How to Get Wrinkles Out of a Pool Liner

Why wrinkles form and how to fix them

Wrinkles happen!

Whether you’re a new above ground pool owner, long-time pool owner or have owned multiple pools, you know that getting a wrinkle in your pool liner floor is unavoidable. 

While wrinkles are extremely common, allowing them to get worse can lead to bigger problems for your pool. Maintaining a wrinkle-free liner helps extend the lifespan of your above ground swimming pool.

Preventing Wrinkles During Setup

Before assembling your above ground pool, ensure the ground is level and free of rocks and large debris. Having a flat, strong foundation helps give you a “clean slate” to prevent wrinkles during setup. Need help leveling the ground before setup? Check out these helpful leveling tips to get started.

Why Do Wrinkles Happen?

Wrinkles in your pool liner can occur for many reasons, including water temperatures that are too cold, low water levels, low pH levels or even a possible leak.

Note: If you do suspect a leak, follow these 3 simple repair steps to find it and fix it quickly.

• If the water temperature is too cold, it can cause your liner to harden, which can result in wrinkles. If you happen to have a pool heater, you can warm up the water first to make it easier for you to get the wrinkles out – and prevent them in the future.

• When water levels get too low, grab your garden hose and refill your pool as soon as possible before smoothing out the wrinkles, then turn on your pump.

• Improper water balance, such as low PH levels below 7, can cause wrinkles to develop because the water becomes too acidic. If chlorine levels get too high, they dry out the liner which can cause major damage. Keep an eye on the PH level of your pool and adjust it as soon as you notice it slipping. Make your life easier with an all-in-one chemical kit.

Why Should Wrinkles be Fixed?

If you notice wrinkles in your pool liner, fix them as soon as you can. The longer the wrinkles sit in your pool, the harder it is to smooth them out and remove them. Wrinkles are also more likely to cause snags from pool maintenance tools, which can lead to tears or holes.

Dirt and debris can also collect in the wrinkles making it more difficult to clean. The build-up of dirt and debris can also lead to algae growth that, if left for a long period of time, can stain the liner, cause fading and weaken the vinyl fibers.

How to Remove Wrinkles

1. Walk On the Wrinkles

The first and easiest way to remove liner wrinkles is to gently walk along the wrinkles with your bare feet. Stretch out the wrinkles on either side as you go, moving slowly and carefully so you don’t cause any damage. (Which is also why we don’t recommend wearing shoes!)

Pro Tip: Do this as you’re filling your pool and there’s only a little layer of water on the bottom. Once there’s too much water, it can be difficult to move the liner to flatten the wrinkles.

2. Use a Pool Brush

If you’d rather not get inside the pool to remove the wrinkles, you can try using a soft bristle pool brush attached to a telescopic pole for better reach. Smooth out the wrinkles by pulling the liner on either side as you gently push down with the brush. Start slowly and go section by section along the wrinkle until it disappears.

3. Drain the Water

If the above two methods aren't working and you have stubborn wrinkles, sometimes you have no other choice but to completely drain the pool. Draining the water is a bit of a hassle, but this option should help remove your wrinkles if done correctly.

Note: Each Bestway® steel frame pool features a specially designed flow control drain valve that allows you to adjust how quickly the water releases from your pool. Make sure to follow your manual’s instructions to properly drain the water away from your pool.

4. Blow Out the Wrinkles

After the water is drained, and the liner is still wet to protect it from damage, use a shop vacuum to blow out the wrinkles one at a time.

Put the vacuum between the liner and the frame, not directly on the liner, and put it in reverse to blow out the space between the liner and the frame, then reverse it again to suck out the air. This action should remove the wrinkles once and for all!

Tried all these options and nothing is working?

It’s possible your liner is getting old and starting to dry out, making it more difficult to smooth the wrinkles.

It may be time to replace your Bestway above ground pool liner. Find your replacement liner on our website here.

If your liner is still under warranty, submit a claim for a replacement.

Looking for additional Bestway pool accessories or above ground pool supplies? Check out our pool maintenance accessories.