Your pool liner needs replacing when it starts leaking, wrinkling, or fading to the point of brittleness.

Three things to watch for:

Leaks that keep coming back. If you’re adding water every week and can’t find a patch that holds, the liner is done. Small pinholes are patchable. A dozen of them means the plastic is breaking down.

Wrinkles that won’t smooth out. A few wrinkles after installation are normal. New wrinkles that appear over time mean the liner is stretching out or the sand base has shifted. Either way, it’s going to tear soon.

Fading and brittleness. When the pattern is gone and the material feels stiff or has cracks near the skimmer or steps, it’s past its prime. UV damage makes the plastic brittle and unrepairable.

If you see any two of those, start shopping. Last season of life for that liner.