Bubble Under Pool Liner

by Jan Uglis
(Chesterfield, MI)

My pool is approximately 23 years old and the liner about 10 years old. I happened to notice a bulge about five feet long under the liner near my pool ladder. The bulge starts about 1/2 way down sort of in the middle of the wall. The section where the bulge is located is partly in the ground about three feet (pool is a 28 foot round, 4 1/2 feet deep, Esther Williams. I want to get in the pool and feel the area, but I have not had a chance because I just noticed it late today(08/26/2010)

The weather in Michigan at this time August 2010 has been chilly at night; therefore the water being a little on the colder side. Do you think this happened because of the weather or do you think my pool has outlived its time?

My pool store told me not to allow anyone in the pool....nice especially since I have a big end of the summer BBQ this Saturday.

Thank the good Lord that pool season is almost over.

Thank you and God Bless+
Jan Uglis
Chesterfield, MI



Hi Jan. It is impossible to say whether or not it is something to worry about without taking a closer look at it. A bulge poking into the pool could be caused by a tree root growing in that area. A sink spot in the liner might be caused by the wall finally giving out in that area. Most of the time when the wall gives out the dirt behind it holds the liner in place pretty well, so it's real hard to say what's going on.

What you have to look for are sharp edges. If the wall gave out and the liner is resting on sharp rusted edges of sidewall then you should drain and repair as soon as possible. If there are no sharp edges or sharp points coming in contact with the liner it's probably OK to use the pool.