CONCRETEFIBREGLASSLINERRENOVATIONS

Liner Pools

GENERAL OVERVIEW

Liner pools are a popular family pool for 3 main reasons: they are the least expensive pool to build; they offer total flexibility in terms of size, shape and depth; and they can be installed in-ground or above ground, even where access is restrictive. These advantages have made Liner pools a common choice throughout Europe and the USA. Liner pools are typically available in a variety of pre-designed shapes and sizes, however, you can customise a Liner pool to your exact requirements.

 

How a Liner pool is made: Traditional building methods use wood or steel panels to create the structural walls of a Liner pool. The development of fibre reinforced composite panels has provided a whole new level of wall strength and durability. The base of the pool is made from sand, concrete or cement-like material, that is joined to the walls. A custom fitted vinyl liner is then laid over the smooth pool structure and vacuum sealed into place before the pool is filled with water. The vinyl liner is a watertight membrane that also provides a smooth surface and decorative finish to the Liner pool.

 

EASE OF INSTALLATION

Liner pools can be installed where it would be difficult or impossible to install a Fibreglass or Concrete pool. If your property has restricted access then a Liner pool could be a good option for you. You may not even need to excavate a hole, because Liner pools can be installed above ground. Adding a deck surround to an above ground pool can give you the same benefits and a similar feeling and to in-ground pool, but without the cost and disruption of large earthmoving equipment.

LESS UP-FRONT EXPENSIVE

The biggest advantage Liner pools offer over other pool types is that they are much less expensive to install… at least $10,000 less than a comparatively sized Fiberglass or Concrete pool. You can save even more money by installing your Liner pool above ground. This is great news for those with smaller budgets, allowing families to enjoy the benefits of a private pool without stretching their finances too far. This comes with a word of caution: although Liner pools are more affordable to install, they require a bit more maintenance and owners could be faced with the need to replace the liner (a $4–$6K exercise!). However, with proper care and up-keep a Liner pool may prove to be the least expensive option for you in the long run.

 

CUSTOMISE YOUR POOL

If your requirements for pool size or shape is a deal breaker for a Fibreglass pool, then you might find a Liner pool offers the ideal solution! As the structure of Liner pools are made from modular components, you have infinite scope to build your pool the way you want it, in much the same way you’d build a toy pool from Lego. Liner pools can be as large as you want. They can be almost any shape you desire. And, if needed, you can make them much deeper than a Fibreglass pool. Want to add diving pool depth at one end? No worries! Need a lap pool that’s 25 metres long and 3 metres wide? Easy! Have a desire to own a pool in the shape of a love-heart, with underwater seats? Cool. Another great feature of Liner pools is the wide range of liner colours and patterns available. To see what’s on offer check with the manufacturer or your pool supplier.

PROS

  • The lowest initial cost of any in-ground pool:  Liner Pools are a good option for families with a smaller budget (you still need to allow for future repairs or liner replacement though)
  • In-ground or above ground:  This pool type is suitable for in-ground and ,if your landscape allows, above ground installation. Check with your trusted pool builder!
  • Fully customisable shape and size: Liner pools can be almost any shape, and unlike Fibreglass pools, there’s no limitation on length, width, and depth. Liner pools are ideal if you require an extra large pool or want a very deep end for diving.
  • Non-abrasive surface: The vinyl liner is smooth to the touch and easy on the skin.
  • Easier to clean: That smooth liner is also non-porous, thwarting the efforts of algae to gain a foothold and make your life more difficult!
  • Quick installation: Liner pools can be installed relatively quickly, not as fast as a Fibreglass pool, but still much quicker than a Concrete pool. Morgan+Stone can install an average sized Liner pool in 3-4 weeks
  • Flexible: The walls of a Liner pool can flex, helping to absorb earthquakes and movements in your landscaping
  • Liner repairs: Minor damage to the liner can be easily repaired using special adhesive
  • Style update: If you need to replace the liner in the future then you have the option to chose a different colour or pattern to match the fashion trend

CONS

  • Higher costs long-term: The running cost of a Liner pool is higher than a Fibreglass pool. During the life of your ownership, the pool liner may need to be completely replaced (typically between 7-15 years depending on the quality of the liner material). The total cost of replacement includes the cost of a new liner (around $4,000 for an average sized pool) and the time involved to empty the pool, install the new liner and refill the pool, plus other minor costs associated with this.
  • Pro-rated Warranty: Liner pool warranties are typically pro-rated, meaning, if repairs or replacements are needed, the manufacturer warrants only selected portions of the product and you will need to cover the rest. The warranted cover may also reduce over time. You would be wise to thoroughly read the warranty before signing on the dotted line!
  • Algae hide-outs: Some Liner pools have submerged areas that do not have good water circulation (such as behind steps and light niches). This creates a happy breeding ground for algae and compromises your pool cleaning efforts. Some extra elbow grease will be needed to scour out the nasties from these areas!
  • Pool floor more slippery: Because the smooth vinyl liner covers the entire inner surface of the pool, the floor is more slippery than a Fibreglass pool
  • Non-matching colour scheme:  Sometimes, the colour of steps and benches doesn’t match the colour of the pool liner. This can seriously mess with the aesthetics of your pool
  • Colour fading: With chlorine use, some liner pools can bleach and fade significantly, even within the first few years. The structure of the liner itself may be fine and its performance may be unaffected, but its faded appearance can be very disheartening.
  • Structural compromises: The structural members and walls of Liner pools can be made from differing materials, such as reinforced concrete, metal (steel, stainless steel, aluminium), wood or synthetic composites. Experience shows that Liner pools eventually leak and this can compromise the structure. Wood can rot and steel can corrode, especially if salt chlorinators are used. Extra care is required to ensure that your combination of structure, wall material, pool liner and water treatment will all work well together
  • Liner more easily damaged:  Dogs or other pets, tree branches or foreign items thrown into the pool may puncture or tear the liner, causing leaks. Minor damage can be repaired, but to avoid extra expense Liner pools should be treated with care
  • Resale value: When selling a home, potential buyers may be hesitant at the prospect of also owning a Liner pool. A purchaser may even ask for the liner to be replaced before the sale of the house. This could mean a loss of equity for you.

PROS

  • The lowest initial cost of any in-ground pool:  Liner Pools are a good option for families with a smaller budget (you still need to allow for future repairs or liner replacement though)
  • In-ground or above ground:  This pool type is suitable for in-ground and ,if your landscape allows, above ground installation. Check with your trusted pool builder!
  • Fully customisable shape and size: Liner pools can be almost any shape, and unlike Fibreglass pools, there’s no limitation on length, width, and depth. Liner pools are ideal if you require an extra large pool or want a very deep end for diving.
  • Non-abrasive surface: The vinyl liner is smooth to the touch and easy on the skin.
  • Easier to clean: That smooth liner is also non-porous, thwarting the efforts of algae to gain a foothold and make your life more difficult!
  • Quick installation: Liner pools can be installed relatively quickly, not as fast as a Fibreglass pool, but still much quicker than a Concrete pool. Morgan+Stone can install an average sized Liner pool in 3-4 weeks
  • Flexible: The walls of a Liner pool can flex, helping to absorb earthquakes and movements in your landscaping
  • Liner repairs: Minor damage to the liner can be easily repaired using special adhesive
  • Style update: If you need to replace the liner in the future then you have the option to chose a different colour or pattern to match the fashion trend.

CONS

  • Higher costs long-term: The running cost of a Liner pool is higher than a Fibreglass pool. During the life of your ownership, the pool liner may need to be completely replaced (typically between 7-15 years depending on the quality of the liner material). The total cost of replacement includes the cost of a new liner (around $4,000 for an average sized pool) and the time involved to empty the pool, install the new liner and refill the pool, plus other minor costs associated with this.
  • Pro-rated Warranty: Liner pool warranties are typically pro-rated, meaning, if repairs or replacements are needed, the manufacturer warrants only selected portions of the product and you will need to cover the rest. The warranted cover may also reduce over time. You would be wise to thoroughly read the warranty before signing on the dotted line!
  • Algae hide-outs: Some Liner pools have submerged areas that do not have good water circulation (such as behind steps and light niches). This creates a happy breeding ground for algae and compromises your pool cleaning efforts. Some extra elbow grease will be needed to scour out the nasties from these areas!
  • Pool floor more slippery: Because the smooth vinyl liner covers the entire inner surface of the pool, the floor is more slippery than a Fibreglass pool
  • Non-matching colour scheme:  Sometimes, the colour of steps and benches doesn’t match the colour of the pool liner. This can seriously mess with the aesthetics of your pool
  • Colour fading: With chlorine use, some liner pools can bleach and fade significantly, even within the first few years. The structure of the liner itself may be fine and its performance may be unaffected, but its faded appearance can be very disheartening.
  • Structural compromises: The structural members and walls of Liner pools can be made from differing materials, such as reinforced concrete, metal (steel, stainless steel, aluminium), wood or synthetic composites. Experience shows that Liner pools eventually leak and this can compromise the structure. Wood can rot and steel can corrode, especially if salt chlorinators are used. Extra care is required to ensure that your combination of structure, wall material, pool liner and water treatment will all work well together
  • Liner more easily damaged:  Dogs or other pets, tree branches or foreign items thrown into the pool may puncture or tear the liner, causing leaks. Minor damage can be repaired, but to avoid extra expense Liner pools should be treated with care
  • Resale value: When selling a home, potential buyers may be hesitant at the prospect of also owning a Liner pool. A purchaser may even ask for the liner to be replaced before the sale of the house. This could mean a loss of equity for you.

SUMMARY

Liner pools have a number of drawbacks, the most obvious one being the need to repair or replace the vinyl liner when it gets damaged. All liner pools eventually leak and this could lead to structural problems. This much more serious issue can be averted by building with a composite material that will never rot or corrode. With wise building choices and proper care, a Liner pool can provide many years of hassle-free recreation. Where Liner pools really excel is their flexibility in terms of size, shape, depth and also colour options. If you have a need for a very large pool or have a site that has difficult access then a Liner pool could be the ideal choice for you.

A LINER POOL WILL SUIT YOU IF…

• You have a smaller budget ($35–$45K)
•  You want a customised size, shape or depth
•  You want a diving pool
•  Your property has restricted access
•  Your property is fairly flat and you want an in-ground or above ground pool
•  You want a pool that requires less maintenance than a Concrete pool
•  You want economical running costs
•  You’re willing to budget for repairs or liner replacements in the future
•  You’ll take good care of the pool liner 

MORGAN+STONE LINER POOLS

Our top Liner pool options include unique Titan steel and fibre reinforced composite panels for long term strength, resilience and durability. These pools have a 25 year or ‘Lifetime’ structural warranty. We also have a great selection of liner colours with beautiful edge designs.  If you’re after the very best in Liner pool technology, talk to Morgan+Stone. Our team of professionals will design the pool of your dreams and turn your backyard into your own personal oasis.

Call us today on 0800 732 867 and discover the versatility and design options of our Liner pools.

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