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Pool liners are designed to be durable, but sometimes they can come off track. If they do, you’ll need to perform a liner pull – tucking and clipping the bead of the liner back into its track. If you need to perform a liner pull, it’s important to understand when it’s appropriate and how to do it to prevent damaging your pool.

Why Does a Pool Liner Come Off Its Track?Pool Services Oakville

1.       Opening the Pool

Over the winter, the weight of accumulated water and debris on your pool’s cover can pull the bead out of the track. When a pool service professional removes the cover while opening your pool, sometimes the bead doesn’t go back into place. You’ll reveal a pull when you fill your pool.

2.       New Liner Installation

It’s common for new liners to appear in the track during installation when in fact they are not. Pool openings or temperature fluctuations can expose those hidden weak spots, necessitating a liner pull.

3.       Long-Term Damage

Over time, the liner track can open up due to factors like water pressure and the age of the liner. The lip on the bead will no longer stay in the track by itself. Once the liner pull is done, a liner lock or retainer strip will be needed to temporarily hold the liner in the track.

How do I Fix a Pulled Liner?

For small liner pulls:

  • Boil a kettle of water.
  • Pour boiling water onto the vinyl liner.
  • Pull the vinyl up and place it back in the track (Be careful! The liner will be hot).
  • Push with your thumb to ensure the liner bead is securely in the track. If it doesn’t stay in, you may need a retainer strip (i.e. a liner block) 

For large liner pulls, pump water out to below the return jets, and then follow the instructions for small liner pulls.

Two Things to Consider Before Performing a Liner Pull

  1. The Age of Your Liner: Pool liners typically last between 10 and 15 years. Older liners might lack the elasticity to go back into the track without tearing, which might make it the right time for a new liner.
  1. Additional Damage Caused: Some large liner pulls might fold in, causing water to seep in behind the liner. If this happens, you will need to do one of two things.

Pool Services OakvilleFirst, you might need to pump water out from behind the liner. You’ll need to perform a service call to remove water before attempting a liner pull.

Second, pump down and reseat the liner. In some cases too much of the liner is out of its track, which would require emptying the pool and reseating the liner. Again, taking this approach will depend on the age of the liner.

To assess the damage and ensure a quality liner service or installation, work with a reputable pool service provider to guarantee reliable workmanship.


At Total Tech, we are pool liner experts. Our experienced staff have been providing pool services – including liner repairs and replacements – to customers in Oakville, Burlington, Mississauga, and surrounding areas for over 25 years. Contact us today to discuss your vision for your pool!

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