How to Replace Above Ground Pool Overlap Liners

Is it time to replace the vinyl liner in your above ground pool? If it is an overlap liner than follow these steps to replace the liner. Vinyl liners usually have a lifetime of between 5 and 10 years. The replacement needs to be done on a day when the sun is out and the temperature is above 75 degrees in order for the liner to stretch properly without damage.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Replacement liner

1. Make sure that all the water is drained out if not already. Use a submersible pump or a water hose to siphon the extra water out. Underneath the vinyl liner is usually sand but could be fermiculite which is a bit firmer. The top cap or stabilizer rails must be removed first. After that, there is a metal band on top of plastic clips called coping clips that hold the vinyl liner to the top of the pool wall. All pieces must come off before the old liner will come out. Once removed, it makes it easier to move if you cut it into pieces.

2. Once the old liner is removed, make any repairs to the material underneath the pool to make is smooth again. If sand, trowel it and add more if needed. If it is pool krete or fermiculite, you can pick up this at your local swimming pool store.

3. 

   The new liner will go in the same way the old one came out. Spread the vinyl liner out inside the pool. Clip the new vinyl liner over the top of the pool with the plastic clips first then follow with the metal band or many metal bands over the plastic. Then replace the top rail.

4. I recommend that you put a shop vac behind the vinyl while filling with water so that all the air is removed and the liner sits on the wall properly. Once filled, take a sample to the local pool store for analysis. Please comment with any questions. Good luck.

Tips & Warnings

• Take your time. Be patient to make sure the new liner is put in properly.

[one800pools]

on 9/29/2009 Very good information. I find this company is very informative as well, give them a look-see. http://www.1800pools.com/above_ground_swimming_pool_liners.html

[billips]

on 6/13/2009 I always thought this would be extremely difficult but your directions have made it sound quite possible - will definitely keep this on record - 5* - B.