Rookie mistake. Liner shrunk while waiting for new gasket

[Mywifewantedthepool]

First, many thanks to the TFP community for all the great insight on here. 2 years into owning and maintaining my pool and I could not have been so successful on my own without you.

Pictured is my mistake. I found some leaks at the skimmer gasket. Realized my liner installer 2.5 years ago did not replace the gaskets so I ordered some and did not put the cover back into place while waiting for the new gaskets to arrive. The lower holes are about an inch off. Is this a situation where I can heat up the liner and stretch it? Or do I make some sort of patch with the excess vinyl I have on hand and what would you recommend for patch shape and bonding material?

This all originated from trying to find leaks, main one was from stair section gasket, but the rust signs here confirm I have a lot of leaks too.

 

[Mywifewantedthepool]

Bumping - my thought for now is to make a big patch and deal with the cosmetic aberration, but I’d love to know if someone thinks I can stretch it back with some heat

 

[Mdragger88]

Sorry you haven’t gotten any replies,
While it may possibly stretch it would probably become a stress point & the screw holes may still not line up.
I would patch the area - like a big patch that covers the entire skimmer hole with an overlapping border on all sides then cut in a new hole for the skimmer. Not just the bottom.
Use the boxer adhesive.
You can look for a decorative trim plate that goes over your existing one that may somewhat hide your mishap.

 

[kimkats]

I second what @Mdragger88 suggests.................big piece over the whole area. One thing I will add is to round it out. Rounded edges tend to stay better.