How do you change a beaded pool liner for an above ground swimming pool?
The following is intended as a guide to installing a replacement beaded pool liner in a level-bottom above ground pool. While there are several other methods that can be attempted, this seems to be the easiest and least-risk method. We also have a couple of pre-job tips. Screws in top-rails and plates may be rusty. Have a can of WD-40 on hand to loosen them up. Also, wasps LOVE to hide under top rails. Cautiously explore and eliminate the wasps with your favorite wasp spray. Only install flat bottom liners in sunny, 75 degree plus, weather. Only install dished or expandable pool liners in sunny, 85 degree plus weather. Only fill pools during daytime hours. Check the pool liner and pool frequently as it fills with water. Completely inspect the pool liner before installation. Make sure there are no defects before installing. Once you start to install your beaded pool liner, you own it, including all defects.
1.
Drain your old pool. Remember that once the water is gone, your pool is susceptible to high winds. Don't pick a day where the weatherman is calling for storms! Also, if your pool is into the ground more than a few inches, stay away from the pool as much as possible so that you do not cave in the dirt and push the wall in.
2.
Without removing any rails, cut the old pool liner out.
3.
Address the bottom of the pool. Remove any roots, rocks, or sharp objects that could puncture the new pool liner. Put down new replacement sand or vermiculite if needed. Make sure the cove around the inside of the wall is firm, stable, and in good condition. If it has compressed or washed out over the years, re-build.
4.
Make sure the skimmer and return holes are in good shape. Any areas of rust should be gently sanded and painted with a specialty rust preventative. Make sure the sanded residue does not mix into the ground inside the pool.
5.
Carefully open the new pool liner box. DO NOT USE A KNIFE OR OTHER SHARP OBJECT!! Also, make sure the pool liner is the proper size to fit your pool. There are no returns for a pool liner if the box has been opened. If possible, unfold the pool liner in your yard. Make sure there is nothing there that would puncture the liner. If necessary, you may unfold the liner inside the pool. Once unfolded, roll the liner length-ways, and then fold it in half. With help, carefully lift the liner over the wall and place it inside the pool.
6.
Remove shoes and make sure your toenails and fingernails are well trimmed.
7.
With one other person inside the pool, unroll the pool liner and position into place. Use the seam that connects the liner's sidewall and bottom as a guide, keeping the seam equal distance from the wall. There may be a little variation if the pool is slightly out of shape. Most pools are slightly out of shape. But remember that once you put a lot of water on the pool liner, it is not going to move.
8.
Smooth the pool liner out as much as possible.
9.
Install beaded edge of liner into bead receiver/ tracking a few inches and secure. Do not worry if the sides of the liner are loose. Be careful not to snag the liner on the edges of the top rails.
10.
Skip a few sections and repeat step number.
11.
Continue until the liner is in the track throughout the entire pool. If you like, you may place a protective layer of duct tape over the edges of the top rails that are remaining on the pool.
12.
Gently smooth the liner out to minimize wrinkles, and then begin running water SLOWLY.
13.
As the water is added, with your bare feet and hands, gently scoot the liner wrinkles out, working in a straight line from the center to the edges. A little practice will make you an expert. If the water is coming in so fast that the liner becomes difficult to move, shut the water off. Remember that in a 24' diameter pool, an inch of water weighs more than one ton!
14.
When there is six inches of water in the pool check the beaded edge of liner to make sure it is secure. If you have wrinkles in the side, work them out now, as they will be permanent if you do not. In some cases where the pool is not perfectly round, oval, or rectangle, you will not be able to avoid wrinkles in the sidewall.
15.
When the water level has risen to just below the skimmer and return you will now bolt on the skimmer and return. Do NOT cut the skimmer liner hole until the skimmer is attached. It is HIGHLY RECOMMENDED that you replace skimmer and return gaskets before placing the skimmer and return back on the pool. Once the entire assembly is attached, VERY CAREFULLY cut the liner out INSIDE the faceplate. Use a very sharp pocketknife or razor knife. As for the return, you may need to cut out the liner BEFORE attaching the return. If so, carefully cut out the liner with a sharp pocketknife or razor knife. Take your time and keep the cut round. If your cut is too big to be covered by the return gasket, the pool will leak.
16.
Continue to fill and check for leaks at the skimmer and return. If necessary, gently tighten the two to eliminate any leaks.
About the Author: David Phelps, owner of LinerWorld, has facilitated a swimming pool products company for the last 20 years, with his specialty being above ground swimming pools. He received his certification from the National Spa & Pool Institute for Tech 1, and has used this certification to improve the sales and services of his company. David has sold products and serviced tens of thousands of swimming pools across the USA.
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