How to Repair Your Swimming Pool’s Vinyl Liner

Buyer Beware: Pool Liner Warranties Are Not What You Expect!

Having serviced swimming pools for years, we at Anta Plumbing have found that pool liner warranties of 25-30 years are generally largely overrated. Unfortunately, it gives homeowners an unrealistic sense of security in the longevity of the liner.

When you read the fine print on your pool liner warranty, you will find that only the first 2-5 years of a 25-year warranty offer a full warranty. After the initial period, a prorate applies. Additionally, the warranty does not cover the cost of water to refill the pool, or the cost of labor when it is repaired.

How Long Does a Pool Liner (Really) Last?

Inground pool liners generally last a bit longer than above-ground pool liners. On average, the former lasts around five to twelve years. Of course, if properly installed, it should last longer. However, chemicals and water chemistry also play an important role.

Above pool liners can last up to ten years, with the same factors determining their longevity.

Can a Vinyl Pool Liner Be Repaired?

Of course! And that's why we decided to share this article with you.

Basically, you have two options: buy a replacement liner, to repairing the leak.

Your decision will depend on the extent of the damage, which sounds simple enough until you actually set out to do it. The best course of action is to put on your goggles and inspect the entire pool in search of the leak.

The location of the damage is another consideration in whether you repair or replace your pool liner. Repairs to leaks on solid surfaces are generally much more successful than those near return jets, skimmers, and other cutouts. The corners usually deteriorate first, as they are usually in direct sunlight.

Pool vinyl liner replacements can cost from $2,000 to $5,000.

Repairing Your Vinyl Pool Liner

Tears in the corners of your pool liner can usually be patched with a patch kit. Special vinyl patch kits contain a powerful glue that works just as well below as above the water, provided the area around the tear site is clean and free of grime.

However, you first need to pull the vinyl up by first reducing the water level sufficiently and then:

➔ pouring boiling water on the sagging vinyl. The water will soften the vinyl until you're able to pull up the entire edge.
➔ using hair drying to heat the area of the liner you wish to stretch. Be sure not to heat it to the melting point.

Warning: These DIY methods are dangerous, which is why it is recommended that you hire professionals to take care of them. If you insist on going the DIY route, be sure nobody is in the pool while you use electrical appliances.

Once you have access to the tear, you can follow this method to repair it.

Step 1:

Cut your vinyl patch bigger than the tear, so that it extends about 2 inches beyond the tear, and round the corners.

Step 2:

Apply glue to the inside of your patch, folding it in half to smear the entire inside. You should keep the glue folded in the patch until you apply it to the tear.

Step 3:

Apply the patch to the tear, rubbing the patch from the inside to the ends to remove air bubbles.

Step 4:

Hold the patch in place until it adheres.

Additional Tips For Successful DIY Pool Liner Repair

Patch kits usually contain clear patches that don't hide the tear. You can improve the aesthetic of the repair by applying a swatch that mathers the design of your liner on top of the clear patch.

When you note a tear in your pool liner, rather get in touch with Anta Plumbing. We have years of experience in safely fixing pool liners.