liner detaching and bottom floating

[chemstick]

When we bought the house in OH in the fall last year, we knew the liner was detaching and closed the pool this way (really having never used it), and planned on fixing it in the spring. However, today when we took the winter liner off, not only was the liner detached in the shallow end (as it was in the fall) but now it is detached all over and worse in the deep end. The coping remains intact, and we do not seem to have any leaks. It has also been an extremely wet spring and the bottom seems to be floating. Can this be fixed? If so, how? Do we need to buy a new liner? We owned a home in CT and never had any problems like this with our liner pool there. HELP! And thanks in advance!

[Watermom]

Anybody have any advice for this poster?

[waste]

The water under the liner is probably what helped push the rest of the liner out of the track - you've got drainage issues with your yard.

With the liner floating, it might be easier to get it back into the track (see the sticky in Pool Construction and Repair).

I'm more than happy to help with your issue(s) but it's really busy at work right now, so it may take me a couple days (and a "bump" from Watermom ;) )

[pigbat]

The floating liner is typical in a yard with poor drainage or in areas with a high water table. I have very good drainage but still get a little float about once a year during heavy rain. The water will seep back down after the ground dries and the liner typically goes back into place.

Getting the liner back in the track may be a bigger challenge depending on the age of the liner. They stretch much better when they're new. I've drained a couple feet of water from mine to get enough flexibility to reattach the liner in the past.

[chemstick]

Well, we hired a pool company to pump out the water and reattach the liner. Not great but at least we can use the pool this summer for our relatively short season. The liner is too stretched out to fall tight so we will likely need to buy a new one next year. But we think we found the leak...after finally getting the water clear. The liner is torn at the bottom drain in the deep end. Can this be repaired?

[waste]

Do you have SCUBA gear?

If so it might be worth trying a patch. I'm assuming that the tear is right at the main drain faceplate, please clarify for me and I'll tell you how I'd go about patching the tear.

[chemstick]

I don't have scuba gear but know someone who does. My husband tells me it looks like the liner has pulled away from the drain at least halfway around but is not torn. I have not had the chance to swim myself (long story) but will do so tomorrow and post firsthand.

[chemstick]

Thanks!!!!

[chemstick]

Sorry I didn't get back sooner. In addition to the over 6 in gash near the bottom drain, the corners are ripping, too. We have decided to install a new liner and stop putting money into this old clunker. Thanks for all the help!

[waste]

Sorry it can't just be patched! However, you've saved yourself a lot of work by 'biting the bullet' and getting a new liner.