Installing A Plastic Liner Pool: A Step-By-Step Guide

how to install a plastic liner pool

Installing a plastic liner pool is a complex process that can be accomplished with the help of friends or professionals. It involves several steps, including measuring the pool, excavating the area, assembling the pool perimeter, installing the liner, and filling the pool. The type of liner used, such as beaded or unibead, and the size of the pool, will impact the installation process and cost. Proper installation ensures a uniform finish, leak prevention, and longevity of the liner, which typically lasts 10 to 15 years.

Characteristics Values
Installation time 4-8 weeks
Cost $60,000-$85,000
Liner thickness 20 mil, 27 mil
Liner type Embossed, Non-embossed
Steps White plastic steps, Vinyl over steps, Ladder
Installation process Drain the pool, unfold and place the liner, cut the liner, install fittings, fill the pool
Installation tips Measure the pool, work with a partner, avoid wrinkles, check for damage, ensure proper water chemistry

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Prepare the pool: drain water, remove fittings, and check for damage

To prepare your pool for a new plastic liner, the first step is to drain the water. A sump pump can help speed up the process, so you may want to consider renting one.

Once the water is drained, it's time to remove the fittings. This includes the drains, skimmers, step seal strips, gaskets, lights, and face plates. You can use a drill to remove these components, but be careful not to drop it into the pool, as it could cause serious harm. Keep the screws in a safe place to avoid losing them. You should also remove the top plates, railing caps, and coping to reveal the edge of the old liner.

After removing the fittings, you will need to cut the old liner into sections for easy removal. Use a utility knife to carefully cut the liner into manageable pieces. As you remove the old liner, inspect the pool for any damage, including cracks or other signs of wear and tear. Make note of any areas that need to be repaired before installing the new liner.

With the old liner removed and the pool inspected for damage, you can now prepare the site for the new liner. Remove any debris, such as stones, gravel, or protruding pieces of cement, that could damage the new liner. If desired, you can also install a liner underlay to provide insulation and protect the liner from abrasions. Cut the underlay to the required size and shape using a tool like a Stanley knife.

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Unbox and unfold the liner, ensuring it's the correct size and pattern

Before you begin the installation process, it is crucial to ensure that you have the correct size and pattern for your pool liner. Start by carefully opening the liner box, avoiding the use of sharp objects that may damage the liner. Do not open the box if the label indicates an incorrect size or pattern. Contact your supplier immediately if there is a discrepancy.

Once you have confirmed the liner's accuracy, proceed to unfold it. It is recommended to have a partner assist you in this process. Start by placing the liner width-wise outside the pool, with the arrow facing the shallow end. Keep the liner away from sharp objects and ensure that the pool floor is smooth and free of any stones or debris.

With the liner in position, assign specific corners to different people. Have two people hold the deep end corners while two others take the shallow-end corners. Pull the liner towards the shallow end, being cautious to avoid dragging it across the pool bottom and keeping it away from sharp edges.

Now, you can begin the installation process. Start by installing the liner on one side of the pool, using clamps to hold the material in place. Then, move to the opposite side and repeat the installation process. Continue this pattern, skipping from side to side, to ensure even placement.

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Position and install the liner, working from the middle outwards

Installing a pool liner is a manageable task that can be completed in a day. It is important to work with a partner and ensure that you have purchased the correct liner size for your pool. Before beginning the installation, drain the pool and remove any fittings, lights, gaskets, and step seal strips.

To position and install the liner, working from the middle outwards, follow these steps:

First, unfold the liner and place it in the pool, starting from the middle and working side to side. Ensure the print side is facing up and the flaps for the seams are facing down. Then, remove the rail assembly from the top of the pool. Install the liner on one side of the pool, using clamps to hold the material in place. Repeat this process on the opposite side, and continue until the liner is installed on all sides, skipping from side to side to ensure even placement.

Once the liner is installed on all sides, put the top rail assembly back on and cover the edge of the liner. As you add each top rail, you can begin removing the clamps. At this point, turn on your wet-dry vacuum and place the hose in the skimmer hole to begin removing any wrinkles in the liner from the inside.

As you work, be mindful of sharp objects and keep them away from the liner to prevent punctures. It is also recommended to install the liner on a warm, windless day, with a minimum temperature of 65 degrees Fahrenheit.

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Use a vacuum to remove air and wrinkles, and tape to secure

Once you have unfolded the liner across the length of the pool, you will need to use a vacuum to remove air and wrinkles, and tape to secure.

Cover the top of the skimmer with duct tape. Turn on the wet-dry vacuum to remove air between the pool wall and liner. This may take up to 30 minutes, depending on the size of your pool. Leave the vacuum on until there is about 12 inches of water in the pool. As you add water, you can begin installing the fittings, lights, gaskets, and step seal strips.

If the liner is not positioned right, you may need to turn off the vacuum, reposition the liner by moving it around in the liner track, and then re-apply the vacuum suction and finalize the fit. When the liner is pulled down snugly with no wrinkles, locate the main drain and install the gasket and faceplate. Once the faceplate and gasket are screwed on, carefully cut out the liner material inside the main drain and install the cover.

Do not turn off the vacuum. Place a garden hose in the deep end of the pool and start filling the pool. You may need to tape the end of your hose if it has sharp edges.

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Fill the pool with water, checking the liner fit as it fills

Filling your pool with water is the final step in installing a plastic liner pool. Before you begin, check that the liner is properly installed and there are no wrinkles. If there are wrinkles, use a wet-dry vacuum to remove the air between the pool wall and the liner.

When you are satisfied with the placement of the liner, you can start filling the pool with water. Use a garden hose to add water to the deep end of the pool. As the water rises, you can begin installing the fittings, lights, gaskets, and step seal strips. Cut the pool liner around the lights, drains, fittings, and steps as needed.

It is important to fill the pool slowly and keep an eye on the liner as it fills. This is because the liner can move and become "floating" if water gets behind it. If this happens, use a pool broom to gently push the liner back into its original position as the water drains. Alternatively, if your pool has a vacuum pipe, you can use it to remove the water from behind the liner.

Once the pool is filled to the correct level, turn off the water supply and inspect the liner for any final adjustments. Make sure that the liner is smooth and taut against the walls of the pool.

Frequently asked questions

The process of installing a plastic liner pool involves first measuring the pool to get the correct liner size. Then, the pool must be drained, and any fittings, lights, gaskets, and step strips should be removed. Once the pool is empty, unfold the liner and place it in the pool, starting from the middle and working from side to side. Then, install the liner on one side, using clamps to hold it in place, and repeat on the opposite side, skipping from side to side to ensure even placement. Finally, put the rail assembly back on the pool, and begin filling the pool with water.

The installation process for a plastic liner pool typically takes between 4 to 8 weeks, although this can vary depending on the size and complexity of the pool. Replacing an existing liner in an inground pool can take as little as 1 to 3 days with a professional.

The cost of installing a plastic liner pool can vary depending on the size and shape of the pool, as well as the thickness of the liner. Vinyl liner pools typically range from \$60,000 to \$85,000, with thicker liners costing more to install than thinner liners. However, installing the liner yourself can save you between \$1,500 and \$4,000, depending on the size of your pool.

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