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Drain The Pool If you are planning to replace the liner, it is best to leave the water in the pool as long as possible. This helps maintain the structural integrity of your pool and keeps the material behind the liner from drying out. When it is time to drain the pool, be sure you know where the water is going and that it is a place that will not damage other structures. Remove the LinerCarefully cut with scissors around any devices that bind your liner to the pool wall, but leave it attached to the track. The track is located at the top where the liner inserts into the wall. (Do you have a picture of this??) If your track is aluminum, check for the T locking strip that runs the length of the perimeter. This is used to keep the liner secured in place. Remove, clean, and keep this strip. Remove the old liner. If you don’t see this grey locking strap, you probably have a plastic track. If this is the case, then cut the liner a few inches from the edge. This allows you to more easily remove the old liner. Once you have trimmed the old liner away, take hold of the remainder of the material and lift upwards and out, being careful not to damage the track. This should release it from the lip that is keeping it in place. Next, remove any debris that may be in the track. This will ensure a smoother installation, and reduce the chance of damaging the liner or the track. Removing the Face Plates Remove Face Plates: Carefully remove all face plates and expose the fittings. Make sure the surfaces are smooth and clean for a good fit when reinstalling. Face plates may need to be replaced. Preparing the Walls Air Seal: Check your pool wall for cracks, as in plywood walled pools. Repair and seal these as necessary to ensure an air tight seal. You may choose to install additional siding to help preserve you liner. Concrete walls will probably be air tight already. Inspecting Pool Walls Inspecting Your Pool Walls: Look over all areas of the pool walls to remove any burrs or abrasive areas that could damage the new liner. Add mixture of base to areas with dips or lines. The Base: If the base of the pool is vermiculite, then check to make sure the surface is smooth and even. Patch where it is necessary with a 3 to 1 ratio of Vermiculite Pool Base and Portland cement. Add enough water until the mixture can be easily worked with a trowel. Be sure all rocks, sticks, and any debris is removed. Sand bottoms should be moistened and worked into place with a trowel. Keep sand at least 2 inches thick. Remove any sharp, large pieces of debris that could damage the liner. If the new liner is installed before the moisture is allowed to evaporate it will have a better bond. Cleaning The Floor For pools with the Vermiculite base, the floor should be swept or vacuumed very thoroughly to get every possible piece of debris. Be gentle on your floor and remember it is not concrete. Aligning The Box The Liner: The box that the liner comes in has a drawing indicating where to place the box in relation to your pool. Follow these directions. The liner will come wrapped in scrap pieces of vinyl for protection during shipping. Remove the liner carefully not letting it rest or brush against anything that could damage it. Unfolding The Liner: Then unfold the liner to the left and right of your pool until the width has been revealed. The liner is folded like an accordion, so that as it is unfolded, the print side is up. Take the top edge and begin carrying it over the far end of the pool. It is vital to have several people helping with this part. The liner should be lifted and not allowed to drag. Dragging causes stress and possible tears on the liner and may ruin the new work done to the surface of the pool floor. Aligning the LinerThis is a critical part. If the alignment is off, the liner will not fit right, have excess wrinkles, and be weakened. Take your time to make sure all corners fit’s and length’s are correct. The liner will come slightly smaller in certain places than your pool size to ensure a clean and tight fit but not enough to jeopardize its strength. For rounded walls use the seams or dimples of the liner as a guide for its proper location. Once aligned, begin fitting the liner bead into the track, starting with the deep end of your pool. If you have corners, attach these first. Work the bead into the track a few inches ever few feet until you reach the shallow end. Details If you come to an area that has too much or too little material, it will be necessary to remove part or all from the track and readjust. When alignment is certain, push the liner bead into the track, being extra sure that the bead lip is catching on to the track lip. Do this with the hands or very soft instruments being extra careful not to damage the liner. This can be a tricky and tedious part but it is crucial. If the bead is not secured, the weight of the water when added can pull the liner down making the reattaching even more difficult. When everything is done, double check again for any undue stress, or loose areas, and proper bead and track attachment. Achieving a Smooth Fit Locate the deck plate and remove the lid. Insert the nozzle of a Wet/Dry shop vacuum far enough down to reach the void area between the liner and the pool wall. Take wet towels and fit around the vacuum hose to create an air seal at the skimmer hole. Turn on the vacuum. This will take several minutes. This process may reveal new wrinkles. These wrinkles should be worked out so that the fit looks even and smooth. Do not assume that the weight of the water will smooth everything out evenly. It is true that some wrinkles, particularly around corner areas tend to come out with the weight of the water, but wrinkles that are curved or on the floor should be removed. Be Confident Work the liner until you are confident that the fit is correct. The vacuum should still be running at this time, holding the liner into the correct position. Adding the T Lock If you are adding T lock for extra support, add it at this time. It is best not to wear shoes on the new liner but, if you do, be sure they are clear of debris and sharp edges. Adding The Water With the vacuum still running, and the liner is in the correct and ready position, begin filling the pool. If there is a main drain at the bottom of your pool wait until the water has filled about 1 to 2 feet and then turn off the water. Carefully, and without shoes, walk down to the water. You will see a dip in the liner where the main drain is located. Screw the face plate into position. Make sure the attachment to the gasket is correct and complete and then cut out the vinyl from the center. Leave the vacuum running until the water is deep enough to keep the sides of the liner against the pool wall. Then turn off the vacuum. Installing Face Plate When the water reaches within 4 to 5 inches of a gasket, then install the face plates. Face plate installation must wait until the liner has been fully stretched or stress and wrinkles will result. Once a face plate is into position, be sure that the attachment is secure and then proceed to cut out the holes. Now finish filling up the pool. YOU’RE DONE - GOOD JOB!!!
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Pool Domes, Liners & Covers 
