What is a vinyl inground pool?

Author: Dr. Nasir Mante  |  Last update: Thursday, June 30, 2022

Vinyl. 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.

How long do vinyl inground pools last?

Typically, some last from 5 to 10 years and others that are in ideal settings and properly taken care of may just very well last over 15 years. Since you've made the investment, ensuring that you make the best of your investment will include properly caring for that vinyl liner.

Which is better fiberglass or vinyl pool?

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.

What is under vinyl inground pool?

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.

What is the average cost of a vinyl inground pool?

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.

Vinyl Liner Pools vs Fiberglass Pools: An Honest Comparison

Can vinyl pools be salt water?

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.

How deep can a vinyl pool be?

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.

What goes on the bottom of a vinyl pool?

The two most common materials for the bottom of your pool are vermiculite and grout. Whichever material you choose, you'll apply it right on top of the soil with a round-edged pool trowel, and then the liner goes on top of it.

What do you put under a vinyl pool?

Armor Shield Floor Pad provides an important protective layer between a vinyl swimming pool liner and it's sand base. Unlike traditional foam padding, Armor Shield is a Polypropylene Geotextile material that prevents cuts and punctures to vinyl liners caused by rocks, roots, grass and even glass!

What are vinyl pool walls made of?

Today's homeowners have a choice between two basic types of vinyl pool walls: polymer walls or steel walls. Steel pool walls offer strength and durability and utilize galvanized steel which helps resist corrosion and prolong the life of the pool.

Are Vinyl pools bad?

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.

How long does a vinyl pool last?

Some general guidelines for the three major types of in-ground pools: 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.

What type of pool is easiest to maintain?

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.

What type of pool lasts the longest?

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.

Which pool lasts the longest?

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.

How long does it take to install a vinyl inground pool?

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.

How are vinyl liner pools installed?

How Vinyl Liner Pools are Installed – A Simplified Summary
  1. After laying out the pool, an excavation crew digs a hole according to the pool's specification.
  2. The pool's wall as then installed. ...
  3. Pool bottom is installed. ...
  4. Plumbing inlets and outlets are set in the walls. ...
  5. The vinyl liner is installed.

How do vinyl liner pools work?

A vinyl liner pool gets constructed with a thick sheet of vinyl between the ground and the pool structure. The structure features panels and bracing made from either plastic or metal material, and the vinyl liner rests over that with a layer of sand or cement for the floor.

How are Vinyl pools made?

White plastic steps are the standard for vinyl liner pools. They're made of polymer, are attached to the pool walls, and jut out from the main body of the pool. Vinyl over steps are premade, with many options available. You buy the liner to fit over the steps.

Is there concrete under a liner pool?

It is due to the fact that every Seasonal World Concrete Wall Vinyl Liner pool is constructed with 10” thick concrete walls that are then reinforced with steel rebar. The pool is one monolithic pour of concrete, which means the entire pool and step is all constructed out of concrete and rebar.

Do you put sand under an inground pool?

Because of the small particle size, sand will not feature any voids which could cause the material to settle and result in an uneven surface after the shell is set into place. As such, sand is the most popular option for establishing a solid base for underground swimming pools.

What is Pebble Tec?

Pebble Tec® is made up primarily of small pebbles, white portland cement, and coloring. What makes this product unique are the pebbles themselves. These pebbles are harvested from around the world for their color, size, and smooth shape and are combined to create a wide range of colors.

Are vinyl pools slippery?

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.

Can vinyl pools be heated?

Yes. Solar pool heaters, electric heat pumps, and gas heaters should all work just fine with vinyl liner, fiberglass, and concrete swimming pools.

Can you change a vinyl pool to concrete?

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.

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