Vinyl liner pools are the most affordable type of in-ground pools on the market. They are popular, not only because of being affordable, but also because they are beautiful, comfortable, and easy to keep clean. This type of pool has many benefits such as durability, easy installation, and a wide variety of colors and patterns from which to choose. Prestige Pools specializes in vinyl liner pools so we are in a good position to help you when considering a vinyl-lined pool. This article outlines the basics of a vinyl liner pool so you are fully informed on the process, the options, and the components.
The General Process for Building a Vinyl Liner Pool
The following steps outline the general process for building a vinyl liner pool:
- Excavating the backyard for the pool
- Carrying the dirt off the job site
- Confirming the pool elevations, depth, height, and other dimensions
- Setting up the pool walls
- Installing and staking the pool walls
- Running the pool plumbing lines
- Pouring concrete beam around the pool
- Setting and plumbing pool equipment
- Installing the pool bottom
- Installing pool coping
- Backfilling the pool
- Installing the vinyl liner
- Filling the pool with water
- Install pool decking
A Variety of Choices
You have a variety of choices when you get a vinyl liner pool. Factors such as the color of the liner and the shape of the pool provide a custom solution.
Colors
The color of your pool is important because it is the focal point of the entire area. There are four main color profiles that vinyl liners come in–Deep Blue, Light Blue, Aqua, and Vivid Blue. Each has several different patterns you can choose from and most colors are available with or without border tiles at the top.
Texture
Vinyl liners come in several textures that can both enhance the look and improve the traction. If you are planning on covering the steps with the vinyl liner, you should consider a textured liner in order to provide more grip, traction, and safety.
Shapes
Not everyone wants a rectangular pool for their backyard. If your space allows, you may want to have a pool with soft curves that creates a custom look. Vinyl liner pools come in many different shapes such as an ‘L’ shape, a classic Roman, a Grecian, and many more. To learn more about your option, please visit our vinyl pool shapes page.
Components of a Vinyl Liner Pool
A vinyl liner pool has several parts including the liner itself, wall panels, the pool base, the coping, and the steps.
The Vinyl Liner
There are different types of vinyl liners, each with different properties. You should think about the kind of use the liner will get in order to choose the right one for you. The thickness of the liner can affect the durability, the cost, and the kind of maintenance required. A liner that is thicker will be more expensive and more difficult to manage. But, a thicker liner is more durable and resists scratches and tears better than a thinner one.
The thickness of a vinyl liner is under a millimeter and is measured in mils. (A mil equals 1/1000 of an inch.) Vinyl liners vary in thickness between 20-30 mils. You can also get vinyl liners that are embossed, meaning the liner’s thickness is not uniform throughout. For example, a 25 mils embossed liner has a thickness of up to 25 mils, but places on the liner will also be thinner than 25 mils. An embossed liner feels soft and malleable, whereas a liner that isn’t embossed doesn’t feel as supple and pliable.
The Panels for the Walls
Underneath the vinyl liner, the walls are made up of either metal or plastic panels. Polymer, aluminum, and steel are materials frequently used for wall panels. The height of the panels is the height of the pool’s shallow end, which is 42 inches. Except for the steps, the panels are used on all of the walls.
The Base of the Pool
The base of the pool consists of a liner placed over grout or vermiculite. Either grout or vermiculite, whichever you decide on, is applied onto the earth to form the pool floor using a round-edged pool trowel. Then, the liner is placed over it.
Coping
The coping is the part that covers the corners of the pool at the connection of the pool wall and the concrete of the patio. Usually, vinyl liner pools use C-channel white aluminum coping. The term C-channel refers to the shape of the coping, which is a half-circle. The coping follows along the edges of the pool as a border. The aluminum can be dyed in several colors, it is usually white. You can also install a flat-mount coping that establishes the liner in place, or you can choose to use decorative pavers as coping. Another option is to use cantilevered concrete coping. The concrete is poured into a mold to create the shape of the edge where the patio meets with the pool.
The Entry and Exit Steps
The three types of steps for the pool are a ladder, white plastic steps, and vinyl-covered steps. White plastic steps are made of polymer and are joined with the walls of the pool. However, it’s important to note that they form their own area and extend out past the edge of the pool. Steps covered in the vinyl liner are a popular option with many varieties to choose from. Covering steps with vinyl involves a pre-manufactured liner that fits the steps exactly.
Contact Prestige Pools of NC for a Vinyl Liner Pool
Because vinyl liner pools are our specialty at Prestige Pools of NC, we are in a unique position to assist you in making the best decisions for your specific situation. Let us show you the options that are available. Contact us at 919-779-1033 or complete our easy-to-use form below.
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