Vinyl-lined pools attract owners’ attention because of what they can see most clearly – the huge water barrier that covers a mass surface. Vinyl liners have a sheet of vinyl that sits between the water and the floor and walls of the pool, and an underlayment of sand and other materials are trowelled into place beneath the liner to make sure everything stays secure. It’s important that these elements of a vinyl pool liner are constructed by an experienced professional. If not done correctly, the pool liner can develop wrinkles and soft spots. This normally occurs if water seeps in behind the liner and consequently, the liner will lift and float.
What are vinyl liners?
Vinyl liners are a popular type of pool surface that are largely chosen because they are easy to install and can be customized based on your preference. In the case of installing a vinyl pool, a professional will come to your home and customize the liner to fit your pool.
These builds are typically less expensive than alternatives as they are usually able to be built and installed much quicker than other types of pools. An experienced crew will easily be able replace a vinyl liner in a few hours, compared to days or weeks for alternatives.
Which is the best base material?
The type of material that lies beneath your vinyl pool liner depends on a variety of factors and largely depends on your preference. When choosing a vinyl lining base material, it’s important to consider the type of landscaping that you will be moving forward with post installation. For instance, a steel fence would be ideal in a hilly and complex pool area. Alternatively, if your landscape requires little navigation, structural polymers are a good choice. Again, it’s best to consult an expert to ensure the structural integrity of your pool.
Materials that can be used as a base material include but aren’t limited to:
Concrete
Plastic metal
Steel
What if water gets behind the liner of my inground pool?
There are a variety of factors that may be causing your vinyl pool liner to lift. If you love somewhere with a lot of rain and recently experienced a downpour, you may have noticed that your liner has started to lift. Unlike a fiberglass pool, you can’t pop your vinyl pool liner out of the ground.
When water gets behind your liner, it means your seal has been broken and it must be addressed. If you fail to address the issue, you will begin to see wrinkles or bubbles that may eventually burst or tear. If this issue proceeds, it may also cause your liner to lift and float. It’s important to remember that the effects may vary based on your specific circumstances. What’s most important is that you don’t panic or blame your installation or maintenance crew! If water gets behind your liner its often uncontrollable. It doesn’t mean your installation wasn’t done correctly.
Are you considering which base material you should choose for your vinyl pool?
There are a variety of base materials that can be used underneath a vinyl pool liner. Among them are concrete, polymers, and steel. Each type of base material has unique properties and can be used in different scenarios. When choosing your base material, it is important to consult an experienced professional to ensure your base layer can withstand your pool. All materials listed above are strong and durable; however, it’s best to choose your base material based on your unique property.
Your contractor or installation team will normally analyze your property before choosing your base material. If your landscape is rocky or complex, they may be more inclined to lean towards something more durable like steel. For a more uniform project, plastic may suffice.
If you’re weighing your options and aren’t sure where to start, our team of experienced professionals would be happy to book a consultation and point you in the right direction. Your satisfaction is our top priority, and we would love to help you access your property so you can choose the ideal building material.