Replacing above ground pool liners can be quite a chore. Fortunately, these liners have quite a long lifespan. With proper care and maintenance, your liner can last from ten to fifteen years before requiring replacement, thanks to modern sturdy materials. Just remember that without a liner you are not going to have a pool.

Pool liners are made of vinyl. Most are rugged and designed to withstand the elements of hot sun and freezing temperatures. In addition, they can withstand the constant harsh chemical environment of a pool. Also, todays pool liners are more durable and able to withstand physical wear and tear better. Let's face it, playing in the pool, just grazing the pool liner with a sharp piece of jewelry, or a sharp nail will wear on the material, may even puncture the liner.

When replacing that pool liner there are some accessories that may help to extend the life of the pool as well as the liner. Considering not only the cost of the liner, but the labor involved, and it is easy to see why one should do whatever possible to extend the life time of the liner.

First, you may wish to consider a pool pad beneath the pool. You know the discomfort caused by even one rock working its way through to the top of the sand in the bottom of your pool. Pool pads, which can be made of foam or other materials can prevent problems with rocks. There are also pool pads that resist grass growth. These are of particular necessity in areas where Bermuda grass is a problem.

In addition, you may want to investigate the cost and necessity of a foam cove for your pool. When you installed the pool, you may have built a cove out of sand around the inside of the walls. This cove prevents the liner from budging out underneath the walls of the pool. Building a sand cove is a lot of work, and the coves often fail. A foam cove adheres to the bottom of the pool walls and prevents this problem.

Finally, you may wish to add wall foam. Wall foam protects your pool liner from wrinkles and protects the liner from any sharp edges of the pool wall. Protecting the liner from wrinkles will greatly extend it's life time.

Once you have installed all of these accessories for your above ground pool, here is one final tip that may help the installation process to go faster.

Have several helpers and keep everyone outside of the pool walls. You will need brooms and a shop vac. Gently place the liner into the pool and begin unfolding. Use clothes pins every eight to ten inches to hold the liner in place. Have your helpers work away from each other continuing to unfold and pin the liner. Once the liner is unfolded use the shop vac to pull it into place along the walls. Use the brooms to gently sweep away any wrinkles. Once the liner is in place, fill with water and add chemicals. Swim and enjoy knowing that your above ground pool liner will not have to be replaced for another ten years!