Installing a pool liner

The size of the liner required for a pool, regardless of shape and the size or position of the marginal shelves, is arrived at by this simple formula:

Length of the liner is:
The overall length of the pool plus twice the maximum depth.

Width of the liner is:
The overall width of the pool plus twice the maximum depth.

For example, a pool with overall dimensions 12 ft.(3.66m) by 7 ft. (2.13m) and a depth of 24 in.(45cm) will require a liner 15 ft.(4.57m) by 10 ft.(3.05cm). If the formula produces a liner size in which both the length and width are odd numbers of feet, then a slight alteration to the design is necessary. The length or the width of the pool may be altered by 1 ft.(30cm), or the depth by 6 in.(15cm)

To illustrate, before one begins, the ideal sectional profile is worthwhile. The surface shape, or plan view, is at the discretion of the builder. The sectional profile should, however, conform to certain accepted principles. As has been said, the marginal shelf should provide a depth of 9 inches but, of course, need not run around the entire side of the pool. The side should slope outwards to an angle of 15 - 20 degrees. The rest is self-explanatory.

Step 1. The excavation of the hole. Whether you are using a flexible liner or a preformed pool, any sharp stones or other protrusions should be removed from the hole and the interior surface of the excavation should be made smooth and lined with a 2 in. thick layer of sand or sifted soil; if sand or soil is dampened it will hold satisfactorily to the sides of the pool. Newspaper can also be used.

Step 2. Introduction of the liner to the excavation. The liner should be stretched as tautly over the hole as possible and anchored around its edge by bricks or rocks. The stones should be evenly distributed and should not overhang.

Step 3. Start running water onto the liner; the weiight of the water will take the liner into the hole, partly by stretching it and partly by drawing in the anchor stones - which is why they should not overhang the hole. Wrinkles in the liner material will disappear as the pool fills.

Step 4. Surplus liner material can then be trimmed using scissors, leaving about 6 in. in width around the rim; the edges can be nicked with the scissors there folds occur in order that the material lies flat to the ground.

Step 5. The perimeter of the pool can be finished as desired - perhaps using paving or something similar. The slabs should overhang the pool's edge by at least 2 in. to conceal the flap of the liner. The pool should be constantly topped up and maintained at a level whereby the water is never allowed to evaporate to more than 1 in. below the underside of the edging. Edging may also be made with occasional stones intermingled with low growing perennials. Now the fun begins!

Important! The true color of the liner will be black, the most desirable and natural color. Blue was used by the artist in the illustrations to detail the step-by-step directions and to enhance the drawings.