How do I cut my pool liner for the skimmer and return?
Question:Hello We installed a pool last year, the liner is in but we need to cut the hole for the return and skimmer, any tips? Thanks.
Answers:
NO, do NOT remove the flaps left when cutting the X, push those through and fold them back against the outside of the liner. They will be essential in case of leakage or as the liner expands/contracts slightly due to heat. If you cut these out then there is nothing for the skimmer/return gasket to seal against in the event of under stretching the liner initially.
Other than that the above post is spot on.
Stretch out the liner to where the liner should met the hole for the skimmer. Do not pull the liner make sure that there is enough lea way but not real loose. Place the skimmer gasket on so you can get the right dimension. With a small scirrors or box cutter cut an "X" withing the square on the gasket. Cut away the triangles left from the "X' and place the remaining pieces of the skimmer on. Then you can place the top piece of the pool. This is how I did it and it was fine, just remember do not pull the liner.
First fill the pool up at least to the under limit of the return . That way, if there's any shift in the liner, it will have already moved by that point. No need in making patches and new holes for nothing (although it is possible - even underwater patchwork). The rest is as easy as your utility knife is sharp.
Note: I'm assuming the holes in the actual pool wall are already poked out and ready (often, they come perforated, ready to be removed)
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