Above Ground Pool Liner Installation Tips
Whether you are putting a pool liner in a brand new swimming pool or replacing an old liner, it is a good idea to make the most of your investment. Installing your new pool liner correctly will add to the longevity of both the new pool liner as well as the pool itself. Follow along as we briefly discuss the common mistakes made when installing an above ground pool liner and how to avoid them.
Prevention
It likely goes without saying but unwanted moisture is the primary cause of premature corrosion of the pool wall and frame. And the majority of the problem can be prevented or stopped with a few simple steps. Fortunately for those of you about to install or replace the liner in your above ground pool, this is the perfect time to ensure your pool will deliver fun and relaxation for years to come.
Trapped Moisture
Before you take action it is important to understand why pools rust. Above ground pools usually rust because of trapped moisture or leaks. Trapped moisture typically occurs because of the use of plastic sheeting, roofing paper, old pool liners, Styrofoam or some other material is used underneath the swimming pool during the construction phase. These materials do not allow moisture to pass through them and stop the absorption of condensation given off through the pool liner. This condensation needs to be wicked up by the earth below allowing the pool to dry out or breathe. If not, the trapped water builds up under the liner and on the inside of the pools walls, cannot escape and starts the corrosion process. Do not use any product under your pool or liner that water cannot pass through. If it is there remove it. In many cases people use pool floor padding under the pool to prevent moles, bugs and critters or sharp objects from damaging the liner. This is a great idea and can be easily accomplished by using Armor Shield under the pool liner. It is breathable and extremely durable. It comes pre-cut and ready to install and adds to the warranty of the pool liner. I highly recommend this product and it is all we use ourselves. Another example of trapped moisture stems from the use of bead track or bead receiver. Although I love it and use it myself, it is important to seal the gaps between the ends of the pieces to prevent water from getting down behind the liner. When this occurs, water builds up above the waterline behind the liner and cannot escape. This water slowly eats away at the pool wall coating causing rust high up on the wall. Eventually it will eat completely through ruining the pool wall. The easy fix here is silicone the gaps prior to installing the liner.
Leaks
Leaks are also a major contributor to pool corrosion or rust. Leaks can ruin a pool very quickly as the chlorinated water is much more corrosive than condensation. Leaks often come from leaky skimmers and return jets. Many times these leaks go undetected because they drip down the inside of the pool wall. When left unchecked they will rust the wall severely. The fix here is to take your time when installing the skimmer, ensuring that the screw holes all line up with the gaskets and tighten up evenly. The return jet should be installed with the use of silicone around the threads. When replacing the liner acquire a new skimmer box and return jet. New pool skimmers and jets come together in one box are cheap insurance. Reusing old cracked and brittle gaskets and skimmer is asking for trouble. The other rust contributor to a leaky pool is the pool liner itself. Leaks in pool liners are caused by punctures or seam separations. If the liner is defective replace it. If the liner is leaking patch it. A patch kit is under $20.00 and can patch a hundred leaks. They can be tricky to find at times, but allowing chlorinated water to leak continuously is a bad move. If you cannot find the leak and it's bad, replace the liner as soon as you can afford to.
Wrap Up
As you can see, most of the problems that can shorten the life of your pool can be prevented during installation or the replacement of the pool liner. Following these simple guidelines will add years to the life of your pool and make it much more enjoyable. For other helpful tips please read our blog.