Above Ground Vinyl Liner Pool: What are the Pros and Cons?

Vinyl liner swimming pools are not new to many households because of their inexpensive and easy to install nature. With the advancement in technology, vinyl liner pool construction has changed from basic to elegant construction with more shapes and liner choices. However, not many homeowners are considering vinyl pools as they are less durable.

Therefore, if you are thinking of installing a vinyl liner for your above ground pool, it is wise to consider the following pros and cons so that you can make an informed decision.

Read more: Buyer’s Guide For The Best Above Ground Pool

Pros of Vinyl Liner Pool

If you are working with a tight budget, vinyl liner pools are the ideal choice for you. Compared to other types of pool, vinyl pools are relatively cheap to install and assembly. Fiberglass pools are cheap in terms of labor, but they are costly to manufacture and ship. However, when it comes to maintenance, vinyl pools can be costly than fiberglass and concrete pools.

Of all the three types of pool liners, vinyl pool liners allow for custom shape and sizes in order to cater for your unique needs and requirements. They are assembled in modular panels, both straight and rounded segments, and these give homeowners a range of options to choose from. So, whatever your vision for your property is, with unlimited shapes and sizes of vinyl pools, you can be sure to transform and increase the value of your home.

Another key benefit of the vinyl liner for above ground pools is that it is very smooth to touch. Hence, you won’t have to worry about it being abrasive to your skin, something that fiberglass and other pool types are likely to cause.

When compared to other types of liner pools, the vinyl liners are highly durable. The vinyl material is much thicker and offers high UV protection to protect your pool from damage for at least 8-12 years. What’s more, the liner is made of non-porous material, which does not inhibit the growth of algae. This characteristic will allow your pool to stay clean at all times.

Cons of Vinyl Liner Pool

While vinyl liners are cheap to install, they are more costly to maintain. Typically, the first liner is likely to last between 8-14 years, after which, they need to be replaced. However, liner replacements will cost you more than your initial investments. This ultimately makes vinyl liner pools the least option for homeowners who are concerned about the resale value of their property.

Despite its durable nature, the vinyl liner material is susceptible to damage and puncture if poorly cared for. With a thickness of around 20-30 millimeters, vinyl liners are less resilient and may not be the best choice if you are expecting to do hard and rough plays in the pool. Hence, homeowners are advised to be cautious with sharp objects and other things that are not safe around the vinyl liner pool environment.

The vinyl liner is more susceptible to stains if the debris is not removed from the swimming pool promptly. This is especially true for metals which are prone to leave rust stains within 24 hours of contact with the liner. Also, despite vinyl liner being more non-porous, it will require more chemicals than fiberglass in order to harbor algae. And just like staining, fading is also common for this type of liner.

Another downside of this type of liner is that it can become slippery if treatment of swimming water is done using the right chemicals. Thus, the chemistry should be kept accurate in order to prevent slippery or wrinkled surfaces, especially for the entry steps of the pool.

You should also contemplate about the warranty since most vinyl liner manufacturers offer a pro-rated warranty of 20 years. This means that unless your above ground pool liner gets damaged within the first year, you are unlikely to be covered for a new liner. Besides, most warranties only cover a new liner with no water, labor, or chemicals included. It is, therefore, crucial to carefully read the fine print before making any buying decisions. 

Final Thoughts

Just like other above ground pool liners, the vinyl liner has its own set of advantages and disadvantages. While they are easy to install, less porous and come in customizable shapes and sizes, they are also slippery, require regular maintenance, and have a high lifetime cost. Every homeowner should, therefore, weigh both the pros and cons of this pool liner before making a final decision.