How to Fix a Floating Pool Liner
A floating pool liner can be a frustrating problem for pool owners to deal with. Not only can it make your pool look unsightly, but it can also cause further damage to your pool if left unaddressed.
Fortunately, there are several steps you can take to fix a floating pool liner. In this blog, we’ll go over the causes of a floating pool liner and outline the steps you can take to fix the problem.
Why Is My Pool Liner Floating?
There can be several reasons why a pool liner is floating. Here are some of the most common causes.
Water Under the Liner
If there is water under the pool liner, it can cause the liner to float. This can happen if the pool was not installed correctly, and the ground was not prepared properly before the liner was installed. Alternatively, it can be caused by a leak in the pool, which has allowed water to accumulate under the liner.
Groundwater
Groundwater is water that seeps into the ground and can accumulate in the soil. If the water table rises above the level of the pool, it can cause the liner to float.
Age & Wear
Over time, pool liners can become worn and less elastic. This can cause them to stretch and become loose, which can lead to the liner floating.
Poor Installation
If the pool liner was not installed correctly, it could cause the liner to float. This can happen if the liner was not properly secured to the pool walls or if there are wrinkles or air pockets under the liner.
How to Fix a Floating Pool Liner
Fixing a floating pool liner can be a challenging task, but here are the general steps to follow.
1. Drain the Pool
Draining the pool is the first step in fixing a floating pool liner.
If you are about to drain the water out of your swimming pool, it is very important for you to make sure that the water tables outside of the pool are below the level of the bottom of your swimming pool.
The easiest way for you to do this is to wait until the rainy season is gone and the surrounding dirt in your yard is bone dry. If you do not make sure the dirt or backfill next to your swimming pool is bone dry, you run the risk of your pool caving in due to the heavy wet backfill on the outside of the pool.
2. Identify the Cause of the Problem
Once the pool is empty, you need to determine the cause of the problem. Check for any tears or punctures in the liner, and look for any signs of damage to the pool’s structure.
3. Fix Any Underlying Issues
If the problem is due to damage to the pool’s structure, you will need to fix it before you can address the liner. This may require the help of a professional pool technician.
4. Flatten the Pool Liner
After any underlying issues are fixed, it is important for you to push all of the wrinkles toward the outer perimeter of the swimming pool. This can be accomplished by using the strength of your hands and fingertips.
5. Secure the Liner
Once the liner is flat, you need to secure it to the pool’s walls. You can use pool liner coping strips or a liner lock to hold the liner in place.
6. Refill the Pool
After the liner is secure, you can begin refilling the pool with water. Make sure to monitor the water level and adjust as needed.
Performing this swimming pool repair service may cause the pool liner to develop other problems. Tears, rips, or pool liner failures may be the result of attempting this kind of swimming pool repair.
Therefore, sometimes the best advice is just to leave it alone and see if the liner will naturally go back to its original level when the earth dries significantly. Even if a couple of small wrinkles occur after the liner comes back to its original spot, it is probably better than creating liner failure and big bucks to replace.
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