



Vinyl Liner Pools
Now is the time to enjoy those special moments with your family!
Take a break from reality with your very own backyard pool, with vinyl liner construction more families can afford to enjoy the pleasures of owning a inground vinyl lined pool. From the many variations in style and color you will have no problem picking out the perfect pool for your loved ones. No more worrying about swimming in unknown waters with your very own pool. Lets go swimming!!
A vinyl liner pool uses a liner made from many sheets of flexible vinyl (PVC) seamed by melting the edges together to form seams which create a water tight membrane that holds the water in. Vinyl liners are typically locked in from the top edge, with a bead receiver, located on the top of the wall panel, which is just below the concrete deck level. Beneath the liner sand or cement-like floors are applied to correct shape and depths specified by the homeowner or manufactures of the pool kits (always build to code). The floor is tapered up to meet the bottom of the walls, which are commonly 42" tall and come in various shapes, made of galvanized steel or thermoplastic. These walls are supported from the backside to prevent bowing inward and outward from the weight of the water and backfill pushing on them from both directions. All of the wall panels are secured together using bolts, supports and a concrete footing to make up the perimeter shape of the swimming pool. The liner is then installed using large vacuums to remove the air and form the liner to the floor and walls. Then all of the cutouts are made for the steps, lights and all other fittings using a sharp knife, then plastic bead lockers are installed using small stainless steel screws. Water is now added and balanced for swimming.
Pros of a Vinyl lined pool
-
Any size or shape can be created
-
Least expensive method to install an in ground pool
-
Choice to chose from many liner patterns and colors that are offered
-
Are not usually damaged from freeze thaw conditions
-
Do not require large machinery for installation
-
Easier to clean than a concrete pool because of the smooth liner
Cons of a Vinyl lined pool
-
Liner will need replacement at a substantial cost usually $3500-$5000 (normally last from 5-15 years depending on use and care of the pool)
-
Many times seams can separate from manufacture defects and improper measuring and improper fit of the liner by the installer.
-
Do not have any insulation from the colder earth causing much higher heating costs
-
Have small screws holding the liner tracks that are easily stripped by the installers that could cause leakage, Normally there are over 60 small screws in a vinyl pool with a step, light, skimmer and returns.
-
Very hard to locate leaks because of so many seams and sealing areas
-
Have the greatest tendency to float if ground water is present because the vinyl liner has NO physical strength to stay in place with water pressure. (Normally liners have to be replaced if they float because they cannot be re-inserted to the same location for seals, as when first installed.
-
Cannot be re-located if you move and sometimes resale of your home could be tougher without any option of relocation
-
May cause harmful effects from the Phthalates used to make the vinyl soft and pliable?
-
Warranty for the liner normally only covers the seams which are double the thickness of the overall liner does not cover the top edge exposed to the sun. Read manufactures warranty for exact rules (do not rely on salesman for these details).
-
Construction methods can very on each project causing many variations of the quality of the installation such as use of clay to backfill not abiding to the manufactures installation methods therefore voiding the warranty from the manufacture.