What is a Vinyl Pool?

Although we probably have no idea what it was called, most of us have most likely been around or have seen a vinyl pool at some point in our lives. So, what is a vinyl pool exactly?

Vinyl Pools are an inground swimming pool option. They’re easy to install and can be done so in just a few weeks. Additionally, they’re typically the least expensive option of the different types of inground pools.

Design-wise, vinyl pools have the following:

What is a Vinyl Liner Pool? 

Your typical vinyl liner pool is composed of five main components:

• Wall Panels – these make up the walls everywhere around the pool except for the steps. Usually, the materials used for wall panels are steel, aluminum, or polymer, and they measure around 42 inches tall, so the shallow end of the pool is typically that depth.

• Pool Base – the purpose of the base is to provide a smooth surface for the pool’s liner. Most pool bases are made of vermiculite or grout.

• Vinyl Liner – as the name suggests, the pool’s liner is made of vinyl. They are typically measured in miles which is equal to 1/1000 of an inch. A vinyl liner for an inground pool is around 20-30 mils thick, less than a millimeter. Vinyl liners are either embossed (soft, varies in thickness, has peaks and valleys) or non-embossed (flat across the top, equally thick all the way through)

• Steps – The standard steps for the vinyl liner pool are the white plastic steps that are attached to the pool walls. Some use vinyl over steps that are premade, and others opt to use a removable ladder that hangs over the edge of the pool

• Coping – this is the border that spans the top perimeter of the pool. It marks the transition from the pool to the patio. The standard for vinyl liner pools is white aluminum coping. The aluminum can be painted in different colors, but vinyl liner pool owners usually opt for white.

What Is the Average Cost of a Vinyl Inground Pool? 

Vinyl Inground pools are the better option if you’re on a tight budget. Not only does it have low upfront costs, but it’s also DIY-friendly which means it’s not necessary to shell out tons of money for livening up the pool.

The initial cost is usually around $25,000-$40,000 on average. This includes the pool itself, any added features, and the surrounding area.

Other factors affecting the initial cost also include:

But, of course, it’s also important to consider the lifetime costs for the maintenance of the pool. Costs to maintain this type of inground pool are relatively less when compared to concrete or gunite pools. This is because algae don’t grow easily on vinyl surfaces which means no cleaning chemicals are necessary, and the cleaning can be done by yourself.

Typically, vinyl pools last around 5-9 years. The average cost for maintaining it during that period runs at around $13,300.

Vinyl Liner Pool Benefits

Aside from the relatively low costs, vinyl liner pools have other benefits:

• Quick Installation – if you’re looking to build a pool in the summer and enjoy it as quickly as possible, then vinyl pools are perfect for you. Compared to the other alternative options, a swimming pool company only needs around a week to install a vinyl pool.

• Low Maintenance – of course, no pool is without its maintenance needs, but vinyl liner pools have fewer needs than concrete ones, for example. Its smooth surface lessens the risk of contamination build-up, which allows you to maintain cleaner water.

• Customizable – most vinyl liner pools are rectangular in shape, but it’s definitely possible to customize its shape, size, and depth according to your preference. Although custom options cost more, they’re definitely cheaper for vinyl liner pools than the other inground pool options.

• Smooth liner surface – the smooth surface of vinyl pools makes it easier on the hands and feet. It prevents scrapes and cuts that could otherwise happen on much rougher surfaces.

• DIY friendly – the thing about vinyl pools is that you can do the most basic work yourself. It may risk inaccuracy and take much longer than just asking professionals to do it, but it also allows you to save a lot more money.

Now that you have the basic idea of what vinyl pools are and what it costs to have one installed, reach out to a swimming pool company near you and improve your summer experience!