Swimming Pool Liner options

If you are looking to replace an existing swimming pool liner or having a new pool constructed, you will need to think about how to line the walls and floor of the pool. All but the cheapest above ground pools need a separate liner and there are two main choices, tiles and grout or a vinyl liner.

Why you need a liner

Your pool needs a liner to retain the water (i.e. a waterproof membrane) and to give the pool surfaces an attractive finish. Vinyl liners also have a soft and smooth tactile feel.

The liner choices are firstly, the traditional "wet trade" tile and grout lining and secondly, a made to measure one piece vinyl liner.

Both options will prove viable for submerged (i.e. below-ground) swimming pools, however only a vinyl liner will work on an above or partially above ground pool. Deciding which is the best option is subjective and determined by considerations like cost and build time, but both methods have their advantages. Here are some of the key features of each type.

Installation cost

Vinyl liners are always cheaper than tile and grout linings, both in terms of the liner cost and the cost of fitting. Additionally, a vinyl liner will normally be installed in a day whilst the "wet trade" tile and grout lining can take several days or even weeks to complete.

The skill level is also different for the two lining options. Tiles require a tradesman with many years of experience, whilst a vinyl liner can be fitted by someone who specialises only in swimming pool contracting. This is why the time and cost of fitting is so high for the tiled solution.

Practicality and durability

Modern vinyl liners are tough and durable. They are difficult to scratch, scuff, damage or tear and they are totally watertight. Despite this, it is possible to damage a vinyl liner with a sharp object and for this reason they are slightly less durable than tiles.

Vinyl liners can be repaired. Localized areas of damage like a small tear can be treated or patched up and, whilst small repairs are not noticeable, large areas of damage will be. Most vinyl liners come with a 10 year guarantee or warranty.

A tiled lining is difficult to damage. Tiles are tough and hard (a possible disadvantage from a tactile perspective) and only very careless treatment with a heavy object can dislodge or scratch a tile. If damaged tiles can be replaced, but a variation in the colour of the grout (and possibly the replacement tiles) used for the repaired will be visible.

Aesthetics and tactility

When it comes to the touch, a vinyl liner is smooth, soft and highly tactile. The way that it feels and the fact that it can even be padded make it a more pleasing lining to come into contact with than tiles. A padded feel can be achieved by lining the pool with foam panels prior to fitting the liner.

Vinyl liners can also simulate the patterns and colours of tiled pools and the more expensive liners even give the impression of a tiled surface texture. All told this makes a good quality vinyl lining hard to tell apart from a tiled lining.

Making the choice - vinyl or tiles

Which option you choose will be down to personal preference. Today many people opt for the vinyl because it looks good, feels good and saves money.

Replacement is cheap and this means that you can inexpensively change the look of your entire pool area by changing the liner. Liner patterns also offer up a range of shapes and pictures which no tiled pool can match and some companies will even make the liner with a pattern or design supplied by the customer. This makes the aesthetic options unlimited and makes the vinyl swimming pool liner an attractive proposition.