restoring in ground cement pool that possibly had liner

[scotsditch]

I purchased a home with an in ground concrete pool. The pool has set empty for years, and I'm pretty sure it originally had some type of liner or tiles. In it's current state when the pool is filled, it slowly drains until just a couple feet of water are left in the deep end. I noticed there is a tiny hole in the concrete just above where the water level seems to finally drain to. I've added some pictures below, can someone please advise what options are available to fix the leaks and restore this pool to use? Also can you tell by the pictures if the pool should have a liner and possibly what type?

 

[Newdude]

Hey Scots and Welcome !!!!

And THANKS for bringing us a Uber cool revival. We love these !!!


I'm guessing it was a liner pool. If this is a metal track under the coping, then it's confirmed.



It appears to still have a little windex blue liner around the return fitting, sandwiched between the 2 gaskets as it should.



The good news is that if the structure is sound, it doesn't need to hold water, that's what the liner is for. It's also be a much cheaper fix than if you had to fix the shell and have it replastered.

 

[oldprophet]

Hey Scots and Welcome !!!!

And THANKS for bringing us a Uber cool revival. We love these !!!


I'm guessing it was a liner pool. If this is a metal track under the coping, then it's confirmed.

View attachment 560349

It appears to still have a little windex blue liner around the return fitting, sandwiched between the 2 gaskets as it should.

View attachment 560350

The good news is that if the structure is sound, it doesn't need to hold water, that's what the liner is for. It's also be a much cheaper fix than if you had to fix the shell and have it replastered.

Haven't seen this kind of pool in a long time. It is a vinyl liner pool Before you look at liners, have a pool pro look at the equipment and definitely pressure test the plumbing.

 

[Newdude]

Before you look at liners, have a pool pro look at the equipment and definitely pressure test the plumbing.

Great point O-P. The outside probably looks as well as the inside.

 

[scotsditch]

@Newdude @oldprophet thank you both for getting back to me so quickly.

Do you have any tips on picking out a pool liner?

Is it something I can install myself?

How long do they usually last?

What should I do before installing the liner (I expecting clean debri out. Do I need to acid wash if I'm installing a liner, or maybe just pressure wash any debri away?)

Also is the pressure testing on the plumbing something I could do, if so how and what should I look for?

 

[Newdude]

Do you have any tips on picking out a pool liner?

I like the thicker 27mil ones. It's debatable if it's needed and I'm on team 'yes, it is'.

I would personally only buy a name brand liner such as Merlin, GLI or Looploc. Many have succeeded going generic but that gamble isn't for me.

Is it something I can install myself?

It is. Watch some YouTube vids and see if it's something you feel comfortable with.

How long do they usually last?

7 to 12 years is probably average. Outside that window are the extreme cases both good and bad.

What should I do before installing the liner

Definitely clean the debris out. You also need thin wall foam. You'll see in the YT vids

Also is the pressure testing on the plumbing something I could do, if so how and what should I look for?

You need to cap both ends of the plumbing and install a compressor fitting and pressure gauge somewhere such as at the equipment pad. If it holds psi, you're golden. Temperature affects the loss so ill defer to @oldprophet for the specific details here of passing.

 

[1poolman1]

@Newdude @oldprophet thank you both for getting back to me so quickly.

Do you have any tips on picking out a pool liner?

Is it something I can install myself?

How long do they usually last?

What should I do before installing the liner (I expecting clean debri out. Do I need to acid wash if I'm installing a liner, or maybe just pressure wash any debri away?)

Also is the pressure testing on the plumbing something I could do, if so how and what should I look for?

Be sure to get a measuring guide from whichever manufacturer you pick for a liner. They have to be correct measurements, they are not "off the shelf" items.

 

[scotsditch]

thank you, this is all really helpful!

 

[wireform]

You'll be saving yourself heavy cash by not measuring yourself. This is one area I highly recommend is left to the professional. The measurement is off it won't be your problem. In my opinion too much to risk with lots and lots of room for error.

 

[borjis]

Yeah I would pay for custom laser measuring of the liner. If anything is wrong, it's on them. Mine cost roughly 900 ish just for the measurements. You won't have to do it again. The new liner will have a serial number that the liner Co can make again when the new one needs to be replaced, eventually. I would also recommend a pro install if you've never done one before. You don't want to be fighting wrinkles, trust me.

 

[wireform]

You also would need strategically placed vacuum behind the liner as it's filling which is just another one of the liner install "musts". Just have someone do it and enjoy the pool. You can ask the liner company for the file belonging to your pool so then any liner manufacturer can create the custom for you liner down the road. Also ask for some pattern scraps of your choice liner for the inevitable patch, should your liner ever need one it'll just blend better.