If you’ve noticed an unsightly wrinkle in your pool liner, you’re not alone. Over time, wrinkles can develop in the liner for several reasons, including improper installation, age, or changes in temperature. While it’s natural for pool liners to experience some wear and tear, the good news is that most wrinkles can be fixed with the right approach. In this post, we’ll explain why wrinkles occur, and walk you through the steps to remove them, ensuring your pool stays looking pristine.

Why Do Wrinkles Appear in a Pool Liner?

Before diving into how to fix them, let’s take a look at the common causes of wrinkles in pool liners:

1. Water Level Fluctuations: If the water level in your pool is allowed to drop too low, it can cause the liner to lose tension, leading to wrinkles.
2. Temperature Changes: Extreme heat or cold can cause the liner to expand or contract, resulting in wrinkles, especially if the liner wasn’t properly installed.
3. Improper Installation: If the liner wasn’t fitted correctly or stretched properly during installation, it could cause wrinkles to appear over time.
4. Aging and Wear: As your pool liner ages, it becomes more prone to wrinkles. The vinyl material can lose its flexibility, making it harder to maintain a smooth appearance.
5. Inadequate Pool Water Chemistry: Poor pool water chemistry (such as low calcium levels) can cause the liner to become brittle and more likely to wrinkle.

How to Remove a Wrinkle from a Pool Liner

Removing a wrinkle from your pool liner can be a simple process, but it requires some patience and the right approach. Here are the steps you can take to get your liner back to its smooth, wrinkle-free state.

1. Identify the Location of the Wrinkle

The first step is to locate the wrinkle and determine its size and severity. If the wrinkle is small and isolated to one area of the pool, it’s likely fixable with just a little effort. If the wrinkle is large or extensive, the fix may be more complicated or require professional help.

2. Check the Water Level

One of the most common causes of wrinkles is fluctuating water levels. If your water level is too low, it can cause the liner to shift and wrinkle. Make sure the water level is at its proper height before attempting to fix the wrinkle. The water should be at the recommended level according to your pool manufacturer’s guidelines—usually about halfway up the skimmer.

3. Warm the Liner (If Necessary)

If the wrinkle is caused by cold temperatures, you may need to warm the liner up before it can stretch back into place. Vinyl liners tend to become less flexible in cold weather, making it difficult to smooth out wrinkles.

• Use the Sun: If possible, allow the sun to heat up the pool for a few hours. The warmth will help make the vinyl more pliable and easier to stretch.
• Use a Pool Heater: If you’re dealing with a cooler season and the sun isn’t enough, you can increase the water temperature in the pool using a pool heater. Aim for a water temperature of around 75°F to 85°F (24°C to 29°C) for best results.

4. Try to Smooth the Wrinkle by Hand

Once the pool liner has warmed up and the water level is at the proper height, try smoothing the wrinkle out by hand. Gently push or pull the liner in the direction of the wrinkle to release the tension. Be sure to do this slowly and carefully to avoid tearing the liner.

• Use Your Hands: If the wrinkle is near the pool’s walls, start by gently working the liner along the edges. For larger wrinkles that are closer to the bottom, you may need to get into the pool (or have a partner help you from the outside).
• Work From the Center: Start smoothing from the center of the wrinkle and work your way out to the edges. This will help to even out the tension and prevent the wrinkle from reappearing.

5. Use a Pool Vacuum to Help Smooth the Liner

In some cases, using a pool vacuum can help smooth out the liner. The vacuum’s suction can help pull the liner taut, reducing the appearance of wrinkles.

• Attach the Vacuum: Use a manual pool vacuum or an automatic pool cleaner to help pull the liner smooth. Set the vacuum in the area with the wrinkle and allow it to run for a while to create suction.
• Vacuum Slowly: Don’t rush the process. Let the vacuum gently pull the liner into place over time.

6. Consider Using a Liner Relaxer

If you’re dealing with particularly stubborn wrinkles, a liner relaxer could help. This is a chemical solution specifically designed to make vinyl pool liners more flexible and easier to work with. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions and apply it carefully to avoid damage to the liner.

7. Drain and Refill (If Necessary)

In some cases, it may be necessary to drain the pool to fix larger wrinkles, especially if the liner is old or improperly installed. If this is the case, draining the pool can give you better access to the area of the liner that needs attention.

• Partial Drain: If possible, drain only a portion of the water in the pool (enough to loosen the liner but not too much to cause other issues). This will allow you to adjust the liner and smooth out any wrinkles.
• Full Drain: If the wrinkle is widespread or deep, a full drain may be required to re-install or adjust the liner.

When to Call a Professional

If you’ve tried these methods and the wrinkle persists, it may be time to call a professional. A pool expert can assess the situation and determine if there is an issue with the liner’s installation, age, or material. Sometimes, a wrinkle may be a sign of a more significant problem, such as an underlying issue with the pool’s structure, that requires professional attention.

Conclusion

Wrinkles in a pool liner are a common issue. However, with the right tools and approach, most of them are removable. By addressing the water level, temperature, and tension in the liner, you can smooth out those wrinkles and keep your pool looking great. If you’re not able to fix the problem on your own, don’t hesitate to reach out to a professional for assistance. With a little patience and care, your pool liner will be wrinkle-free and looking beautiful again!

Have questions about your pool liner? Contact our team of pool professionals for even more expert advice!