Concrete, or gunite, pools don't need a liner either. But concrete is a very porous material and will readily allow the growth of algae unless the water is properly maintained. You'll use far more chemicals with concrete pools than you would with vinyl or fibreglass models.
Swimming pool installation is a major decision and cost for a homeowner, and, as such, they want it to perform reliably and last for as long as possible. Liners are a vital component of every swimming pool that completes and enhances its appearance.
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.
The most common material options are steel, aluminum, or polymer (plastic). These wall panels are typically 42 inches tall, so the shallow end of vinyl liner pools are typically that depth.
Benefits of Wall Foam
Since the vinyl pool liner is one of the softest and most vital parts of an above ground pool, wall foam is important because it adds an extra layer of protection between the liner and metal components of the pool.
The process of eliminating an inground pool generally requires you to break up the bottom of the pool so rainwater can escape over time. This means drilling large holes at either end of the pool bottom at minimum, or using a jackhammer to break the entire pool bottom into large chunks.
Concrete Pools
Concrete, or gunite, pools don't need a liner either. But concrete is a very porous material and will readily allow the growth of algae unless the water is properly maintained. You'll use far more chemicals with concrete pools than you would with vinyl or fibreglass models.
It seems like a fairly straightforward question. Except the ultimate answer to whether a replacement vinyl liner can be installed in a concrete pool is anything but straightforward. Starting on the simple side of the equation, the answer is “yes” a vinyl pool liner can be installed in a concrete pool.
Pools with vinyl liners will last more than 20 years, as long as you replace your liner every 6-12 years. Concrete pools have exceptional longevity, but you need to resurface the concrete every 10 years or so. Fiberglass pools have the longest lifespans of any in-ground pool, often easily surpassing 30 years.
Deep blue is the most popular color for pool liners.
Most liners are made from a PVC film. This flexible, stretch fabric relies on the structure of the pool, and the weight of the water to maintain its shape.
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.
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.
Vinyl liner pools have a lower initial cost and a highly customizable shape, but the biggest disadvantages include having to frequently replace the liner, the possibility of algae growth, and the riskiness of the liner warranty.
An inground pool liner is more expensive to purchase and install, costing between $400 and $2,300 (CAD 500 and CAD 2900) on average. Meanwhile, replacing an above-ground pool liner typically costs between $150 and $800 (CAD 190 and CAD 1,015).
During the pool conversion, you will attach a pad between the liner and the gunite walls. Rolled wall foam is cut in strips and attached to the walls. An adhesive works well for this step. The purpose is to provide cushioning so the gunite does not damage your vinyl liner.
Backfilling a pool is the process of filling the empty space left by the inground pool with gravel, sand, or dirt. Backfilling is just one part of the pool removal process. The concrete floor and walls of the pool must be broken up and/or removed prior to backfilling.
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.
This can be done using a pool broom to very gently move the liner outward towards the wall as the water drains away from behind the liner. This may take days and possibly weeks for the water to self drain away depending on how much ground water is present.
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. A well-maintained liner will last many years, but it will need to be replaced at some point.
Filling your pool with dirt is the fastest and most affordable way to get rid of a pool because there's no need to remove your concrete or metal shell. This saves on both labor and hauling costs. However, filling a pool with dirt is still a delicate process that requires careful preparation, drainage, and demolition.
At an average of $0.004 per gallon, city water is the most inexpensive and most popular option. For 15,000 to 30,000 gallons, you'll pay between $60 and $120.
The average cost to fill in an inground pool is $4,000 to $16,000 for full demolition or $2,000 to $10,000 to fill in with dirt. An above ground pool removal costs $300 to $800, or $2,500 with a deck. The cost to get rid of a swimming pool depends on the size, depth, material, and accessibility.