Vinyl Liner Pool Benefits: Pros & Cons

Vinyl-lined pools are the most common type of swimming pool, and for good reason. While fiberglass pools have their benefits, vinyl liners offer a number of advantages for the discerning pool buyer. If you’re considering installing an inground pool in your backyard, here are a few reasons a vinyl liner pool should be at the top of your list, including some common pros and cons.

Vinyl Liner Pool pros:

• Cost effective
• Low maintenance
• Endless design options
• Smooth to the touch
• Fast installation time

Vinyl Liner Pools Are the Most Cost-Effective Choice

There are few types of pools to compare, vinyl-liner, fiberglass and concrete. While they all have their own advantages and disadvantages, vinyl liner pools are one of the most economical choices to choose from. With concrete being costly in both installation and maintenance, fiberglass ringing in second place over concrete, due to less labor to install pool and no need for resurfacing, vinyl-liners remain at the top. Although a replacement, and repair of the liner is a long term project, vinyl liner pools are overall the budget-friendly option.

Like any pool, the ultimate cost will be factored in with walls, pumps, filtration systems, maintenance needs, type of pool water, and special features or permits. However, a vinyl liner pool is more customizable than its counterparts with shape, size, and color – making your pool fit your budget.

Vinyl Means Lower Maintenance

While all pools require a level of maintenance, vinyl lined pools don’t require as much as their concrete or fiberglass competitors. Vinyl is a nonporous surface, which means it requires less chemicals.  This smooth surface makes it difficult for contaminants such as algae to take hold and wreak havoc on the pool, and with proper pool care, can be prevented. These liners are extremely durable, and if well-maintained will last many years, but will need replacement or repair.  However, cost comparisons have included replacing a liner up to 6-7k less than other maintenance such as resurfacing a concrete pool during repairs. 

In addition- Vinyl’s steel or polymer shell are less vulnerable to freezing/thawing cycles compared to concrete or fiberglass in those colder climate regions, which also can lower the long term costs of your decision.

How Long do Vinyl Liners Last?

The answer depends on various factors like the amount of sunlight the pool is exposed to; how much wear-and-tear the pool sustains; and of course, the level of care and maintenance you put into the pool’s upkeep over the years. With regular routine maintenance, vinyl pool liners can last for up to 10 years before they need to be replaced, though some may have slightly shorter or longer lifespans.

Lots of Options to Design Your Dream Pool

The vinyl pools of yesteryear were pretty limited when it came to design options. If you wanted something other than a rectangle with an aqua blue hue, you were out of luck. These days, the possibilities are almost limitless. Modern manufacturing techniques can produce a vinyl liner for virtually any shape of pool. You can now also include any number of features like spill-over spas or tanning ledges, and liners that come in a myriad of colors, patterns, and thicknesses. Vinyl pools can be designed with more depth than fiberglass can offer, mimicking those of a concrete model. Furthermore, as the years go by and trends emerge/your tastes change, and unlike concrete or fiberglass, when replacing a vinyl liner, you can actually go back to the drawing board and potentially create an entirely new look for your pool. Latham liners also feature UltraSeam technology which will give your pool that seamless look.

Smooth to The Touch

Before I wrap this up, I’d be remiss not to touch on the most appealing aspect of a vinyl liner: its smooth feel. Anybody who’s ever skinned a heel or elbow on a concrete pool knows what I’m talking about. There’s something satisfying about sliding over the smooth surface of a vinyl pool liner. And, again, that smooth surface also helps cut down on the maintenance.

Fast Installation Time

Another addition to advantages of vinyl liner pools, is the installation process. Your vinyl liner pool can be in your backyard in as little as 1-3 weeks depending on your desired features with length, and depth. In those regions where you can get those fall temperatures, we recommend building them then, so when spring hits, it’s all ready to go.

Vinyl Liners: Some Final Pros & Cons

Before you commit to a new vinyl-liner swimming pool, think carefully about these vinyl pool pros and cons, so that you can make a decision that’s right for your lifestyle.

Vinyl Pool Pros

• Huge range of gorgeous, highly customizable styles and designs to choose from
• The lowest upfront costs of all pool types
• Rapid timeline for construction and installation

Vinyl Pool Cons

• Liners must be replaced every 10 years on average
• Slightly higher lifetime costs than fiberglass swimming pools
• More susceptible to algae growth than fiberglass, though algae can be removed or prevented with proper pool care

Learn More About Vinyl Pool Advantages

Vinyl liner pools could be the perfect option for you and your family. Use our Liner Visualizer to explore patterns and choose the vinyl liner pool that’s right for your backyard.