear and tear. If the track is damaged, it may need to be replaced.

Step 4 – Preparing Pool Bottom

If your pool has a soft bottom, find discolored or muddy sand which is a sure sign that the old liner was leaking. Take out discolored or muddy sand and replace them with fresh sand that has similar consistency. Smooth out the pool bottom using a plastic trowel, taking out any stone and other similar material that may have been pulled in. If your pool has vermiculite or concrete bottom, sweep it clean of any debris. You should also have an inspection for corrosion or damages. Any cracks found should be filled up with the same material and smoothed out with a trowel.

Step 5 – Installing the Pool Liner

To install your pool liner, stretch the liner from one corner of the pool to another. This will more than likely require some human helpers; the more the merrier. Manufacturer’s will typically include some instructions so be sure to read first to be aware of any specific directions.

Pool liner installations typically started in the deep end and work towards the shallow end. Be sure that the liner does not drag across the surface of the work area or the pool to prevent and scratches, holes, or tears. Once you have stretched the pool liner across, drop it down with care to the bottom of the pool and start matching it to the track.

Step 6 – Installing the Beading

The beading should be installed from the outer edge of the liner and into its track. If you are installing the liner on a hard bottom, take off your shoes and walk with care inside the pool. This will allow you to make any adjustments that are necessary while at the same time inserting the liner into its track.

DIY inground pool liners are absolutely possible with the right tools and the right people. If you have any questions about pool liners, sizing, or other specifications, call the Pool Liner Factory Outlet at (315) 523-7665!

SOME OF OUR POOL LINERS INSTALLED: