Pool Accessory Problems - Swim University® https://www.swimuniversity.com/tag/pool-accessory-problems/ The Ultimate Guide to Pool & Hot Tub Care Tue, 08 Nov 2022 23:59:15 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.1.1 Pool Leak Detection: How To Quickly Find The Leak Yourself https://www.swimuniversity.com/pool-leak/ https://www.swimuniversity.com/pool-leak/#respond Fri, 18 Feb 2022 12:00:12 +0000 http://www.swimuniversity.com/?p=5691 In this guide, we'll show you how to find and fix a pool leak quickly using two proven methods with plenty of tips and tricks.

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Pool leaks can occur anywhere in your pool. But before you start searching for a leak, you’ll need to rule out a few issues like evaporation or a crack in the filter system plumbing.

Here’s a quick guide on how to find a pool leak and how to fix it yourself. You can watch the quick video below. Or keep reading for the complete pool leak detection tutorial.

How Can You Tell Where Your Pool is Leaking?

Before you run any tests inside your pool, you’ll need to make sure the leak isn’t happening somewhere inside your plumbing or pool equipment. Start by checking your entire filter system area. That includes your pool pump, filter, heater, chlorinator, and any O-ring or connections where you might be losing water. Luckily, these leaks are easy to access.

However, there’s a chance there could be a leak in a part of your plumbing you can’t see. And if you have an inground swimming pool, leaks can happen in cracked piping underground. Regardless, even if you’re not sure if you have a plumbing leak, you’ll first need to test your pool to make sure that you’re not losing water to evaporation.

Does Your Pool Have a Leak or is it Evaporation?

The first step to pool leak detection is to determine if you’re losing water to evaporation. Then, you’ll narrow down the source of the leak. You can do this with the Bucket Test or the Ink Test.

Pool Leak Detection: Bucket Test

This DIY method is easy to do and you likely already have all the supplies you need:

  1. Place and Fill the Bucket. Put your empty 5-gallon bucket in the water on the second step of your pool. Fill the bucket with water to match the pool’s water level. Use the marker or duct tape to mark this level inside the bucket.
  2. Turn Off the Pump. Turn off the recirculating pump as well as any other auto-refill device you may have.
  3. Compare Water Levels. Wait 24 hours and compare the pool water level to the level of water in the bucket. If both the pool and the bucket water have gone down but remain even, your pool is losing water due to evaporation. But if the swimming pool level is now lower than the level in the bucket, you likely have a leak.
  4. Repeat with Pump On. To narrow down the possible source of the leak, repeat the test for another 24-hour period, this time with the pump on.
  5. Compare New Results. If the water loss in the pool is greater with water circulating under pressure, the leak is most likely somewhere in your pool’s filter system or plumbing.

Pool Leak Bucket Test

By the way, if you want more help whenever you’ve got trouble with your pool, check out our easy-to-follow Pool Care Video Course.

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Pool Leak Detection: Dye Test

This method will help you find the exact location of the leak, but it’s a little more involved. You’ll need to purchase a leak finder dye to add directly to your pool water. It’s also handy to have some waterproof tape on hand for marking potential leaky spots in your pool.

  1. Check the Ground and Walls Around the Pool for Wetness. If the ground is wet where it shouldn’t be, your pool is likely leaking somewhere near that area and seeping somewhere in the ground. Keep narrowing it down as much as possible before using the leak finder dye.
  2. Turn Off the Pump and Water Features. You’ll need the water to be as still as possible before using the dye to help find the location of the leak. This will also help you detect leaks in or near the skimmer.
  3. Use the Pool Leak Detection Dye to Pinpoint the Leak. Go to the edge of the swimming pool in the area where you think the leak might be. Without touching the water, squirt the dye in the water close to the surface and the wall. If the leak is near, you will see the dye move towards the exaction location of the leak like a current.
  4. Mark the Spot for Patching. Use waterproof tape to mark the spot where you spotted the leak detection dye moving towards. This is to help you remember where you need to patch the leak.

If you suspect your leak is at the bottom of your pool, you’ll need a pair of goggles and swim to the bottom to perform the leak finder test. But you’ll need to be as still as possible when you run the test so the dye doesn’t go everywhere.

If you have a concrete pool or gunite pool and it’s developed cracks, especially where the plastic skimmer meets the pool wall, you’ll need some plaster repair. Check out our complete step-by-step guide on How To Repair Plaster in a Pool. But if your pool has a vinyl liner, you can repair the patch yourself.

How To Fix a Leak in Your Pool’s Vinyl Liner

Leak repair is fairly straightforward in a vinyl liner pool. And a well-placed, quality pool patch can last for years. But no matter what method you use to repair your pool’s liner, patches are temporary. And the bigger your tear, the more likely it will snag or peel off over time.

So before you do any repair, decide if your liner is worth trying to patch or if it’s time to replace it altogether. The older the liner, the thinner it’s become and the more prone it is to spring leaks in the future.

And keep in mind that any area close to the stairs or near your pool’s fittings is being pulled by the weight of your pool water. They’re under more duress than other areas of your pool, so patches there may be less likely to hold up in the long run.

If you do want to repair the leak, there are three methods to choose from and all of them can be used underwater or dry. Do not drain your pool to fix a leak. You shouldn’t need to drain any of your water to apply a patch to a leak. Draining out too much water in an above ground pool can cause the walls to collapse. And emptying out any pool with a vinyl liner will dry it out, making the liner brittle. So plan to patch the liner underwater, unless the leak happens to be dry and above the waterline.

1. Waterproof Tape

Similar to duct tape, this tape is clear, waterproof, and resistant to UV rays. You can overlap this tape if you need to patch large sections. It’s the lowest cost option and the easiest to re-do if you make a mistake. But it’s best for smaller leak repair as it tends to peel over time.

2. Peel-and-Stick Patches

These patches are made of real vinyl and designed specifically for pools. Some patches are pre-cut into round shapes, making them less likely to peel around the edges. They’re also inexpensive and easy to use: simply remove the backing and press of the leak. But they’re also best used on smaller tears or punctures.

3. Vinyl Patch Kit

If you have a larger hole to repair or you want a longer-term solution, use a vinyl patch kit. These kits come with large chunks of blue or clear liner and special underwater vinyl adhesive. These are more complicated to use but they’ll last longer than waterproof tape or a peel-and-stick patch.

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If you need more help patching a vinyl liner underwater, check out our guide on How to Patch a Pool Liner.

When To Ask a Professional to Test and Repair a Pool Leak

Pool leak detection services cost several hundred dollars. And while some pool companies might include minor patch jobs in the price, it’s worth it for any pool owner to try some of these methods before paying for a professional to come in.

But if you’re a homeowner with an inground pool and you suspect the leak is underground in your plumbing, you’ll need to call in a pool professional to pressure test the lines for possible cracks.

Remember, if swimming pool leak detection—or any other pool repair—becomes too difficult, or you’re not sure you’re getting the right results, it’s worth consulting a professional

Need More Pool Maintenance Help?

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Polaris Pool Cleaner Troubleshooting Made Easy https://www.swimuniversity.com/polaris-pool-cleaner-troubleshooting/ https://www.swimuniversity.com/polaris-pool-cleaner-troubleshooting/#respond Tue, 05 Mar 2019 12:00:26 +0000 http://www.swimuniversity.com/?p=6979 Has your Polaris pool cleaner stopped moving? Don't worry, we've got you covered. Check out these 5 troubleshooting tips to get your Polaris cleaning again.

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A pool cleaner is one of the best investments you can make. It can save you a ton of time that you’d otherwise spend vacuuming and skimming your pool yourself. If you’ve ever let a robotic vacuum loose in your house, you know how awesome it can be to have a little device doing the hard work for you while you do, well, anything else.

One of the best-known brands in pool cleaners is Polaris, and for good reason. They’re reliable, they work well, and let’s face it, they’re cute little underwater robots. But like any mechanical device, they sometimes malfunction. Before you just toss it and go back to manual cleaning, try your hand at Polaris pool cleaner troubleshooting. Identifying the problem is half the battle.

Polaris Pool Cleaner Troubleshooting Tips

Lots of things can go wrong with a pool cleaner, including damage from things like falling tree limbs, animals, and even the sun. Of course, these are much more likely if you leave your Polaris pool cleaner out in the open instead of storing it in a shed or garage.

We’ll assume you’re putting your pool cleaner away when you’re not using it and focus on problems that can crop up while it’s in use.

Your Polaris Pool Cleaner Stops Moving

A common problem with automatic pool cleaners is they simply stop moving. There it is, happily vacuuming the bottom of your pool, when it suddenly just stops. You wait a few minutes to see if it’ll restart on its own, but no, it continues to sit there, waiting to be rescued.

A handful of problems may cause this stalling out.

Broken Booster Pump

If you’re not getting strong pressure from the return line you connect to the pool cleaner, it could be that the pump, filter, or the cleaner’s booster pump is malfunctioning.

Check your pump and filter first. If they’re working fine, you’ve narrowed it down to the booster pump. While it could be repaired, the time and expense in fixing it will probably add up to more than the cost of replacing it.

Note: Zodiac is the parent company of Polaris, so if you need to buy any new parts for your Polaris cleaner, they may be sold under the Zodiac name. Double check their parameters before buying to be sure they’ll fit your model.

Clogged or Broken Quick Disconnect

Your Polaris pool cleaner’s hose is attached to the return jet with a small piece called a quick disconnect. Inside this piece, there’s a screen to catch debris coming from your filter so that it doesn’t enter the pool cleaner. If that screen becomes clogged, your pool cleaner will protest by freezing in place.

Check the screen to make sure it’s clean and free of any sand or debris. If it’s clogged, detach it from the hose and return jet, and rinse it to dislodge and dispose of the debris.

While you have it detached, also check to see whether the the quick disconnect is broken. If it is, it’ll leak water and prevent the pool cleaner from getting the right amount of pressure, which will stall it. If it is broken, you’ll need to replace it.

Leaky Float Hose

A pool cleaner works by sucking up water and debris from the pool, capturing the debris in a filter bag, and then returning the clean water to the pool. The water is returned via the float hose, which runs from the pool cleaner to the return jet.

A leak in that hose will reduce pressure in the cleaner, stopping it in its tracks. If you find any leaks in the hose, you could try to seal them with waterproof tape. That may work for a while, but will eventually fail, and you’ll be right back where you started. You’re better off simply replacing the hose.

Leaky Back-Up Valve

A large, white device located on the Polaris hose, the back-up valve fires high-pressure bursts of water through its nozzle, which moves the cleaner, enabling it to clean the pool. If it’s leaky, or you notice it constantly spraying water, it needs to be replaced.

Broken Belts

Just like an indoor vacuum cleaner, a Polaris pool cleaner relies on drive belts that allow the wheels to turn. If a belt breaks, guess what? Yup. The cleaner comes to a screeching halt. Well, maybe not screeching. It is underwater, after all.

Anyway, if the back-up valve is working, and the tail is waving back and forth, but the wheels aren’t turning, sounds like a broken belt. Luckily, this is one of the easier Polaris pool cleaner troubleshooting methods.

Simply lift the cleaner from the bottom of the pool, and check to see whether all the wheels turn. If they don’t, open up the cleaner, and locate the belts to see whether they’re damaged. You may have a little trouble finding them if they have indeed snapped. There’s no repair to be made here. You’ll just need to pick up a new set of belts.

Disconnected Internal Tubing

A Polaris cleaner has water tubes inside that direct pressure throughout the cleaning unit. They can sometimes become disconnected, which reduces the internal pressure, which makes the cleaner stop moving.

Open up the cleaner and make sure all the internal tubing is connected the way it’s supposed to be. You’ll be able to tell if it’s not. The fix should be as easy as simply reattaching them, but if they won’t stay on their own, you may need to use hose clamps to keep them in place.

Your Polaris Pool Cleaner Gets All Tangled Up

So it’s not that your cleaner has stopped moving. In fact, it’s moving around the pool so well, it’s gotten itself all wrapped up in its own hose or power cable, so it’s basically holding itself hostage until you pay a ransom. Or, well, until you untangle it.

How can you avoid tangles and keep your pool cleaner running smoothly?

Shorten the Hose Length

One of the first steps in Polaris pool cleaner troubleshooting for tangles is to check the hose length. You do need a little play in the hose so the cleaner can move freely, but a too-long hose will have a hard time swiveling along with the cleaner.

It’s easy to figure out how long the hose needs to be.

  1. Connect the hose to the quick disconnect in the pool wall.
  2. Hold the other end of the hose, and walk to the point of the pool farthest from the wall connection. There should be enough hose to reach that point, plus or minus about six inches.

If it’s too long, you’ll need to cut it.

  1. Measure the depth at the deepest part of your pool.
  2. Cut the lead hose section (the first part of the hose that is connected directly to the cleaner) to match the pool’s depth.
  3. Run the hose from the wall port to the farthest point again. If it’s still too long, cut equal portions from the remaining hose segments.
  4. Reassemble the pool cleaner and let it loose!

Stretch Out the Hoses and Cables

Sometimes, the reason hoses and cables become tangled is because they’re stiff and not pliable enough to move freely as the cleaner works. You can use the power of the sun to help alleviate this.

On a warm, sunny day, completely disconnect the float hose and power cable. Then stretch them out across your lawn or driveway, anywhere you have room for them to be fully laid out. Work out any tangles or kinks so they’re straight.

Leave them in the sun for two or three hours. The warmth will soften the plastic a little, making them more pliable so when they go back into the water, they’ll be able to move around better with the cleaner as it works.

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Check the Connectors

In order to avoid tangling, the hose needs to move freely, and the swivel connectors that join the hose segments are what allow this movement.

Actually, it’s small ball bearings inside the connectors that create the swivel action. If those ball bearings can’t roll, the connectors can’t swivel, the hose can’t move properly, and you have a tangle on your hands.

Check the connectors to ensure they move freely. If they don’t, apply a little waterproof lubricant to ball bearings. If this doesn’t help, you may need to replace the connectors.

Measure the Cleaner’s RPMs

The wheels on your pool cleaner are designed to work at a specific revolutions per minute (RPM) setting. If the wheels lack resistance, and the RPMs are too high, the wheels will turn faster than they should, and the hose may become tangled.

Not only that, but if the cleaner’s wheels rotate too slowly, it won’t be able to get around the pool well. If they rotate too quickly, the cleaner will lift off the floor, and won’t be able to vacuum properly. Adjusting the wheel’s RPMs will fix both problems, as well as helping to prevent tangles.

  1. Check the owner’s manual to find the recommended RPMs for your pool cleaner model.
  2. Using a marker, put a small line on one tire.
  3. Note the starting point (where the mark is).
  4. Turn the cleaner on, and submerge it just below the pool surface.
  5. Set a timer for one minute.
  6. Count one tire rotation each time your mark passes the starting point.
  7. When the minute is up, compare the RPMs you counted to the manual’s recommendation to ensure the total falls somewhere within that range.
  8. If it doesn’t, adjust as necessary, and repeat the test until you achieve the appropriate RPMs.

While you’re at it, check the wheels for wear and tear. If they appear damaged or worn down, replace them before putting your cleaner back in the pool.

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Check the Weather

If you run your pool cleaner when the weather is cooler, you’ll lose that benefit of having softened up the hose and cable by laying them out in the sun. They’ll harden up again, which will increase the probability of tangling.

The first solution is to avoid running your cleaner when the temperature dips below 70°F (21°C). If you absolutely have to run it in cool weather, try laying the hose and cable out in the sun for a little while before putting the cleaner in the pool. Then keep an eye on the cleaner as it works so you can untangle any knots as soon as they occur.

Add More Hose Floats

In order to work properly, move around, and keep from getting tangled, your pool cleaner’s hose needs to float. Otherwise, it’ll just get dragged around the bottom of the pool, and end up in knots.

The solution is easy. Add more hose floats! Just take care not to add so many that the cleaner can’t even sink to the bottom anymore.

When All Else Fails …

Sometimes, no matter what you do, the hose will continue to get tangled. This is especially true if it’s ever become so badly tangled that it’s kinked. If this happens, order a replacement hose. Just be sure to check that it will fit your Polaris pool cleaner model.

When you get your new hose, stretch it out in the sun for a few hours before using it. This will give it a bit of a head start in avoiding tangles.

You’re a Troubleshooting Pro!

There’s no stopping you now! You’ll be able to tackle all kinds of Polaris pool cleaner troubleshooting, quickly fix some common problems, and save yourself some money. Plus, you’ll help your device do its job, keeping your pool cleaner so you can enjoy it more.

Remember, if all else fails, you can always take it to your local Polaris dealer and have them take a look at it for you.

Happy Swimming!

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How To Change a Pool Light Bulb https://www.swimuniversity.com/pool-light-bulb/ https://www.swimuniversity.com/pool-light-bulb/#respond Mon, 18 Feb 2019 12:00:47 +0000 http://www.swimuniversity.com/?p=11013 Who doesn’t love a nice late night swim? Your pool’s light is the unsung hero of the late night swim, giving you the light you need to enjoy your pool whenever you want, day or night.

Of course, a pool light that is lived its life and burned out won’t help you very much at all. Now, while you could call in the professionals to help you out, we believe that this is one repair that anyone can do themselves. To help you all out, we have put together this guide on how to change the light bulb in the pool so you can replace your light yourself with the need for outside assistance.

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Sure, swimming during the day is fun. There’s nothing like jumping into cool water on a hot day, and seeing the way the pool sparkles in the sunlight. But there’s a lot to be said for nighttime swims too. The water is often warmer than the cool evening air, there’s no chance of sunburn, and you can float on your back and look up at the stars. Beautiful.

That said, swimming in a pool at night isn’t nearly as fun without lighting. Who knows what kinds of deep-water monsters may be lurking beneath the surface, invisible and waiting? Even just one pool light bulb going out can make for a less comfortable swim. The good thing is, it’s easy to fix.

Pool Light Bulb Replacing and Upgrading

It’s a pretty straightforward task to replace a burned-out pool light bulb. But something to keep in mind is that your bulbs don’t have to be out for you to replace them.

You can also upgrade to brighter, more energy-efficient LED bulbs that burn a fraction of the energy traditional incandescent bulbs do. A lot of LED bulbs also have the ability to change colors, adding more fun to your evening pool parties and nighttime swims.

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If You Go Pro

Changing a pool light bulb sounds easy, and it is. But it’s important to remember that this isn’t like changing the light bulb in a lamp. You have the added risk of the bulb being submerged in water. And to change it, you’ll likely be in the water as well. And we don’t need to explain how electricity and water don’t mix, right?

So if you’re in any way uncomfortable with this task, hire a pro. Safety is always the number one priority, and a pool care professional will be able to change out a pool light bulb—or all of them, if you’re upgrading—quickly and easily.

If You Do DIY

Up for the challenge of changing out a pool light bulb yourself? We’re here for that! First, determine what kind of bulb is compatible with your pool, then make sure you have the right supplies on hand.

You’ll need:

  • Replacement pool light bulb
  • Replacement lens gasket
  • Philips and flathead screwdrivers
  • Multimeter
  • Dry towels (a few)

Ch-ch-ch-Changin’ That Pool Light

Safety always being the number one priority, be sure to read all the instructions before you begin, and don’t skip any steps.

1. Turn Off the Power

Remember, you will be touching wires when changing a pool light bulb, and you’ll probably be standing in water, or at least touching it. Before you do anything with any of your pool lights, check and then double check and then triple check to make sure there is no power whatsoever reaching your pool area.

1a. Drain Some Water from the Pool

This step is optional. If it will make it easier for you to reach and work on the light, by all means, drain a little water first. Just remember you’re going to have to replace it afterward, and add chemicals to get the water balanced again.

2. Remove the Pilot Screw from the Light

It’s most often found at the top of the light. The screw types vary, so you’ll need either a flathead or a Phillips screwdriver.

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3. Pry out the Fixture

Once the screw is removed, gently pry out the light from its fixture. In most cases, you’ll find you have plenty of extra wire to be able to remove the fixture from the pool and place it on the deck. Set it down on one of the towels to avoid scratching the lens.

4. Test the Wiring

Before you touch the wires with your bare hands, use the multimeter to be absolutely sure there’s no electricity running through them.

If there is, something hasn’t been turned off, so find it and turn it off before you proceed.

5. Take the Fixture Apart

Remove all the screws or clamps holding the fixture together, and pull apart the lens, lens gasket, and the face ring so you can reach the pool light bulb.

It’s possible that some or all of these parts may have become corroded over time, so be careful when disassembling them, and be sure not to do it over the water so no debris will fall in.

Wipe away any dirt or other debris with a dry towel. If the corrosion is bad enough to impede the installation of a new bulb, you may have to replace the entire assembly.

6. Remove the Old Light Bulb

Use a towel to grip the bulb, and slowly, carefully unscrew it. Once it’s out, use a towel to dry and clean the inside of the light fixture.

7. Add the New Light Bulb

Screw in the replacement pool light bulb slowly and carefully. Make sure it’s tight, but be careful not to tighten it too much. You risk breaking it that way. Install the lens gasket around the lens, and then reassemble the fixture.

8. Test the Light

Before you replace the fixture in the pool wall, turn on the power, and make sure the light comes on.

Important: Do this quickly as pool lights aren’t designed to function out of water for very long.

Even More Important: Once you’ve determined the light works, turn the power off again to finish the installation.

9. Check for Leaks

Submerge the fixture and make sure no air escapes from the sealed outer edges of the light. If you do see air bubbles, take the fixture back out of the water, and repeat the process of taking it apart, drying it inside, and putting it back together.

Then test it again, until you don’t see any air bubbles.

10. Replace the Light in the Pool Wall

Push the excess wiring back into the wall, then gently put the fixture back into position. Make sure the screw hole(s) in the fixture line up with the one(s) in the wall, then replace the screw(s).

11. Turn the Power Back On

Check one last time to make sure the light comes on. When it does, pat yourself on the back, and go for a celebratory swim!

Important: Just a reminder that if any of this sounds to you like you may as well go stick a fork into an outlet, don’t hesitate to hire a professional to do the job for you.

Pools Light Up Your Life

Now you can have friends over to enjoy the evening pool ambience, or just take a moonlight swim whenever you want. If you installed an LED light that switches colors, have a little fun pretending you’re swimming on another planet, or in a futuristic sci-fi movie.

The great thing is, once you’ve replaced one pool light bulb, it’ll be even easier to do it next time one of them burns out. And you can add another accolade to your DIY résumé.

Happy Swimming!

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How to Remove Pool Liner Wrinkles https://www.swimuniversity.com/pool-liner-wrinkles/ https://www.swimuniversity.com/pool-liner-wrinkles/#respond Tue, 15 Mar 2016 11:00:53 +0000 http://www.swimuniversity.com/?p=11034 There is nothing quite like the soft and slick feeling of a pool liner on your feet while you swim. However, sometimes those liners can become wrinkled. If that happens, what are you to do?

Dealing with pool liner wrinkles is just part of owning a pool with a liner, so you need to be prepared to deal with them when they happen. There are many ways you can remove wrinkles from a pool liner that are relatively easy for you to do yourself, although it will take a little bit of work.

The post How to Remove Pool Liner Wrinkles appeared first on Swim University®.

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There is nothing quite like the soft and slick feeling of a pool liner on your feet while you swim. However, sometimes those liners can become wrinkled. If that happens, what are you to do?

Dealing with pool liner wrinkles is just part of owning a pool with a liner, so you need to be prepared to deal with them when they happen. There are many ways you can remove wrinkles from a pool liner that are relatively easy for you to do yourself, although it will take a little bit of work.

Tips to Remove Pool Liner Wrinkles

If you have noticed wrinkles in the liner of your pool, then the time has come to act. Don’t allow those wrinkles to sit there for too long. The longer they are allowed to exist, the tougher it will be to get rid of them. Try the following tips to remove wrinkles from a pool liner so your feet don’t have to touch those ugly wrinkles whenever you go for a swim.

Tip 1 – Fill Your Pool

Sometimes pool liner wrinkles can form after the pool has sat for an extended period of time. If your pool water is low or you need to replace the water after it has sat there for a while, then try filling your pool with fresh water and slowly working the wrinkles out as you fill the pool.

Tip 2 – Start Walking

One of the easiest ways you can get rid of at least some of those pool liner wrinkles is by putting on some soft soled shoes and walking across the wrinkles gently stretching then from one side or another as you go. This will often take care of most minor wrinkles without you having to do anything else, but some wrinkles may be tougher to remove.

Tip 3 – Grab a Plunger

Believe it or not, a toilet plunger is a great tool for pulling out those pool liner wrinkles. Place the plunger on either side of the wrinkle and then plunge. This will pull the liner each way removing that wrinkle once and for all. Just make sure you use a clean, unused plunger for the task.

Tip 4 – Warm up the Pool

Liners often develop wrinkles in colder water. These colder temperatures cause the liner to harden forcing it to wrinkle. Before you try anything, you may want to consider trying to heat the water up to 92°F so the liner softens. You can then work out the wrinkles with a pool brush, your feet, or the plunger solution.

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Tip 5 – Drain the Water

Sometimes, pool liner wrinkles may be so bad that you have no choice but to completely empty the pool. Make sure you know how to drain a pool before you begin. This is especially important for inground pools, which can be heavily—and expensively—damaged if they’re emptied incorrectly.

Once all the water is gone, you can then use a Shop-Vac to suck out those wrinkles one by one. When you do this, make sure that the liner remains wet at all times and be sure you vacuum between the frame and the liner instead of directly on the liner as the shop vac could damage the liner.

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Tip 6 – Check Your Landscaping

Double check your landscaping to see if any trees, bushes or shrubs are directing water where it shouldn’t be, or even extending into your pool area. If you have noticed any shifting of the ground, you will need to take the proper steps to shore up the ground so it doesn’t continue to shift. Once this is done, you can get rid of those wrinkles and they shouldn’t return.

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Tip 7 – Watch for Leaks

One of the most dangerous causes of pool liner wrinkles can be small water leaks. These leaks allow water to get underneath the liner forcing it up in places. When this happens, you will need to locate the leak quickly and you may even have to drain the pool to patch it properly before you can start pulling out those unsightly wrinkles.

Tip 8 – Blow Out the Liner

If all else fails, you can try draining your pool and then blowing out the liner itself. Using a Shop-Vac in reverse, place the hose between the liner and the frame and turn it on. This will push air between the liner and frame and push those wrinkles right out of the liner. Once they have come out, reverse the suction again and pull out the excess air that you have pushed under your liner.

Tip 9 – Call in the Pros

No matter how much or how hard you work on your pool liner, sometimes you have to call in the professionals. Draining your pool regularly to try and fix wrinkles can put the structure of your pool in danger, not to mention cost you an arm and a leg in water bills. If you have tried everything and you still have wrinkles in your pool, then you may want to call for backup.

Tip 10 – Replace the Liner

I have to admit, sometimes you simply won’t be able to get those pool liner wrinkles out. Sometimes they are just there to stay and no amount of work will make any difference. If you have reached that point, then the time has come for you to replace that liner with a new one. Just make sure the new one is installed correctly so you don’t notice wrinkles forming in it soon after it has been installed.

A Wrinkle in Line(r)

Dealing with pool liner wrinkles is just part of owning a pool with a liner. These ten tips should help you remove those unsightly wrinkles so your pools liner is as smooth as it was the day it was installed. Remember, pool liner wrinkles look bad and feel even worse on your feet, and the longer they stay there the harder they will be to remove. So make sure you act fast.

By following these tips, you should be able to get rid of those pool liner wrinkles with just a little bit of hard work on your part. If you do run into problems, don’t be afraid to call in a professional to help you. In most cases, if you follow these tips you should be able to get rid of the wrinkles in your liner. Once they are gone, you can refill your pool and go back to enjoying a nice long swim to cool off in the warm weather.

Happy Swimming!

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