How to Install an Inground Swimmimg Pool Liner

You can install your own inground swimming pool liner.

If you own a pool, it probably sees a lot of use during the summer. After several years and repaired leaks, you may find it time to replace the old vinyl liner with a new one. Having your liner replaced by professional could cost thousands of dollars, depending on the size of your pool. However, it's possible to install your own inground swimming pool liner.

Things You'll Need

• Tape measure
• 3 to 4 assistants
• Sandpaper
• Cleaning supplies
• Pool liner install kit
• Duct tape
• Shop vacuum
• Garden hose

Instructions

1. Measure your inground swimming pool to determine the size of the liner. Ask a friend to assist you by holding the other end of the measuring tape. For pools that are odd-shaped, measure the pool in smaller sections and add the widths and lengths together. You need at least three or four assistants on this project.

2. Drain your swimming pool. Cut the old pool liner with carpet cutters or box cutters, and discard.

3. Repair any damage to the pool's walls and floor, if necessary. Examine the pool for cracks, corrosion and dirt. Repairing metal face plates, sanding and filing holes should be done before a new liner is put in place.

4. Wipe and sweep the walls and floors of your pool. Make sure surfaces are clean and dry before starting to insert the new liner.

5. Lay the new vinyl liner over the inground pool. Work from the deep end to the shallow end. Smooth out wrinkles and push the liner into areas around steps, corners and drain holes to make sure it covers all areas well. Be careful not to drag the new liner on the pool's floor to avoid tearing. Pay close attention to any special instructions provided by the manufacturer of the pool liner.

6. Lock the beads (top edge) of the vinyl liner into the track. Lower a shop vacuum about three-quarters of the way down between the wall and the liner. Seal the vacuum hose and hole with duck tape. Turn on the vacuum. You should start to see all the wrinkles in the liner disappearing. Immediately place a garden hose inside the pool. The hose should only be inside the pool when the vacuum is turned on. If you must turn the vacuum off, then turn the hose off as well.

7. Continue to fill the swimming pool until you reach 4 inches of water. Remove the vacuum and connect the bead to the track. Attach the drain cover to the pool's floor. Continue to fill your pool with water.

Tips & Warnings

• Consider keeping pieces of your old pool liner in the event that your new liner has a leak in the future. Using leftover pieces of pool liner is less costly than having your liner replaced or buying a patch kit from your pool supplier.

References

• Liner World: How Do I Measure My Pool?
• Web Sweeper: Installing New Inground Pool Liners
• Pool Warehouse: Vinyl Inground Swimming Pool Liners