How Often Do In-Ground Pool Liners Need Replacing?

The question in the title in not an easy one to answer, and there no one black and white clear answer that applies to everyone. In-ground pool vinyl liners usually need replacing every five to 10 years, but there is a lot of variability in that number and range. Some liners will need replacing more often and some liners can work well for 15 years before needing to be replaced.

There are several factors that affect how often the vinyl liners need replacing. We’ll take a look at some of those factors here.

Weather

The weather and specifically the amount of sunshine your pool gets and the highs and lows of year round temperatures affect the life of the liner. The liner is made of polyvinyl chloride or PVC, and PVC will degrade over time with big fluctuations of extreme heat and extreme cold. Furthermore, ultraviolet rays from the sun eventually start to break down PVC.

Chemistry

Pool chemistry affects the life of the liner. Too much chlorine will degrade the liner. So, it’s important to check your chemistry regularly, frequently, and follow the instructions of your pool installer.

Another important factor is pH. You don’t want your pool to stay too acidic. An acidic pool will, over time, degrade the liner. That is why pH is checked regularly.

Repairs

Keep your pool in good repair. This means that if you suspect a leak, verify it and fix it before it becomes a bigger problem. Small leaks are easily repaired; big leaks left to damage other pool parts may require a new liner.

Wildlife

Even if you are the most careful and prudent pool owner on the planet, keeping your pool super clean with perfect chemistry, if a bear jumps in your pool and shreds the liner, you will probably need a new liner. Dogs are unlikely to create a problem like this—as long as they know where the stairs are to get out—but frightened wildlife can fall into a pool and have a lot of difficulty getting out. This is a rare occurrence but it happens.

Children

Children and especially teenagers can wreak havoc on a pool. Make sure they are supervised and not using anything sharp in the pool or doing crazy stunts that can tear the liner.

Your pool installer can advise you on when your liner needs replacing, but with good care and attention your liner may last longer than you think.

Sunshine Coast Pools, a division of Taylor Made Pools, designs, builds, and repairs vinyl-liner swimming pools on the Sunshine Coast and throughout Vancouver Island. 

If you have any questions about this article or would like to talk to us about vinyl pools, please call us at (778) 537-2003.