Vinyl Pool Liners: A Good Choice for Me?

We’ve talked about fiberglass and concrete pools recently, so it’s time to talk about vinyl pool. All types of pools have their perks and downsides, so it’s time to give vinyl a shot.

When someone says they have a vinyl liner for their pool it just means the interior surface is vinyl that is colorized chlorinated PVC thermoplastic vinyl. This is used as the waterproofing layer in different pool construction options. European, Canadian, and New Zealand pools are more often vinyl than any other type, but in the US, all three types are used pretty equally across the board. The Eastern and Southern US uses vinyl more than other areas because it’s usually less expensive than concrete options without sacrificing strength and durability.

Pros:

• Cheaper initial installation costs than both concrete and fiberglass, it’s great for those on a tighter budget. Most cost between $25,000 and $35,000.
• Faster installation than concrete due to the amount of pieces that are made in a factory and the ease of installation. Most pools are installed in roughly 1 week.
• Slightly lower chemical usage as compared to concrete.
• Smooth finish only slightly beaten by fiberglass.
• Lower lifetime cost than fiberglass, including energy efficiency.
• Somewhat compatible with salt water systems (better than concrete).
• Custom sizes and shapes are cheaper than fiberglass and concrete options.
• Non porous surface keeps skin that touches the surfaces from feeling uncomfortable and decreased chemical usage in some cases.

Cons:

• Higher maintenance, installation speed, and chemical usage as compared to fiberglass.
• Lower durability than concrete or fiberglass.
• Significantly more expensive to maintain over the lifetime of the pool as compared to fiberglass.
• Low factory controlled quality.
• Low resale value and fewer available extra features since it isn’t seen as something as permanent as concrete and fiberglass and the high chance of expensive repairs.
• Some limits as to size and shape.
• Higher cost and frequency of liner replacement (5-9 years, approximately $4,000 to replace).
• Warranties can be complicated and not very inclusive.
• Areas such as sections where steps connect to the wall or areas behind lights can harbor a lot of growth.

If you want to install a fiberglass pool, keep in mind that there is different maintenance than concrete or fiberglass, but Pool Daddy technicians can help you with all of that. You may not want to install this option if you have a higher budget or you plan on living at that residence longer than the liner will last due to the increased cost. All pool types have their advantages and disadvantages, so weigh your options before installing a pool. Continue with research, ask around to your friends and neighbors, and talk to Pool Daddy about installation, repairs, replacements, and regular maintenance for all of your pool needs to keep any pool you choose to install running smoothly for as long as possible.

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