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.
The Balancing Act of Pool Maintenance
The typical lifespan of a vinyl liner is anywhere from 15-20 years and where your liner falls in that range depends, most crucially, upon your proper maintenance of the pool's chemistry.
Fiberglass pools are exceptionally durable and can last the lifetime of a home. Vinyl liner pools can also last the lifetime of a home. However, the liner itself will need to be replaced on average every ten years, but provides a unique opportunity to completely refresh the look of your pool.
You notice cracks. Pool liners are most often made of vinyl, which deteriorates in the sun and pool chemicals over time. If you notice several cracks in the lining, it's likely you're losing water, as well. Fading is a precursor to cracks, as brittle vinyl is more prone to tearing.
The average vinyl inground pool costs between $25,000 and $45,000, and between fiberglass, and concrete, vinyl is the most affordable option. Although the initial price is lower, the long-term cost to maintain a vinyl liner pool is $13,250 over ten years.
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.
To begin with, the maximum depth for pools is typically 8 feet, although we can build deeper pools. The pros of having a pool of this depth begin with the fact that this would allow you to install a diving board.
Yes. Solar pool heaters, electric heat pumps, and gas heaters should all work just fine with vinyl liner, fiberglass, and concrete swimming pools.
To remove the wrinkles in the liner
Drain the pool and re-set the liner. But this is a slippery slope. If the ground water is still there, this will turn into a big mess. It should also be stated that liners more than 3 or 4 years old dry, shrink, and become rigid VERY QUICKLY.
This is also is true for vinyl pool liners. They become brittle over time, or stretched thin, from holding all of that pool water over the years. The average pool liner lifespan is 5 to 9 years. If the liner is low quality or becomes damaged, the lifespan range will be less than this.
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 pools can craze or check crack from imprecise manufacturing or when the surface is not fully supported, like under the steps or areas where the backfill is eroded. Gelcoat can also crack during transport and installation if it gets bumped around too much.
Gunite pools are among the longest-lasting pools on the market. When gunite pools are properly installed they could potentially last 100+ years. They are extremely durable and totally customizable.
It generally takes between three and 12 weeks to install a concrete pool. That's longer than other types, but concrete is considered the strongest, most durable type of pool. And unlike other in-ground pools, existing concrete pools can be rebuilt, refinished, enlarged, or updated.
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.
If just want to change your pool completely you have a couple of other options. It is very easy to change your existing pool into a Concrete/Gunite Pool. With this option you can shallow or deepen the pool. From there you can retain the shape that you currently have using the existing walls to shoot up against.
In most cases, the walls and floor of your pool feel slimy and slippery due to a lack of pool maintenance. Water chemistry is important in order to maintain clear and bacteria-free water. Generally, slippery and slimy pool walls are an early indication of bacteria and algae growth.
Why Pool Liners Matter
Pool liners are critical because they form a barrier between the wall of the pool and the water inside of it. Many inground pools have tiled walls that eliminate the need for a 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.
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.
A vinyl liner pool itself takes about two weeks to install. But the accompanying patio can take from one week to a year, depending on the construction process. A gunite concrete pool takes six to eight weeks from excavation to your first swim.
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.
Can a Vinyl Pool Have Stone and Tile? Yes, you can use stone, brick, or any natural material as the coping around a vinyl pool, as shown in the picture on top of the page. You can even install real tile around the border perimeter, which hangs over the top of the wall.