What if the pool liner seems like it does not fit?

Vinyl pool liners can be a bit deceiving at first. But trust us, they’re designed to stretch! If the liner that you received measures within 2-3 feet of the size ordered, then you have the correct one. 

Vinyl liners are intentionally manufactured slightly smaller than your pool’s exact dimensions. Why? Because they’re meant to stretch into a perfect fit. Imagine holding a plastic bag and filling it with water—it expands, right? Pool liners behave similarly and can stretch significantly without damage.

So rest assured, a snug-looking liner at the start is normal—and exactly what it should be. Trust the process, and your liner will fit beautifully.

If the pool liner doesn’t look quite right:

The moment you start to feel unsure about how the liner is sitting—or if it just doesn’t look the way you want—pause and turn off the water. This is your chance to make adjustments before it’s too late. Once the water level rises above any point that has wrinkles or misalignment, you’re stuck with those imperfections in the swimming pool liner. At that point, there’s usually no way to fix them without starting over.

That’s why it’s essential to follow our step-by-step liner installation guide and check the pool very frequently as it fills. Yes, it might feel like you’re babysitting your pool, but that attention to detail ensures a smooth, wrinkle-free finish—and a watertight seal you can count on.

If you are having problems after trying to install a liner:

If things don’t look quite right after installation, don’t stress—it happens. In most cases, the liner simply needs to be readjusted or reinstalled. It’s almost always a minor installation hiccup, not a defect in the liner itself.

The good news? It’s usually quicker  to properly re-stretch the liner than to go through a warranty claim, pay return shipping, and wait for a replacement.

Re-stretching your liner:

If you find yourself in this predicament, here is the process for stretching and adjusting your liner:

1. Pump the water out.
2. Place the hose of your shop vac in the skimmer box hole.
3. Duct tape the openings of the square as well as the return hole
4. Turn the vac on, and watch the liner stretch like magic.

NOTE: Only do this, as well as any water filling, in 80+ degree weather.

How to Stretch A Pool Liner

Let’s walk through the process of stretching your pool liner so it fits perfectly in your pool. 

Prepare the Pool

To start, clear your pool area of debris, including rocks, sticks, brush, and more. Make sure the base of the pool is smooth and free of divots or bumps. A liner pad can also help create a smooth, even surface. 

Unfold the Liner in the Sun

You’ll want to carefully unfold your liner. You’ll want to leave the liner lay out in the sun for 20-30 minutes to soften the vinyl and make it easier to stretch. 

Install the Liner

After about 20-30 minutes, place the liner in the pool so that it’s centered with equal overlap all the way around. Once it’s centered, you can attach it. 

• If you have an overlap liner, pull the liner over the wall and secure it with coping strips.
• If you have a beaded liner, push the bead into the track at the top of the pool wall.

You can use a shop vac to create suction between the liner and the pool wall to get rid of wrinkles and help with stretching. Insert the vacuum hose into the skimmer opening and tape it in place. Then turn it on so the liner tightens and stretches into place.

Fill the Pool With Water

Begin adding water slowly and continue adjusting the liner by smoothing out wrinkles with your feet or a soft broom. 

Go slow so the water doesn’t rise too quickly. Once the liner is covered, you won’t be able to smooth wrinkles or adjust. Once you have about 1–2 inches of water covering the bottom, you’ll want to make your final adjustments as needed. 

If you use a vacuum, you’ll want to turn it off and carefully remove it once there’s about 6-8 inches of water, or enough to hold the liner in place.

Stretching a Liner Can Take Time & Patience

As a professional, it took me dozens of liner replacements until I had the confidence to stretch a liner without anxiety. You’re not alone. Follow our installation instructions to avoid damaging the liner. You can do it! As you’re going through the process of stretching your liner, here are a few additional tips to keep in mind:

• A few extra set of hands is always helpful. Get a few family members or friends involved to help out. 
• While the vinyl is durable, you don’t want to stretch the liner too aggressively or it might tear.
• Avoid installing a liner in cold weather; it will be stiff and harder to stretch. We always recommend 80 degrees or higher. 
• Always double-check that no sharp objects are under the liner before filling.
• Keep kids and pets away from the liner during installation to avoid injuries or potential damage to your liner. 

LinerWorld Has All Your Liner Installation Accessories

If you’re still searching for a pool liner, we’ve got plenty of bold liners, liner pads, and other pool accessories in stock. Get what you need today so you can make the most of your pool all season long!

Updated April 24, 2025