Vinyl Liner Pools—What You Need To Know

 
Picture your backyard transformed into an oasis of relaxation, fun and unforgettable family memories. As you dive into your pool, you savor the knowledge that every detail is customized to your liking—and perhaps best of all, you stayed within your budget. 

This vision can easily become your daily reality when you choose a vinyl liner pool. But across our years of experience at Liquid Luxury Pools, we’ve found that few people seem familiar with this affordable, customizable option.

Read on for everything you need to know about vinyl liners, including what factors to consider, how to choose a liner, the pool installation process and maintenance tips from our experts. 

What Is a Vinyl Liner Pool?

A vinyl liner pool is an in-ground swimming pool with an interior liner made from a flexible vinyl sheet. This liner is a barrier between your pool’s structural walls and the water, just like a fiberglass shell or plaster coating in a gunite (concrete) pool. 

Vinyl liner pools are typically more affordable and offer more design flexibility than other materials. Plus, unlike concrete or textured fiberglass, a vinyl liner creates a silky-smooth surface that’s gentle on your feet and safe for swimmers of all ages.

How To Choose a Vinyl Liner Pool?

These are the most important factors to consider when choosing a vinyl liner:

1. Durability—A high-quality pool liner should withstand daily wear and tear, resist UV fading and endure the occasional bump from swimmers or pool toys.
2. Design—The sky’s the limit when choosing a design for your vinyl liner pool. There are endless colors, patterns and texture options to complement your backyard. 
3. Budget—Thicker liners are typically more durable, and can be more expensive. But in certain settings, a thinner, budget-friendly liner will suffice. 
4. Compatibility—Not all vinyl liners are interchangeable. You have to choose one that’s compatible with your pool’s shape, size and structure. 

What Is the Right Liner Thickness?

You can choose the right liner thickness by considering your pool’s shape and usage. The most common option is a 20-mil pool liner, but a thicker 27-mil liner will offer added durability. 

If your pool has lots of intricate or sharp turns, the 20-mil option is usually best—the thinner material is more flexible and generally offers a better fit. 

What Is the Difference Between Beaded and Tabbed Liners?

Beaded liners have a bead along their top edge, which snaps into a track installed along your pool’s perimeter. These are easier to install and replace since you don’t necessarily have to drain your entire pool. They’re also available in a wide range of patterns and styles. 

Tabbed liners are more budget-friendly by comparison, but they offer a less seamless appearance. This option secures the liner with clips or strips that fold over your pool’s walls. As a result, you do have to drain some or all of your pool to install or replace one. 

Can I Customize the Shape of My Pool?

Yes, you can customize the shape of your vinyl liner pool to nearly any shape or size you can imagine. The one thing to know is that more intricate shapes canincrease your total vinyl liner pool cost.

Choose from one of these popular vinyl liner pool shapes or use them to get inspired:

• Rectangular presents a classic, clean aesthetic
• Freeform offers more natural or artistic looks 
• Kidney-shaped tends to blend well with landscaping features 

What Are Some Popular Accessories for Vinyl Liner Pools?

The most popular vinyl liner pool accessories include:

• Pool covers to protect from debris and reduce maintenance during off-season
• Lighting to add ambiance and extend pool use into the evening
• Water features like waterfalls and fountains to add luxury and fun
• Ladders and steps that make entry and exit convenient for all ages
• Pool heating extends swimming season to make your pool enjoyable year-round
• Slides and diving rocks to add an extra element of excitement 

How Do I Maintain My Vinyl Liner Pool?

Here are the basic steps of vinyl liner pool maintenance:

1. Regularly test and balance your pool’s water chemistry, keeping pH between 7.4–7.6, alkalinity at 80–120 ppm and chlorine levels at 1–3 ppm.
2. Gently clean the liner with a pool vacuum and soft brushes to avoid tears.
3. Periodically inspect the liner for signs of wear or leaks and address issues promptly.
4. Use a pool cover when the pool isn’t in use to protect from UV exposure and debris.

Dive Into Your Dream Pool Today

Choosing a vinyl liner pool is a big step towards creating the backyard oasis you’ve always dreamed of—a space where your family can bond and make memories for years to come. 

At Liquid Luxury Pools, we help families like yours turn these dreams into reality. From selecting the perfect size, shape and liner to expert pool installation and beyond, our experts will guide you every step of the way. (See our Complete Guide to Installing a Swimming Pool.)

Ready to start designing the vinyl liner pool of your dreams? Contact us today to request a free quote or call us at (801) 503-8163!