1. What is the average lifespan of a vinyl liner?
The average life of a vinyl pool liner is seven years. Though some make it 10 years or longer, seven years is the expectation. If you live in a cooler climate where the pool is covered six months of the year, it may last twice as long as one in Texas that is exposed to the sun 12 months out of the year.
You can extend the life of your liner by keeping the PH and chlorine levels in the proper range. However, after seven years of exposure to sunshine and chlorine, it will most likely be time for a new liner.
2. Should I be able to see the liner seams in my vinyl pool liner?
We often hear pool owners question whether they should be able to see the seams in their liner.
The answer is yes. Every liner has seams, at least every six feet, and they are more visible on some patterns than on others. In the old days, when all patterns were on blue base film, you could not really see the seams since there was less ink coverage. Today, when most all patterns are on white base film, the seams are more visible, but the less ink there is, the less noticeable they are.
We advise that you wait until the pool is filled before you worry about the seams. While they are always there, they are much less noticeable under three feet of water.
3. Should I purchase a 20 or 27 mil inground liner?
Oftentimes people ask us which liner material is “better:” the 20 mil or the 27 mil?
In reality, there is no “better” liner. The most important choice is not the thickness of the material, but the liner pattern that you choose.
Choose the vinyl liner pattern that you like the best. If it comes in 27 mil at no extra charge, take it, but don’t pay extra for it. You shouldn’t pass on your first pattern choice just to get the thicker material. In our opinion, there is no meaningful advantage to thicker material. There is no difference in wear, durability, longevity or warranty.
Liners fail for two reasons. The ink fades or the material dry rots above the waterline. Thicker material solves neither of these problems.
Most importantly, choose a vinyl liner pattern that speaks to you. You are going to be looking at that pattern in your backyard for at least the next seven years. Ultimately, the pattern you choose should outweigh the thickness of your liner material. It is what you think looks the best that matters.
4. How do I choose an inground liner for my pool?
How do I choose an inground liner pattern for my pool? With our wide selection of styles and colors, we get this question often. By following these steps, you should be able to narrow down the choices to the one you like the best.
1- Consider color scheme.
Start with a color scheme you find pleasing. Choose from blue and gray; blue and green; blue and brown; earth tones; green or tan.. It’s what you find pleasing that counts.
2- Consider tone.
Narrow your focus by deciding whatever your color scheme looks better in lighter shades, medium shades or darker shades. There is a color and a shade for everyone.
3- Consider design elements.
Now you can narrow your focus by deciding whcih design elements you find to be most pleasing. Do you prefer large diamonds, mosaics, vines or perhaps a fun motif such as Elliot the fish?
4- Consider floor patterns.
Finally, choose a floor pattern. Do you prefer river pebbles, water reflections or granites?
Remember, all of our patterns are winning designs, so select the one you like the best. You can also see all of our in-ground liner patterns installed in actual pools. Just go to our Inspiration Gallery.