In-Ground Installation Guide

Disclaimer

NOTE: This guide may not answer all questions you may have and is not guaranteed to be a definitive answer for all installations. It is recommended to use a professional and/or reputable liner installer. 

Step 1: Draining and Removing the Old Liner

Begin by draining the pool completely. You can use a sump pump or the pool’s filter system set to the ‘waste’ or ‘drain’ setting. Once all water has been removed, carefully use a sharp utility knife to cut the old liner into sections that are easy to handle, typically about three to four feet wide. Roll up each section and remove them from the pool. Dispose of the old liner material in accordance with local guidelines. While the pool is empty, closely inspect both the floor and the walls for any pits, loose material, sharp edges, or rough spots. Make all necessary repairs and ensure that the surfaces are as smooth and clean as possible before moving on.

Step 2: Preparing the Pool Surface

Thoroughly sweep and clean any remaining dust, dirt, or debris from the pool walls and floor. Examine the pool walls for any damage, holes, or protruding hardware. Patch any holes or uneven areas. Cover panel seams, bolt heads, or rough areas with heavy duct tape or wall foam and adhesive. If your pool uses a sand or vermiculite base, dampen and re-level it with a trowel or broom. Walk on boards when inside the pool to avoid leaving footprints or dents in the surface. The goal is to create a smooth, consistent foundation for the new liner

Step 3: Hanging the New Liner

Unpack the new pool liner and lay it out in the sun for at least fifteen to thirty minutes so it can warm and become more pliable. With at least two people, position the liner inside the pool, ensuring that the seams and corners line up with the correct areas of the pool. Start by inserting the liner bead into the track at the shallow end corners. Continue working around the pool, placing the bead into the track and ensuring there are no twists or significant folds. Stand back and check that the liner hangs evenly, with the corners aligned.

Step 4: Setting the Liner with a Vacuum System

A liner vacuum system is critical for a wrinkle-free installation. For best results, use a professional pool liner vacuum, but a powerful wet/dry shop vacuum may suffice for smaller pools. Insert the vacuum hose behind the liner bead at a midpoint on one of the long pool walls, with the end of the hose extending about six totwelve inches above the pool floor. Seal the area around the hose entry and all other potential air leaks, such as the skimmer opening, return fittings, or light conduits, using duct tape or heavy cardboard. Switch on the vacuum. You should see the liner drawn tightly against the pool walls and floor within a few minutes. Keep the vacuum running throughout the initial filling process, as this will keep the liner tight and help eliminate wrinkles.

Step 5: Smoothing Out the Liner

With the vacuum running, carefully check for any wrinkles or air pockets. If wrinkles appear, momentarily turn off the vacuum and gently pull on the liner from the pool deck to redistribute any excess material. Use a soft broom or brush to smooth the liner from the center outward toward the walls. Once the liner is smooth, restart the vacuum and repeat the process as needed until the liner is sitting tightly and evenly against the pool shell. Make certain that the fitment is satisfactory before adding/starting water or cutting the liner anywhere.

Step 6: Installing the Main Drain and Fittings

When the liner is fully set by the vacuum and the pool has been filled with about eight to twelve inches of water in the deep end, it is time to install the main drain and other fittings.

Important: Never use a power drill, impact driver, or any powered tool to remove or install screws on faceplates, drain covers, or step fittings. Always use a hand screwdriver. Using powered tools can easily strip out screw heads or damage the plastic or fiberglass threads, leading to leaks or the need for costly repairs.

To install the main drain, position the gasket and ring on top of the liner over the drain. Insert each screw by hand, tightening each one gradually in a crisscross pattern to compress the gasket evenly. After all screws are secure, use a sharp utility knife to carefully cut out the liner from inside the drain ring, exposing the main
drain bucket. Install compliant cover(s) on trimmed drain assembly(ies).

Step 7: Filling the Pool and Installing Faceplates

Continue filling the pool, always keeping the vacuum system running until the water is at least ten inches above the shallow end floor. When the water reaches the skimmer, return, or light openings, install the corresponding faceplates and gaskets, again using only a hand screwdriver. Tighten the screws evenly but do not overtighten. Once the faceplates are in place, carefully cut away the liner material covering the openings from the inside edge of each plate. Keep monitoring the liner as the water level rises, smoothing out any minor wrinkles that appear. Continue filling until the pool water reaches its normal operating level. 

Step 8: System Start-Up and Final Inspection

Once the pool is completely full, reinstall any remaining fixtures, reconnect plumbing as needed, and start up the pool filtration system. Balance the water chemistry according to the manufacturer’s recommendations. Carefully inspect all fittings, seams, and faceplates for leaks over the next several days. Smooth out any minor wrinkles that may develop, and enjoy your newly lined pool.