Top 5 Signs It’s Time to Replace Your Swimming Pool Liner

Pool liners do not last forever. Even the best ones eventually start to show signs of wear and tear. Knowing when to replace your pool liner can save you from dealing with costly water leaks, liner failures, and major headaches during the swimming season. Whether you own an above ground or in-ground pool, these are the five signs that it might be time to start looking for a replacement.

1. Your Liner Is Faded or Discolored

Fading is one of the first signs that your liner is breaking down. Sunlight, pool chemicals, and time all take a toll on vinyl. A faded liner not only looks worn out, but it also means the material has lost flexibility and strength. This makes it more likely to crack or tear in the near future. If your pool liner has lost its color and feels stiff to the touch, it is probably nearing the end of its life.

2. You See Wrinkles or Pool Liner Shifting

Wrinkles in your pool liner are more than just cosmetic. They can trap dirt and debris, cause uncomfortable swimming surfaces, and lead to liner damage over time. Wrinkles often happen when a liner has stretched too much, shifted from its original placement, or lost elasticity. If you notice new creases or folds that will not smooth out, that is a good sign the liner may need to be replaced soon.

3. There Are Visible Cracks or Tears

Small tears can sometimes be patched, but once your liner starts to crack or split, patching is only a temporary fix. Vinyl becomes brittle with age, and even small cracks can turn into large rips with the pressure of water. If your liner has visible holes, peeling seams, or splits along the corners, replacement is usually the safest long-term option.

4. The Liner Is Coming Loose at the Top

In beaded liners, the top edge snaps into a track. If that edge begins to pull away or sag, it often means the vinyl has shrunk or lost its grip. For overlap liners, coping strips can slip if the liner is stretched or dried out. Either way, a liner that will not stay in place is a clear sign that it has reached the end of its usable life.

5. You Keep Losing Water and Can’t Find the Source

If you are refilling your pool more often than usual and there is no obvious leak in the plumbing, the liner could be the culprit. Tiny holes or weak spots can let water slowly escape. Sometimes these leaks are hard to detect, especially under the floor or behind wrinkles. If water loss continues even after checking your equipment, consider replacing the liner before it leads to damage underneath the pool.

How Long Should a Pool Liner Last?

Most pool liners last between 5 to 10 years, depending on water chemistry, sun exposure, liner thickness, and installation quality. Above ground pool liners tend to wear out a little faster than in-ground liners. If your liner is approaching that age range and you are noticing any of the signs above, it is smart to plan ahead.

Be Smart about it

Replacing your liner before it fails completely can save you time, money, and frustration. If you are already seeing the signs, don’t wait until the pool is losing water or becoming unsafe to use.

Need help choosing a new liner? Check out our full selection of above ground pool liners or reach out to our team for advice on the right size and fit for your pool.