If you’re a proud owner of an inground pool, you know the importance of keeping it in top shape. However, wear and tear can cause the pool liner track to break down, leading to leaks and other damage. Fear not, replacing the liner track is a relatively simple process that you can do yourself with the right guidance.
Learning how to install inground pool liner track can save you a lot of money in repair costs and ensure your pool is always in tip-top condition. The process involves removing the old track, preparing the new track, securing it in place, and finally, installing the new liner. In this article, we’ll provide you with a step-by-step guide on how to install an inground pool liner track in seven simple steps.
Before we dive in, it’s essential to note that installing a pool liner track can be a challenging task, especially if you’re not familiar with pool maintenance. But with a little bit of patience, attention to detail, and the right tools, anyone can do it. So, let’s get started!
Now that you know the benefits of installing your inground pool liner track and are ready to dive in, let’s begin with step one.
Table of Contents
Step 1: Clearing the Pool Area
Before you can start installing your inground pool liner track, you need to clear the area around the pool. This means removing all objects, including chairs, tables, and any pool accessories. This will ensure that you have enough space to work around the pool without any obstructions. Remember, safety should always come first. Make sure you have enough space to move around the pool freely.
The next step is to drain your pool to expose the entire area where the liner track is installed. You will also need to remove the pool stairs, ladders, and any other objects that may get in the way of the liner track installation. Be sure to clean the area thoroughly to remove any debris, dirt, or leaves that may have accumulated on the surface of the pool.
After you’ve drained and cleaned the pool, it’s time to inspect the pool walls and floor for any damages. This is important because the liner track needs to be secured to a solid surface. If there are any damages, you will need to repair them before proceeding. Look for cracks, holes, or any other damage that may affect the installation of the new liner track.
Once you’ve completed your inspection and repair work, it’s time to measure the pool area to determine the amount of new liner track you will need. This is a crucial step, so make sure to take accurate measurements to avoid any mistakes. Remember to take into account the depth of the pool, as well as any steps, angles, or curves in the pool area.
Finally, it’s important to prepare the tools and equipment needed for the installation. Some of the tools and equipment you will need include a liner track, a measuring tape, a utility knife, and a hacksaw. Having all the necessary tools and equipment on hand will help you save time and avoid any unnecessary delays.
Assessing the Pool Area
Before clearing the pool area, you should first assess it for any potential hazards. Look for any sharp objects, large rocks, or debris that might get in the way. Mark these areas with caution tape to ensure that everyone knows to avoid them.
You should also check for any damage to the pool walls or floor. If there are any cracks or holes, it’s best to get them repaired before proceeding with the installation of the new inground pool liner track.
If you have any underwater lights or other fixtures, you’ll need to remove them before clearing the pool area. Make sure to keep them in a safe place, where they won’t get damaged or misplaced.
If there are any plants or landscaping around the pool, make sure to protect them from any debris or damage that might occur during the clearing process. You can use tarps or other protective materials to cover them.
Once you have assessed the pool area and taken the necessary precautions, you can begin clearing the area of any debris or objects that might get in the way of the installation process.
Draining the Pool
The next step in replacing the inground pool liner track is to drain the pool completely. Pool pump should be turned off, and the drain plug should be removed.
It is essential to drain the pool properly to avoid any damage to the pool structure. You can use a submersible pump or a garden hose to drain the water. It is important to note that the water should not be drained all at once.
As the water level drops, it is essential to keep an eye on the skimmer and return jets. Once the water level is below these fixtures, you can remove them carefully.
You should also remove any debris from the pool as the water level drops. This includes leaves, twigs, and other materials that may have accumulated in the pool.
Once the pool is drained, you can move on to the next step in the process, which is removing the old liner track.
Step 2: Removing the Old Track
Assess the condition of the old track: Before you start removing the old track, assess its condition. If it is heavily damaged or worn, you may need to replace it entirely.
Drain any remaining water: Once you have assessed the track, drain any remaining water from the pool. This will make it easier to access and remove the old track.
Remove the pool coping: The pool coping is the decorative edge around the top of the pool. Use a pry bar or similar tool to remove the coping, exposing the old track beneath it.
Remove the old track: Use a track removal tool or a pry bar to carefully remove the old track. Take care not to damage the pool walls or the pool bottom during this process.
Clean the pool area: Once the old track has been removed, clean the pool area thoroughly. Remove any debris, dirt, or old adhesive from the track area.
Removing the Old Liner
Before removing the old liner, make sure to clean the pool walls and bottom thoroughly. This ensures that no debris or dirt is left behind that could damage the new liner.
Next, remove the coping strips that are holding the liner in place. You can do this using a flathead screwdriver or a special coping strip removal tool.
After that, carefully peel the old liner away from the pool walls and bottom. Be sure to fold it neatly to avoid creating a mess.
If there are any sharp edges or rough spots on the pool walls or bottom, use sandpaper to smooth them out. This will prevent the new liner from getting punctured or torn.
Finally, dispose of the old liner properly according to your local regulations. Some areas require liners to be taken to a specific disposal facility, so be sure to check before disposing of it.
Detaching the Old Track
Once you have removed the old liner, it’s time to detach the old track. Use a screwdriver to remove any screws that are holding the track in place. Make sure to keep the screws in a safe place so you can use them later.
After the screws are removed, use a pry bar or a chisel to gently detach the track from the pool wall. Be careful not to damage the wall as you remove the track. If the track is glued or nailed to the wall, use a putty knife to separate it.
Remove the old track in sections, starting at one end of the pool and working your way around. Once the old track is completely removed, inspect the pool wall for any damage or corrosion. If there is any damage, repair it before installing the new track.
Note: Detaching the old track can be a difficult and time-consuming process. It’s important to be patient and take your time to avoid damaging the pool wall or the new track.
Pro Tip: Wear gloves and eye protection while removing the old track to avoid injury from sharp edges or debris.
Step 3: Preparing the New Track
Measure the Pool – To ensure that you have enough new liner track for your pool, measure the perimeter of your pool. Add a few extra feet to the measurement for good measure.
Unrolling the Track – After measuring, unroll the new liner track in the sun for a few hours to help soften it and make it more pliable for installation.
Trimming the Track – Cut off any excess material from the new liner track with a utility knife or scissors. Be sure to cut the track precisely to fit the pool’s perimeter.
Cleaning the Track – Remove any debris or dirt from the new liner track with a soft brush and some soap and water. Make sure it is completely clean before installation.
Measuring and Cutting the New Track
Step 1: Begin by measuring the length and width of your pool’s interior.
Step 2: Using those measurements, cut the new liner track to size with a hacksaw or similar cutting tool.
Step 3: Be sure to make precise cuts so that the track fits snugly into place.
Step 4: Test the fit of the new track by laying it into the track channel around the pool’s interior.
With the new track properly cut and fitted, you can move on to the next step of the installation process.
Step 4: Securing the New Track
Apply Adhesive: Apply adhesive to the bottom of the track and to the sides of the pool walls, following the manufacturer’s instructions. This will ensure that the new track stays in place and is watertight.
Install the Track: Starting at one end of the pool, carefully install the new track, making sure it is lined up correctly with the pool walls. Use a rubber mallet to tap it into place, and use clamps to hold it in place while the adhesive dries.
Install the Coping: After the adhesive has dried, install the coping over the track. The coping provides a finished look and helps to hold the liner in place. Secure the coping with screws or other hardware as specified by the manufacturer.
Test the Track: After the coping is installed, test the track to ensure that it is secure and that there are no leaks. Fill the pool with water and watch for any signs of leaks or movement in the track. If there are any issues, address them before moving on to the next step.
With the new track installed and secured, your pool will be ready for a new liner. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for installing the liner, and you’ll be back to swimming in no time.
Positioning the New Track
Before securing the new track, it’s important to ensure that it is positioned correctly. Alignment is key in this step. The new track must be centered and straight, with the same curvature as the pool wall.
Use a measuring tape to ensure that the track is equidistant from the pool wall on both sides. The ends of the track should also be flush with the pool wall.
Once the track is positioned correctly, secure it to the pool wall using the mounting hardware. Make sure the screws are tight, but not overtightened, as this can damage the track.
After securing the track, it’s important to check that it is still properly aligned. If any adjustments need to be made, loosen the screws slightly and reposition the track before tightening the screws again.
Step 5: Installing the Liner
Now that the new track is secured, it’s time to install the new liner. This step will ensure that your pool stays waterproof and in great condition for years to come. Here are the steps to follow:
Unroll the Liner: Start by unrolling the liner and letting it sit in the sun for a while. This will help to soften it up and make it easier to work with.
Position the Liner: Next, position the liner over the track and make sure it’s centered. You can use some bricks or other heavy objects to hold it in place while you work.
Attach the Liner: Starting at one end of the pool, attach the liner to the track using a liner lock. Be sure to smooth out any wrinkles or bubbles as you go.
Trim the Liner: Once the liner is attached, trim off any excess material using a sharp knife or scissors. Be careful not to cut the liner too short.
Fill the Pool: Finally, it’s time to fill the pool with water. Be sure to monitor the water level and adjust as necessary. Once the pool is full, you’re ready to enjoy it!
Attaching the Liner to the Track
- Align the liner over the track, ensuring it is centered and straight.
- Starting at one end of the track, place the liner into the track’s groove, using a rubber mallet to secure it in place.
- Continue placing the liner into the track’s groove, working your way along the entire length of the track.
- Trim off any excess liner with a utility knife, being careful not to damage the liner or the track.
- Smooth out any wrinkles or bubbles in the liner using a pool roller or a clean towel.
Once the liner is securely attached to the track, it’s time to fill the pool with water and enjoy a refreshing swim!
Filling the Pool with Water
Once the liner is securely attached to the track, it’s time to fill the pool with water. Before starting, it’s important to make sure the water supply is clean and free of debris. Additionally, make sure that the water level is high enough to cover the skimmer and return fittings.
As the pool is being filled with water, it’s important to constantly check the water level and adjust the flow of water accordingly. Once the water level reaches about halfway up the skimmer opening, the skimmer can be turned on to begin filtering the water.
It’s recommended to continue filling the pool until the water level is about 2/3 of the way up the opening of the skimmer. At this point, the pump can be turned on to begin circulating the water throughout the pool.
Frequently Asked Questions
What materials do I need to install an inground pool liner track?
To install an inground pool liner track, you will need a liner, track, coping strips, gaskets, and a coping wrench. These materials can be found at pool supply stores or online retailers.
What is the process for removing the old liner track?
To remove the old liner track, first, drain the pool and remove any pool fixtures that may interfere with the track. Then, use a coping wrench to loosen and remove the screws that secure the track. Finally, use a pry bar to gently lift and remove the old track.
How do I measure and cut the new liner track?
To measure and cut the new liner track, measure the length and width of the pool and add an additional 1-2 inches to the measurements. Then, cut the track to size using a hacksaw or reciprocating saw. Be sure to wear protective gear and take proper safety precautions.
How do I attach the new liner to the track?
To attach the new liner to the track, first, place the liner in the pool and position it over the track. Then, use coping strips to secure the liner to the track. Start at one end and work your way around the pool, stretching the liner as you go to ensure a snug fit.
How do I fill the pool with water after installing the liner track?
To fill the pool with water after installing the liner track, first, remove any debris from the bottom of the pool. Then, turn on the pool’s pump and fill the pool with water using a garden hose. Be sure to monitor the water level and adjust the pool’s chemicals as needed.