The Ultimate Pool Liner Buying Guide
We know the average pool liner lasts 8 to 10 years before wear and tear gets the best of it. You might be able to live with a faded appearance, but leaks are a bigger problem that needs to be addressed. Whether or not replacing your pool liner is an option, we can promise you that the makeover reveal is worth the investment!
How to Choose an Inground Pool Liner
Colour
While this step can be considered the fun part, there are some crucial factors to important when choosing the colour of your liner. You will want to take the natural lighting into account when you pick the shade of your pool liner. If your pool is shaded for most of the day, for example, then you may want to opt for a lighter shade to offset some of the darkness. A deep blue would work well in this case, which has the advantage of hiding dirt and debris. Darker liners, however, are more inclined to fade over time due to chlorine usage and UV damage.
Lighter coloured liners will not be as susceptible to fading but will show more dirt and debris. With more visible dirt and debris, you will have to clean your pool more often (not necessarily a bad thing!). You can also opt for an aqua or sandstone colour, which is growing in popularity. The contrast with the sunlight makes your pool look more lagoon-like in appearance.
Pattern
There are hundreds of pool liner patterns available, which is great if you enjoy shopping and having plenty of options. Available patterns resemble natural stones, ceramic tiles, marble, mosaic, and more. Some patterns even have a shimmering effect if you're into the glam look. You will also have to choose whether you want a full pattern or a border pattern. A full pattern liner carries the design throughout the pool up to the coping. In contrast, a border pattern has a border design to create a styled edge around the pool's perimeter.
Texture
Textured pool liners are another option if you want to get creative. The vinyl is embossed with a texture that provides grip and traction, especially useful on pool steps. Some textures give the feel of gunite, or concrete and sand, which is durable and provides grip. Other textures create the feeling of compressed sand beneath your feet, which can be enticing for the senses.
Thickness
Vinyl pool liner thickness is measured in mils (a mil is 1/1000 of an inch), and standard thickness ranges from 20, 27, 28 or 30 mils thick. The vinyl liner will also be embossed or non-embossed, with embossed liners varying in thickness and non-embossed liners flat across the top.
A thicker pool liner will be more expensive but more resistant to wear and tear. For example, punctures from dog claws, fallen tree limbs, broken glass, wind-strewn lawn chairs, you get the idea. The downside is that thicker liner is heavier and more challenging for an installer to work with, and it's harder to get the wrinkles out of, especially in colder climates.
Maintaining Your Pool Liner
Proper maintenance is critical when it comes to extending the life of your pool liner.
- First thing's first, make sure the liner is installed correctly! Keep an eye out for any wrinkles or gaping at the sides of the pool.
- Maintain the water chemistry. Pool water that is too acidic from substantial rainfall or improper use of chemicals will wear down vinyl liners. Pool water that is too basic can cause buildup and damage to liners. So, make sure to regularly test and balance your pool water, especially after any storms.
- Keep dogs and glass out of the pool. If dogs get in the pool, keep them away from the liner!
Are you thinking of replacing your pool liner? Every vinyl pool liner replacement by Buds is completed to exacting standards to ensure the highest quality installation and the longest liner life possible, every time. And if the expense doesn't come at the best time for your family, Buds can even help arrange competitive financing so you can play now and pay later.
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