Can My Vinyl Swimming Pool Liner Be Repaired?

When it comes to leaky swimming pool liners, pool owners have two options: you can attempt to repair the leak or you can purchase a replacement pool liner. So how do you know which is the better option for your pool?

When you come across a leak in your swimming pool, here are a few things to consider that can help you make this decision.

Locate the Pool Liner Leak

If your swimming pool has a leaky liner, the first thing you need to do is find the leak to see how extensive the damage is. This may sound simple, but sometimes it can be like finding a needle in a haystack. The best way to find a leak in your liner is to search your pool with a pair of goggles. If you are able to find the leak, then you can assess the damage and figure out if it is best to repair the damage with a patch kit or completely replace your liner.

Shop Now:
Glimmerglass Patch Kit
Bluerock Lagoon Patch Kit
Stoney Creek Patch Kit

Certain areas of your pool liner have a lower chance of repair success than others. Areas of a pool liner that are difficult to repair include:

• Areas close to a liner’s bead
• Areas close to or adjoining any of the “white goods,” (skimmers, returns, or any plastic fittings)
• These areas are harder to repair because they typically see damage around their components, causing water to leak behind the pool liner. If your liner has a leak in any of these areas the chances of a repair lasting long term are very low, so it might be a less frustrating choice to replace the liner.

If you need more insights, check out these resources on leak detection and management:

• Swimming Pool Leak Detection 101
• Leaking Swimming Pools – Pool Liner Leaks & Beyond

Consider the Age of Your Pool Liner

Lastly, it is important to consider the age of your liner. If the pool liner is less than three years old, it is usually recommended to find and fix the leak if possible. If your pool liner is more than three years old, you can choose to repair or replace the liner depending on the condition of the vinyl.

The three-year benchmark is just a general rule of thumb, and it’s important to remember that every liner is different. It’s not uncommon for a successful patch to add five additional years to a 10-year-old liner. Additionally, a successful patch on a two-year-old pool liner may only add six months to the liner’s lifespan.

Leaks happen often, so it is important for pool owners to know what to consider before making any hasty decisions. Leaky pools can cause headaches and waste money, so keep these tips in your back pocket for when you have to make the decision to repair or replace your liner.

Replace Your Pool Liner If Need Be

If it is time to replace your liner, check out our selection of high-quality vinyl pool liners that you and your family will love!

Need help picking the perfect pool liner? These resources might help:

• The Ultimate Guide for Choosing the Perfect Pool Liner
• Dark or Light Pool Liners — Which Should I Choose?