What are the Bubbles on the Bottom of a Pool Liner?

Vinyl pool liners serve as the barrier between the pool and the ground, keeping the water contained. Bubbles on the bottom of a liner can be a sign of a serious problem, or they may be caused by natural weather changes that will resolve without intervention.

Bubble Trouble

Bubbles in the liner are frequently caused by rising groundwater that seeps underneath the pool and pushes up on the liner. This usually occurs following rainy or wet periods that cause the groundwater to rapidly rise. When the groundwater retreats, the bubbles should disappear. A leak in the liner and improper water balance can also cause bubbles. Leaking water will act in much the same way as rising groundwater, pushing up under the bottom of the liner. Improper water balance can cause wrinkles in the liner that appear as bubbles at the bottom. Other causes include improper installation, a liner that is the wrong size for the pool, low water levels that allow the liner to move, and excess suction from the pool skimmer or vacuum. Air bubbles in the water that settle on top of the liner are a normal part of pool operation and usually occur when the pool is being filled.

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