Pool Care /
How to Get Wrinkles Out of a Pool Liner
Most wrinkles in a pool liner come from low water, trapped air, or a liner that shifted. The safest fix is to check the cause first and avoid pulling or cutting the vinyl.
Archive date: this article was written for PoolSkimmer on Oct 24, 2026 and given the earlier archive date of Aug 3, 2025 so the blog reads as an organized archive. It was not published on that date.
How to best deal with wrinkles in a pool liner
The proper approach to wrinkle removal is to first determine the cause and then apply a fix that does not put undue stress on the vinyl. In some cases, once you have sorted out the water level and circulation, a minor wrinkle will ease up of its own accord. But if they are deep or tend to reappear, it is often a sign the liner has moved or there is an underlying structural matter for an expert to handle.
The reason behind the wrinkles
For the most part, a liner will wrinkle when it is not sitting flush against the wall or floor. You might see this from:
- A water level that is outside the proper range for the pool
- Debris clogging up normal circulation
- Air or water pockets getting trapped underneath
- Some movement of the liner due to temperature or installation
Poor circulation can allow dirt to build up and make any imperfections stand out, so do not jump to the conclusion that the liner is damaged before tending to the basics.
Where to start your inspection
Before attempting to smooth things over, run through these steps:
1. Shut down the pump. It is never a good idea to put your hands near operating suction. If you must look at the skimmer basket or other components, turn the pump off and refer to the equipment manual. 2. See where the water is. Too little and the liner may be free to shift; too much and you will have trouble with the skimmer and circulation. 3. Give the skimmer and basket a once over. Make sure to remove any leaves or debris with the pump off. 4. Go over the filter and circulation system. Do what the manufacturer says in terms of backwashing or rinsing. 5. Watch for any telltale signs. A soft spot on the floor or a liner that seems loose could be pointing to something more than a simple wrinkle.
Safe ways to put out a small wrinkle
Provided the liner is secure and the issue is not extensive, some gentle maintenance will do. Give the liner a light brushing in the course of regular cleaning and let the pool come to rest after you have made any adjustments to the level. Stick to the parameters set out in your pool manual and restore normal circulation once any filter problems are put right.
Under no circumstances should one resort to heat, adhesives, or sharp implements to make the vinyl lie flat. Nor should anyone try to work under the liner in a full pool.
Is it time to call in a pro?
There are times when a wrinkle is more than a cosmetic nuisance. A qualified pool professional should be contacted if:
- The problem persists despite your best efforts with cleaning and circulation
- The liner appears displaced or stretched at a corner
- There is any suspicion of a leak or groundwater pressure
- The floor is uneven or the liner has given way suddenly
- The material is old and brittle and in need of replacement
An expert can put his mind at ease as to whether you are looking at an installation error, vacuum pressure damage or some other matter not safe for a homeowner to tackle.
Things to steer clear of
Some missteps can only serve to make matters worse. Avoid reaching into a running suction opening or trying to trim the material in an effort to “fix” the situation. Do not take chemical shortcuts without reading the label, and certainly do not swim if the floor is uneven or you have reason to think there is an electrical or leak issue.
Patience is key with a minor wrinkle; with a deep or stubborn one, a professional assessment is the wiser course of action.
Sources and further reading
- [Hayward: Weekly pool maintenance](https://www.hayward.com/maintenance/weekly-pool-maintenance)