Swimming Pool Service Columbus

Is It Time for a New Liner? Here’s What to Know (And What to Avoid) – For Columbus, OH and Surrounding Cities

Written by 614 Pools | Feb 21, 2026 3:38:40 AM

You might not think much about your pool liner until one day, you’re staring down a few suspicious wrinkles or a patch that keeps coming loose at the corner. Sound familiar? Whether you're in Dublin, Gahanna, Grove City, Powell, or anywhere in the Greater Columbus, OH area, here’s your friendly guide to pool liner replacement—what it involves and how to keep everything looking sharp for years to come.

First Things First: Does Your Liner Need to Go?

Let’s start with the signs that it might be time:

  • Wrinkles that don’t brush out
  • Corners pulling away from the pool wall
  • Discoloration or fading, especially on the floor
  • Multiple patches (and new ones showing up regularly)
  • Leaks you just can’t explain
  • The “crunch test”: if the liner feels brittle when you press on it, it’s nearing the end

If you’re noticing one or two of these issues, it might be time for a fresh liner. Think of it like a roof—it works great until it doesn’t, and then you really don’t want to wait.

What Happens During a Liner Replacement? (Hint: It’s Not as Scary as You Think)

At 614 Pools, 90% of our liner installations are completed in one day! From Delaware to Hilliard, Pickerington to Westerville, we make the process smooth and simple:

Measure Twice, Cut Once
We send a project manager out to take laser-precise measurements. You’ll also pick your liner pattern and fittings (yep, you get to customize things!).

Drain and Prep
On installation day, we drain the pool (or save the water using a 5,000-gallon bladder if it’s clean enough) and prep the surface. That includes smoothing out the floor and inspecting for any small repairs.

Install + Refill
We install the new liner, set it into place, and start the refill. If we’re using saved water, this goes even faster and helps you save on water bills.

Start-Up and Shine
We finish by checking your system, restarting your equipment, and balancing your chemicals. We’ll even leave you with a care plan so you can keep that new-liner look going strong.

Yes, You Can Save Your Water – And Your Wallet

If your pool water is in good shape, we can store it in a large water bladder during the install. That means:

  • You don’t have to fully refill with expensive tap or trucked-in water
  • We get the pool back up and running faster
  • It’s better for the environment (and your budget)

Not every pool qualifies—if your water’s green or unbalanced, we may need to drain completely. But when it works, it’s a game-changer.

How Much Does a New Liner Cost in Central Ohio?

Pricing varies by pool size, shape, and liner brand, but our starting range is around $5,500–$6,900 for most standard inground pools. That includes:

  • USA-made premium liner brands (Latham, GLI, McEwen, and more)
  • Custom fitting options (light rings, skimmers, main drains, etc.)
  • 1-day install (weather permitting)
  • Optional coping paint upgrades, light installs, and more
  • Chemical start-up after refill

We’ll give you a rough quote first, then a final quote after measurements are submitted to the manufacturer. No surprise costs or “gotcha” fees here.

Want to Avoid Another Replacement Soon? Here’s How to Extend Liner Life

Once your new liner is in, here’s how to keep it looking gorgeous:

  • Keep water balanced. Chemicals matter! Too much chlorine or wild pH swings will age your liner faster.
  • Use a pool cover when not in use (especially in off-season).
  • Brush the liner gently with soft-bristle brushes.
  • Don’t drain your pool without asking us first — low water levels can cause major damage.
  • Inspect corners and seams annually — early fixes = fewer problems.

A good liner should last 10–15 years (sometimes longer) when properly maintained. We help customers in Worthington, Upper Arlington, New Albany, and more keep their liners going strong.

Not Ready for a New Liner Yet? We Can Still Help

Sometimes it’s not time to replace, you just need a little TLC:

  • Wrinkle remediation: If your liner is in good shape but has shifted, we can often smooth it out with heat and water.
  • Patching and sealing: Got a small tear or hole? We’ll let you know if a repair is a good option.
  • Leak detection: Not sure where the water’s going? We can track it down and help you decide if a liner replacement is the right move.

Bottom Line: If It Doesn’t Look Right, It’s Worth a Look

You don’t have to wait for a major problem to start thinking about a liner replacement. If you’re even a little unsure, it’s worth having us come take a look and give you an honest opinion. We’ll tell you if it can wait, be fixed, or needs full replacement.

And hey, if you’re already dreaming about a new pattern, upgraded lights, or easier-to-use fittings, now might be the perfect time to bring your pool into a new era.

Let’s Make That Pool Shine Again

If you’re in Lewis Center, Galena, Bexley, Galloway, Reynoldsburg, Pataskala, or any nearby Central Ohio community, we’re just a call or click away.

📞 Call or text us at (614) 219-2020
💻 Visit www.614Pools.com to schedule your consultation or learn more.

We’re here to help—and we love talking pool stuff.