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Installing your liner by yourself.

Congratulations! You've come to the most exciting part of the job: removing the old liner and putting the new one in. This can seem a daunting task for the homeowner who has never done it before, but you can do it by following the following simple instructions. Each manufacturer includes instructions with the liner that will ship to you - refer to those when installing your liner.

Step 1: Removing the old liner

  • Drain the pool. You can use a portable sump pump or rent a commercial pump from your local home improvement store.
    Make sure to get enough drain hose so that the water you are draining will not return to the pool area - running it directly into a storm drain is best.
  • Remove all faceplaces (skimmer, main drain, returns, etc.) and step gaskets. A drill will expedite this job.
  • Now is the time to cut liner into sections for easier removal. You can cut it into 2 to 4 pieces to make it easier; some also cut around the liner, 6" below the bead track, removing the bulk of the liner then returning to remove the small amount still in the bead track.
  • Inspect floor and walls for anything that might damage new liner. Take the time to make sure the floor is smooth and in good condition; duct tape all seams on the walls so they won't show through the liner.

Step 2: Install the new liner

  • Position liner at deep end, outside the pool, with arrow facing the shallow end.
  • Remove from box and unfold width-wise.
  • Have two people take the shallow-end corners and pull the liner to the shallow end, keeping the liner away from any sharp edges. Avoid dragging the liner across the pool bottom.
  • Snap the liner bead into the liner track, adjusting the liner so the seams are horizontal across the pool.
  • Along a long side of the liner, remove a small amount of the liner from bead and insert approximately 36" of vacuum hose behind the liner - take care not to let the hose touch the pool base.
  • Tape hose into place and cover skimmer to create an air-tight seal for vacuum.
  • Turn on vacuum and adjust fit of liner as it is suctioned.
  • When liner is pulled down snugly with no wrinkles, locate main drain by feel and install the gasket and faceplate. Once faceplate and gasket are screwed on, carefully cut out the liner material inside the main drain and install the cover.
  • Place garden hose in deep end of pool and start filling the pool. If desired, once there is 6" of water in the hopper, a water truck may be used to fill the rest of the pool.
  • When water is 6" deep in shallow end, remove vacuum and install step gasket/faceplates.
  • Once the water is 12" to 18" in the shallow end, the returns and skimmer gaskets/faceplates may be installed. Do not install these before those water levels, as the liner may stretch until then.

Step 2: Alternate way to install liner

  • Instead of positioning liner at deep end, you may position the liner in the center of the pool (arrow side facing shallow end) and unroll it from there. This is extremely helpful if you are running short on help.
  • Follow remaining instructions from above Step 2

The above instructions should only be considered as a general guide

You will need to follow the instructions that the liner manufacturer sends you along with your liner - they may have specific ways to install their liner that you will need to follow.
We cannot be held responsible if you follow the above instructions and the liner does not fit your pool.
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