Vinyl Liner Pools, What They Are, How They Are Made, Cost and Longevity

Vinyl liner pools are a popular choice of many homeowners due to their durability and a wide variety of pool shapes, and vinyl liner designs. The material is soft throughout the pool surface and has excellent traction on the steps for safety.

This article discusses all you need to know about vinyl liner pools so you can decide if this is the best pool choice for you, your lifestyle, and your budget.

What is a Vinyl Liner Pool?

A vinyl liner pool is comprised of five main components; pool base, wall panels, steps, vinyl liner and coping.

The Pool Base

A pool base is generally made of grout or vermiculite. Before installing a vinyl liner, this mixture is spread on top of the soil using a round-edged pool trowel.

Side Wall Panels

The wall panels are simply the side walls of the pool. The material is typically aluminum, steel, or polymer (plastic). 

Pool Steps

There are generally three pool entry types for a vinyl liner pool. First, white plastic steps are made of polymer and attached to the pool’s walls. Second, are steps where the vinyl liner fits snug over them, and the last is the removable ladder.

Vinyl Liner

A vinyl liner is made of vinyl, the obvious. The thickness is measured in mils. For example, one mil is 1/1000 of an inch. Generally, the thickness is 20, 287, 28, or 30 mils thick.

Liners are embossed or non-embossed. The embossed vary in thickness and feel soft. The non-embossed ones are not as smooth and squishy. Instead, they have a flatter surface throughout.

Pool Coping

Last but not least and undoubtedly essential is the coping, the border around the top perimeter of the swimming pool. Standard white aluminum C-channel coping is the standard for vinyl liner pools.

What Is the Cost of a Vinyl Liner Pool?

When installing a vinyl liner pool, the cost can range from 25,00 to 45,000 or more. The price depends on the size, shape, vinyl liner thickness, type of steps, wall panels and coping, and additional features.

To determine the cost, one must meet with their pool builder of choice to discuss all the factors influencing the price.

Vinyl Liner Lifespan

A vinyl liner lasts approximately ten years, give or take, depending on the climate and maintenance. In addition, vinyl pools are less prone to algae than concrete pools; therefore, they require fewer chemicals daily.

Pros of Vinyl Liner Pools vs. Concrete

• Lower initial cost
• Quicker installation time
• Customizable size and shape, however for concrete it’s limitless
• Smooth surface

Learn More About Vinyl Liner Pools

Skovish Pools is a leading vinyl liner pool builder in Pennsylvania. To learn more contact the team at Skovish Pools & Spas today.

We build vinyl liner pools in the Pennsylvania counties of Luzerne, Montour, Monroe, Carbon, Columbia, Wyoming, Lackawanna and Sullivan County PA.