Modern vinyl liners are extremely durable. Vinyl is a nonporous surface which means it won't require as many chemicals as a concrete pool. Vinyl's smooth surface also makes it harder for contaminants like algae to take hold and wreak havoc on your pool.
First, a vinyl liner pool is less expensive to install than a gunite pool. A gunite pool with standard finishes can easily start out between $10,000 to $15,000 more than the identical size and shape vinyl liner pool. This is because vinyl is modular and easier to install in most situations.
They say, an inground vinyl liner generally last 6-12 years. But it depends on the heat, weather changes, cleaning chemicals, and how well you take care of your pool and how many different situations you put it in. High UV exposure leads to a shorter life span.
The cons associated with fiberglass pools are primarily related to cost and installation issues. Contrary to popular belief, fiberglass pools aren't cheaper than traditional options like concrete (we'll provide more details in the “Costs” section later on).
The average inground pool liner will last 5–9 years. The average above-ground pool liner will last 6–10 years. Liner warranties may last 25 to 30 years, but they're extremely prorated.
In-ground pools last a long time—longer than most people live in their homes, in fact. An in-ground pool that lasts 20 years is on the low end of a lifespan; most in-ground pools will last much longer.
Fiberglass pools have a gel coating that can develop hairline cracks over time. These cracks typically only penetrate the gel coat and do not affect the pool's structural integrity, nor do they indicate leaks. If you see blisters as well as cracks, this is a sign that the gel coating was applied too thinly.
Concrete pools tend to be the strongest of all the inground swimming pools. Since they are rebar and concrete they can't oxidize or corrode. Like every other form of concrete, they get stronger as time passes. They are at the upper echelon of price points and have a higher end product reputation.
Luckily, heating is not only an option for fiberglass pools, it's actually a wonderful idea for them. Fiberglass pools are both the easiest type of pool to heat and the least expensive.
Can you put a new vinyl pool liner over an old one? We do not recommend that you leave your old pool liner in your above ground swimming pool when replacing the liner. It may seem like an extra layer of protection, but in reality, it will create more problems for you.
If you have a vinyl liner, you'll be happy to know you can use a salt chlorinator system in your pool without taking any extra precautions. The liner will be exposed to lower levels of chlorine, so it may even extend your liner's lifespan. However, many inground pools have galvanized walls behind the liner.
Underneath the liner is a sand or cementitious floor, troweled into place. The floor sidewalls come up to meet the walls, which are commonly 42” x 8 ft panels made of galvanized steel or thermoplastic. These walls are supported from behind so that they won't bow out against the weight of the water.
Concrete pools cost $50,000 or more and require expensive long-term maintenance. They can be any shape but take 3–6 months to install. Vinyl liner pools cost $25,000 or more and need the liner replaced every 5–9 years. They take 3–6 weeks to install but tend to look cheap.
Is a fiberglass or vinyl liner pool better for me? Vinyl liner pools typically cost about $10,000 less than fiberglass pools upfront. However, they need the liner replaced every 5–9 years and tend to look cheap. Fiberglass pools are much more durable, need less maintenance, and look classy.
A replacement vinyl liner for an above ground pool will cost between $100 and $660, while a liner replacement for an in-ground pool ranges from $700 to $1,500.
For a family of 8 people, a pool size of 18 by 36 feet is adequate. Even if you all decide to swim at the same time, there will be enough space for everyone. A rectangular shape is the best choice for this size of the pool. If there are six or less in your family, a pool size of 16 by 32 feet will be sufficient.
A fiberglass pool is not prone to growing algae, which is one of the main reasons why this pool is easier to maintain. Anyone who is looking for a pool that doesn't require a lot of maintenance may want to consider going with a fiberglass pool.
Fiberglass swimming pools are very compatible with salt water systems. If you are using a vinyl liner pool, you must be careful as those pools tend to have metal parts or connections which salt will eat through and corrode.
Big disclaimer: only authorized fiberglass pool professionals should drain a pool. Never drain a pool without professional assistance. For most (if not all) pool manufacturers, an authorized dealer must drain the pool, or you may void your warranty.
1. Calcium build-up on the pool surface. High pH levels will cause calcium carbonate in the water to precipitate or bond to the fibreglass surface. When this happens, it often leaves a white gritty layer that looks much worse when dry.
A vinyl liner pool has a custom made sheet of vinyl between the water and the pool structure. Vinyl liners typically lock their top edge, called a bead, into a track located on the bottom of the coping, which is at deck level.
CaliMar pools are the strongest, longest lasting models of pools on the market and all carry an unprecedented 8 Year - 100% warranty along with a Lifetime warranty on the above ground pool liners.