Why does an inground pool need a liner?

Author: Viviane Leannon  |  Last update: Monday, June 20, 2022

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.

Are pool liners necessary?

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.

Do you have to use a liner in an inground pool?

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.

What happens if you don't replace pool liner?

As the liner fades over time, there will be a loss of plasticizers which normally keep the vinyl supple and pliable. In short, a heavily faded liner has typically become harder, more brittle and does not expand and contract as easily as it once did.

How long does an inground pool last?

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.

How to Install an Inground swimming pool liner DIY Replacing a vinyl liner

How long will an inground pool liner last?

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.

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.

What is behind a pool 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.

Can I put a liner in my concrete pool?

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.

Are vinyl pools worth it?

Vinyl Liner Pools Are the Most Cost-Effective Choice

Sure, any which way you go, a new swimming pool is going to be a substantial investment, but vinyl is less costly than fiberglass or concrete, making this one huge advantage over other pools. Concrete is costly expensive both in installation and maintenance.

What is a vinyl inground pool?

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.

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.

How much does it cost to put a liner in a concrete pool?

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).

How long does a cement pool last?

How Long Will a Concrete Pool Last? A concrete pool should last decades (we're talking 50 years or more) if it is properly maintained. While the shell of the pool can become damaged if the building was not done correctly, a well-constructed concrete swimming pool should last a lifetime.

Can you install a liner in a gunite pool?

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.

What happens if water gets behind pool liner?

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.

Is it bad if an inground pool overflows?

If you get more than five inches of rain in an hour, or if your pool wasn't properly designed with sufficient overflows, then your pool may overflow, which can put you at risk of water getting inside of your home and causing serious damage.

What happens if inground pool overflows in winter?

Overflowing water can damage the pool wall structure by corroding and weakening the walls of the pool. The water can cause also cause decks to rot and patios to sink around the pool. Another concern from overflowing water is ice damage, which can cause: Cracked skimmers.

What is a semi inground pool?

A semi inground pool is exactly what it sounds like: a swimming pool that is partially installed in the ground and partially installed above ground. Usually, most of the pool is still inground, but part of the pool will be raised a few feet or more.

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.

Why are there no pool liners?

There is a nationwide shortage of above ground pool replacement liners this year. This has been caused by the effects of the pandemic leading to an extreme shortage of material. This shortage affects all styles of above ground liners only.

How long does it take to install an inground pool liner?

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.

How often should you replace pool 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.

What are inground 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.

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