Vinyl Liner Options for Your New Swimming Pool

If you’re considering having an in-ground vinyl liner swimming pool installed in the near future, the kind of liner you’re looking at having is a beaded liner. But that’s certainly not the only thing you need to know! You also need to consider the options you have when it comes to thickness, embossing, longevity, and more.

Thickness of Vinyl Liners

The typical vinyl liner is between 20 and 30 mils thick and will last anywhere from 5 to 9 years. Keep in mind that a “mil” (also referred to as a “thou”) is not a millimeter but a 1/1000 of an inch, or approximately 1/39 of a millimeter. Sometimes dealers refer to the thickness in terms of “gauge” instead, but if you’re comparing several, you might want to ask how many “mils” they are as well.

Embossing of Vinyl Liners

In addition to thickness, another choice you’ll need to make regarding vinyl liners is whether you want to get one that’s embossed. Basically, an embossed liner will have both peaks and valleys, making their thickness variable. As a result, they feel thicker than they really are and are measured differently. Embossed liners are measured according to their highest peaks, making the thickness listed for them a little confusing. As the name implies, non-embossed liners offer consistent thickness. If the price point is a major factor in your choice, the 20 mil embossed vinyl liner is the most budget-savvy option.

Longevity of Vinyl Liners

Liner thickness directly relates to longevity, because it influences the level of puncture resistance. Even thicker liners can be punctured by glass, tree branches, sharp toenails, or animals’ claws. While punctures can certainly pose threats to vinyl liners, improper installation is more often the culprit. When a liner is improperly installed, empty space between the liner and the pool wall can be present, particularly in the corners, and can lead to dry rotting. The result is a liner that ends up being destroyed.

Thicker liners aren’t necessarily better because of their resistance to punctures, but instead due to their being easier to maneuver during installation. As a result, they’re more likely to be installed properly, allowing them to resist failure. While a 30 mil liner may last longer than a 20 mil liner, it really boils down to installation.

Suggested Vinyl Liners

Whatever the thickness of your vinyl liner and whether you choose an embossed or non-embossed liner, there are a few things you can do to promote its longevity. First, make sure your liner is carefully installed by a professional. Second, make sure to carefully maintain chlorine levels and pH. Third, keep pets and other sharp objects out of your swimming pool. Fourth, insist that everyone who enters your pool has carefully clipped toenails or wears water shoes.

Lyon Financial

Since 1979 Lyon Financial has made the backyard resort dream come true for over 400,000 families across the U.S. Through our solid relationships with more than 3,000 pool contractors and our continued commitment to putting our clients first, we have built a reputation as the first choice in providing pool financing solutions. For more information, visit lyonfinancial.net or call (877) 754-5966 today.