Why is My Above Ground Pool Liner Fading?

3 ways to prevent fading

As one of 4 million above ground pool owners in the U.S. (according to the trade group Pool & Hot Tub Alliance), you know part of pool ownership is regular maintenance – which includes your above ground pool liner. With proper care, above ground pool liners can last for many seasons of enjoyment.

Over time, you may notice your pool liner is starting to fade, which is normal as it’s nearly impossible to prevent your liner from discoloration.

However, the extent to which your liner fades will depend on several details, including environmental factors and how well you care for it.

If you notice your pool liner is starting to fade, here are a few things you can do to slow it down.

1. Limit Sun Exposure

Sun exposure is the No. 1 reason that above ground pool liners fade. The harsh UV rays break down the color pigments in the vinyl, causing it to fade over time. When you’re not splashing or lounging in your above ground pool, make sure the pool cover is on.

Even if you’re going into your house to take a break or eat lunch for an hour or two, which is usually when the sun’s rays are the harshest, you may still want to put the cover on to protect your pool.

2. Proper Chemical Maintenance

The second most common reason that pool liners fade is improper chemical maintenance. If you’re not balancing your chemicals correctly or using too much chlorine or other chemicals, your pool liner is going to fade more quickly.

Using the proper level of chemicals is key, so you want to test your water chemistry weekly to ensure the pH levels are balanced. The more often you swim in your pool, the more often you should test!

Note: While you don’t want to leave your pool uncovered for too long due to sun exposure, this is the one exception. After you’ve added chemicals to your above ground swimming pool, leave it uncovered for 24 hours to allow the chemicals to fully dissolve in the water and evaporate into the air. Trapping in the chemicals without “breathing room” causes the chemicals to penetrate deeper into the liner causing it to fade faster.

3. Regular Pool Maintenance

Along with proper chemical maintenance, you also want to regularly clean your above ground pool liner and water.

Keeping your pool clean and clear extends the life of your pool liner and keeps it vibrant longer. While removing dirt and debris from your above ground pool is a no-brainer, that doesn’t mean it has to be difficult!

There are tons of pool cleaning tools and accessories to take the dirty work out of pool maintenance and make your life easier. From pool vacuums, skimmers, nets and brushes, don’t let pool maintenance intimidate you and keep you from having the pool of your dreams!

Just a few precautionary steps can keep your pool liner vibrant and lasting season after season! 

How to Get a Replacement Pool Liner

Now that you know what to do to prolong the life of your above ground pool liner, if you need to replace your current Bestway® or Coleman® pool liner, check out the selection of replacement liners on BestwayUSA.com.

If you aren’t sure which liner you need, you can check for a replacement pool liner using our Parts Finder.

If your liner is still under warranty, log in to your account to submit a claim for a replacement.