Construction Methods For Private Pools - Vinyl Liner Pools

Vinyl Liner Pools

As mentioned above, vinyl liner refers only to the interior surface of the pool, as colorized chlorinated PVC thermoplastic vinyl may be used as the waterproofing membrane in a number of diverse pool construction methods. Vinyl Liner pools are typically more numerous than other in-ground pool types, especially so in European Union countries (including the UK), Canada and New Zealand.

They are very popular in the Eastern and Southern United States, where this pool type is considered to be a less expensive option to gunite concrete and can be quickly installed during a single week. These pools still provide a durable, quality product that can last for several decades. Designed by Cascade Industries engineer Bob West and introduced to the New Jersey public in 1948, the package pools were introduced to the wider American public by Cascade's (c. 1948–1980) VP of sales Ed Gorman by inclusion the 1951 Sears Roebuck catalog as a do-it-yourself project for US$500.00 + delivery and installation.

In the following years many manufacturers worldwide have produced vinyl pool kits of varying styles and quality that can be transported to sites and installed in only a few days. Designs range from simple (and inexpensive) prefabricated wooden, galvanized steel walls, structural foam (polymer) walls, to the latest high-quality, high-tech fiber reinforced composite wall system from Only Alpha Pool Products. Vinyl liner pools are popular with many pool buyers due to lower initial cost, better insulation, the many liner patterns and colors available, a child friendly embossed non-slip finish, and the fact that the liners are treated to discourage algae growth. Most chlorinated PVC thermoplastic vinyl pool liners are .20" and .30" gauge (5.0 mm & 7.5 mm) and are recyclable when they reach their design life (usually 20 to 25 years in moderate climates). Replacement liners can be installed in one to two days, and providing the basic pool shell is of substantial construction, a pool may have several new liners over its expected life, which could be as much as fifty years in the case of a concrete construction.

Vinyl liners in sunny climates like California, only last about 7–12 years. They then begin to crack and must be patched. This is due to the heat and strong sun.