If you own an above ground pool in Rhode Island and the liner is faded, leaking or pulling away from the wall, you don’t have to replace the whole pool. We replace liners and full pools for homeowners in Providence, Kent and Bristol counties. Here’s how to tell what your pool needs, what a liner replacement involves, and when to book.

Step 1
What we do in Rhode Island

Our Rhode Island work is focused on two services:

• Liner replacements on existing above ground pools.
• Pool replacements, where we take down a worn-out pool and install a new one in its place.

Not sure if you’re in range? Call or send a photo and we’ll let you know. Site visits are always free.

Step 2
Does your liner need replacing?

Most above ground pool liners last 8 to 15 years, depending on water chemistry, sun exposure and how the pool is closed each winter. Common signs it’s time:

• The pool keeps losing water and you can’t find a single leak to patch.
• The liner is badly faded, stiff or cracking, especially at the waterline.
• The liner has pulled out of the track or slipped off the wall.
• Wrinkles that won’t relax, or a liner that has shrunk and looks stretched tight.
• Stains that won’t come out with normal cleaning.

For the full checklist, see 7 Signs Your Above Ground Pool Liner Needs Replacing and How Long Do Above Ground Pool Liners Last? If you’re losing water, rule out the easy causes first with Reasons Why Your Pool Is Losing Water.

Step 3
New liner or new pool?

A new liner only makes sense if the pool around it is still solid. The pool frame usually lasts 15 to 25 years, so an older pool may be ready for a full replacement instead.

We’ll look at the wall and frame during the free site visit and tell you honestly which one your pool needs. If it’s a full replacement, see Above Ground Pool Removal: What to Expect for what happens to the old pool.

Step 4
How a liner replacement works

1. Drain the pool and remove the old liner.
2. Inspect the wall and bottom. We check for rust, soft spots and anything that would damage the new liner.
3. Repair and smooth the base. Dips, rocks and footprints in the bottom get fixed now, because they’ll show through a new liner.
4. Hang the new liner and set it in the track or over the wall.
5. Fill and fit. We work out the wrinkles as the water comes up, then reinstall the skimmer and return.

For a closer look at each step, read 5 Successful Steps to a Perfect Pool Liner Replacement.

Step 5
Choosing the right liner

The style of liner you need depends on how your pool is built, and whether you have a deck. The most common types are:

• Overlap: goes over the top of the wall, and the outside edge folds up under the top rails. A great choice most of the time.
• Beaded: snaps into a bead track along the top of the wall, so the top of the pool doesn’t come apart. Ideal if you have a deck.
• J-Hook: hooks right over the wall, with no bead track to wear out.
• Uni-Bead: works as a J-Hook, or as a regular bead once the hook is cut off.

Compare them in 6 Pool Liner Attachments for Above Ground Pools, and browse patterns on our Pool Liners page.

Step 6
When to book

Spring is the busiest time of year for liner work, because most leaks and tears show up when covers come off. Booking over the winter gets your pool on the schedule early, so it’s ready to swim when the weather turns.