Removing pool liner wrinkles can not only help extend the life of your pool, but also help keep your pool looking its best. Whether you have above-ground or in-ground pool, it can be a daunting task to remove wrinkles present in the pool liner. Luckily, with correct tools, techniques, and guidance, you can successfully remove these wrinkles yourself, without the need to hire a professional. In this article, we will discuss the steps to remove pool liner wrinkles, what mistakes to avoid, and the necessary products and tools you should use to complete the task.
1. Basics of Pool Wrinkles
What Are Pool Liner Wrinkles?
Pool liner wrinkles are present when the pool liner is not installed properly or shifts over time. This is caused by water pressure, temperature changes, or age, and can cause the pool liner to warp and produce wrinkles on the liner’s surface. These wrinkles can interfere with the liner’s ability to keep the water in the pool and cause other damage to the pool over time.
Why Does Pool Liner Have Wrinkles?
As mentioned above, pool liner wrinkles are caused by water pressure, temperature changes, or age. When the pool is filled, water pressure pushes against the pool walls, which can create stress on the liner and begin to warp the liner. Additionally, when temperatures outside the pool change, it causes the pool water to cool or heat up, thus increasing or decreasing its volume and causing the liner to become dislodged from the walls. Lastly, over time, due to general wear and tear, the liner may start to wrinkle.
2.
Step 1: Locate and Identify the Wrinkles
The first step to removing pool liner wrinkles is to properly locate and identify the wrinkles. This can be done by inspecting the entire pool liner visible from above and tracing the wrinkles from one end to the other. This can help in determining the pattern and extent of the wrinkles.
Step 2: Cut Out the Old Pool Liner
Once the wrinkles have been identified, the next step is to cut out the existing pool liner. The liner should be cut along the deep wrinkles and some of the material along the shallow wrinkles should be left in place. This will allow for an easier reinstallation of a new liner.
Step 3: Clean and Prep the Wall
Next, the walls should be cleaned and prepped to ensure that the new liner is properly adhered to the walls. Using a pressure washer or a brush, clean off all the dirt and grime from the walls and ensure any cracks and crevices are taken care of. Then, use a sealant to catch any potentially seeping water and ensure the new liner will stick to the walls.
3. What Not to Do
Do Not Try to Push it Down Manually
Attempting to push the liner down from above manually may seem like the best option, but it is not. Doing this could damage the pool liner further and make it even more difficult to remove the wrinkles.
Do Not Cut Out Too Much Material
When cutting out the old liner, it is important to not cut out too much material. Doing this could risk cutting out too much material, making it difficult to match the liner to the walls and not sticking properly.
Do Not Use Any Strong Chemicals
Using of any strong and harsh chemicals should be avoided when cleaning the walls. Not only could this damage the pool liner further, but also be dangerous for anyone swimming in the pool after the chemicals have been used.
4. Products and Tools to Use
Power Washer
Using a power washer will make the cleaning process much easier and more efficient. A power washer can quickly remove dirt and debris from the walls, making the installation of a new liner much smoother.
Pool Liner Sealant
Using a pool liner sealant when cleaning the pool walls is important in order to ensure the new liner will stick to the walls. This sealant also helps in preventing further water leaking through the walls before the new liner can be installed.
Pool Liner Patch Kit
Using a pool liner patch kit, or any other patch material is useful in ensuring the new liner sticks properly and that no wrinkles will form after the liner has been installed.
5. People Also Ask
Question: How Long Does it Take to Remove Pool Liner Wrinkles?
Removing pool liner wrinkles generally takes around 2-3 hours depending on the size of the pool and the extent of the wrinkles.
Question: Should I Hire a Professional to Remove Pool Liner Wrinkles?
No, it is not necessary to hire a professional to remove pool liner wrinkles. You can do it yourself with the right set of tools and techniques.
Question: What Are the Different Causes of Pool Liner Wrinkles?
The main causes of pool liner wrinkles are water pressure, temperature changes, or age.
Final Words
Removing pool liner wrinkles is a daunting task, but with the right tools and techniques and following the above steps, you can complete the task relatively quickly and easily. Doing this can help prevent further damage to your pool and keep it looking its best. Avoid the common mistakes mentioned in this article and always ensure you use the right products and tools for the job for optimal success.