Vinyl Liner Torn in Owings, MD Swimming Pool

A homeowner is in for an unpleasant surprised when he pulls back the cover on his swimming pool after a long winter.

Swimming Pool Inspection in Owings, MD Finds Damaged Liner

Swimming Pool Inspection Services was called out to inspect an inground swimming pool in Owings, MD after the homeowners found the liner to be torn after the pool had been closed for the winter.

Initial Consultation with Insured

The insured explained that he discovered the damage to the liner when he pulled the cover back to inspect the water in preparation to open the pool for the season. He said that he has used a professional service company to do all of the pool openings and closings each season. He explained that the pool was chlorinated with a salt generator, and that he performed the routine maintenance. He explained that he thought the damage to the liner was caused by ice

Observations and Analysis of Inground Pool

During the inspection, our experienced inspector made the following observations regarding the swimming pool and adjacent areas:

• The safety cover was partially rolled back to expose the steps to the pool and the bottom of the shallow end of the pool.
• The property was up on a hill.
• The pool was completely drained of water.
• There were multiple tears in the bottom and sides of the pool liner.
• The liner tore from the seam near the wall portion to the bottom, and all across the bottom, the liner has also lost the color from the original pattern.
• The liner at the bottom is in brittle condition and has lost all pliability.
• The liner bottom was completely bleached.
• The liner cracked as it was stepped upon during inspection.
• The pool light was not working.

Our inspector noted that when water freezes into ice, it expands, and this expansion could have cause a tear in the liner. He also noted that the pool lights were not part of the claim, but included information about them in order to provide a full picture of the swimming pool in question.

Conclusion of Pool Inspection in Owings, MD

Our inspector noted that there was no evidence from the surface of the cover that something penetrated the cover and caused the liner to tear. Thus, our inspector concluded that the frozen pool water shifted as it thawed and tore the liner. He also estimated that it would cost over $3,000.00 to repair properly.