Vinyl liner pools have a custom made sheet of vinyl between the water and the pool walls and floor. This is in contrast to a gunite or shotcrete pool which uses plaster as its waterproofing membrane.
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.
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.
The bottom of a vinyl liner pool is usually built from grout or vermiculite. Grout is a mix of sand, cement and water. It's durable and relatively inexpensive but has more danger of shifting with the soil. Vermiculite, which comes pre-mixed or unmixed, is a mix of vermiculite, cement, and water.
The builder places the liner into the pool, “snaps” it into place, then form-fits it to the shape of the pool using a vacuum to remove the air behind the liner. Once the builders adjust the liner to remove wrinkles, they start filling the pool with water.
How Much Does Pool Liner Replacement Cost on Average? According to HomeGuide, a vinyl pool liner replacement costs around $1,180 (CAD 1,500) on average. Most people will pay between $835 and $2,890 (CAD 1,060 and CAD 3,700).
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.
One of the most common issues associated with water collection behind a pool liner is known as a “floating” or “lifting” liner. The water causes the liner to lose its original seal, which then can cause soft spots, wrinkles, and other imperfections that lead to a lifted, floating liner.
Concrete is the best choice for a solid base because it is perfectly flat. It's also very stable and won't allow your pool to shift over time.
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.
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.
A typical vinyl liner lasts between 10 and 15 years, though there are many factors that can affect its lifespan. Living in an area susceptible to ground water problems can reduce your liner's life, as can not keeping the water in your pool balanced.
If the calcium levels are too high, you see the white spots, which is the calcium hardening on the liner. Chemicals that are added can raise or lower the calcium levels. When levels reach above the 400-PPM level, you will see cloudiness in the water, making the pool appear dirty and the scaling will begin.
Yes. Solar pool heaters, electric heat pumps, and gas heaters should all work just fine with vinyl liner, fiberglass, and concrete swimming pools.
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.
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.
Conclusion. The Pool Liner Floor Pad in particular is a great addition to your swimming pool and will make for a smoother bottom with added protection. Unlike, traditional foam pads, which can easily cut by roots or any sharp objects. The Pool Liner Floor Pad is the best investment that you have been looking for.
At the bare minimum, yes you should put a tarp underneath your Intex pool. Inflatable pools, Bestway and Summer Ways pools will also benefit from a tarp. What is this? Although a tarp will help protect your pool there are far better choices such as foam tiles or proper commercial under pool pads.
Pool Floor Padding
By far the best material to place under a swimming pool liner is Armor Shield or Gorilla Pad. These materials are breathable allowing moisture to escape and are extremely tough, keeping insects and moles from coming through and piercing the vinyl pool liner.
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.
Before you start MAKE SURE it's not going to rain for at least 3-5 days. First you will need to drain your swimming pool completely.
Because water behind a pool liner usually indicates a leak, it's likely the water level in your pool will drop. If the water level drops below the skimmer, it sucks in air, not water. Eventually, this causes the pool pump to run dry, resulting in overheating and irreparable damage to the pump.
With regular pool maintenance and properly balanced water, your liner will stay beautiful for many years to come. Replacing an inground pool liner is no small task, but it's a completely manageable DIY project for any savvy pool owner.
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.
Replace your own inground pool liner, and save thousands of dollars over local installers! Installing your own inground pool liner is easy, when you take it step by step.