Can I put a new liner over an old one in my Ottawa pool to save on removal costs?

No, you should never install a new liner over an existing liner in your Ottawa pool. This approach will create serious problems and ultimately cost you more money than doing the job properly the first time.

Installing a liner over an old liner traps moisture, debris, and potential mold between the two layers, creating an environment that will cause the new liner to fail prematurely. The old liner will continue to deteriorate underneath, potentially developing wrinkles, bubbles, or tears that will telegraph through to the new liner surface. In Ottawa's freeze-thaw climate, any trapped moisture between liners can freeze and expand during winter, causing both liners to crack or separate from the pool walls.

The proper liner replacement process requires completely removing the old liner, inspecting and repairing the pool walls and floor, replacing any damaged foam padding or vermiculite base material, and then installing the new liner on a clean, smooth surface. This inspection step is crucial in Ottawa because our harsh winters can cause wall panels to shift slightly or develop small cracks that need attention before the new liner goes in. Skipping this inspection by covering the old liner means missing potential structural issues that could cause expensive problems later.

Professional liner replacement in Ottawa typically costs $3,500 to $8,000 including removal of the old liner, wall inspection, any necessary repairs, and installation of the new liner. While the removal and disposal adds some cost to the project, it represents a small fraction of the total job cost and ensures your new liner will last its full expected lifespan of 7 to 12 years.

Attempting to save a few hundred dollars on removal costs often results in having to replace the liner again within 2 to 3 years when problems develop, making it far more expensive in the long run. When you're ready for professional liner replacement, you can browse experienced pool contractors through the Ottawa Construction Network directory to get proper quotes for complete liner replacement done right.