replacing a 16x32 pool liner

[PoolDoc]

If you unhook it, and then replace it, it should be OK.

FWIW, I've never seen any data or evidence supporting the idea that thick liners last longer. Liner life is seems to be affected by (a) exposure to sun, (b) pool conditions (holes & washouts can 'kill' a liner), and (c) plasticizer loss (= embrittlement and loss of elasticity).

I think quality of the vinyl sheet material itself is the big factor. Unfortunately, there doesn't seem to be any way at all to distinguish 'good' sheet from 'average' sheet.

Almost all liners will last as long as the 'real' part of the liner warranty, so there's no help there, either. One AG builder here prefers thin cheap liners and thinks they usually last as long as thick expensive ones, providing the surfaces under the liner are intact.

Buying from a known vendor (one with a REAL location) and a 10+ year history of selling liners might be your best bet.

[Orion]

I just had the liner replaced by a guy I trust. We selected a design in 27 gauge thickness from Pegasus liners, which is a local company in New Jersey. My pool is 20x40 but otherwise looks almost exactly like yours. We had to make a rush job to be ready for the Princess's graduation party, so I paid a bit extra to expedite the manufacture in a few days instead of a few weeks. But it worked out well. Total cost all in was around $2800.

We pumped out the old water in about 3 hours, and then a team of three guys took the better part of the day to remove the old liner, patch the vermiculite base with fast-set material, then install the new liner.

Next, we turned on the hose and began to fill. It was taking so long, I hired a water company to truck in a load of water, which ran another $300. But again, I couldn't wait a week for the garden hose to dribble in 30,000+ gallons.

I did inquire as to the difference between 27 and 30 gauge thickness and my guy said it wasn't worth the cost differential. He installs about 50 liners each season, so I took his advice.