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If you have an inground pool, this is an exciting time of year for your family. The weather is getting warm, the school year is winding down, and the invitations for summer barbeques will be coming in very shortly. To ensure that your pool is summer- ready, be sure to determine if you will need a pool liner replacement.
A pool liner should last for many years under normal conditions. It’s possible for a liner to last 10-15 years without seeing too much wear and tear. It is also possible, that with a lot of use and varying weather conditions, you may need to replace your liner more frequently. As part of your routine pool maintenance, you should examine the liner to see if it is time for a replacement.
Reasons for Replacement Liners
Cracks or Leaks in Pool Liner
If you perform a visual inspection of the pool liner and see cracking in several places, chances are good that the pool may be leaking small amounts of water through tiny holes in the pool liner. If possible, keep track of the water level throughout a week’s time. If the water line is receding more than 1 inch over the course of a week , there is most likely a leak and you will want to consider a liner replacement.
Appearance of Pool Liner
The appearance of the pool liner will be the best indicator to whether it is time for a replacement or not. Naturally, the liner will fade over time from sun exposure and the chemicals used to clean the pool. But if you are seeing algae or rust stains, you may want to consider a new liner. If these stains are only at the water line, you can probably install pool tiles to cover the stains.
Stretching of the Liner
Many times, pool liners will fall off the coping track and you may not be able to get it back in place. In instances like this, stretching may be the culprit. Over time the vinyl liner loses some of its elasticity due to the sun’s exposure and the pool chemicals, and it becomes difficult to keep the liner in its track. The old liner may sag and cause water to drain from the pool. If you are noticing this, it is definitely time to replace the liner.
Be sure to do a pool examination in the coming weeks as you re-open the pool for the summer. If you notice cracks, leaking, algae or rust, or stretching of the lining, it may be wise to call a pool contractor to get the job done before the summer months kick in.
At Woodfield Landscaping, we have been helping buyers compare and contrast the different types of Maryland pools available. Some of our customers prefer a fiber glass pool, while others prefer vinyl liners. Just as decisions in your daily life have pros and cons, there are many pros and cons in deciding on a pool type and it is important to be informed during the purchasing process.
Vinyl Liner Pools
A vinyl liner pool refers only to the interior surface of the pool. The vinyl liner is the thermoplastic used to waterproof the interior of the in-ground pool, normally having an attractive pattern to serve as the décor of the pool. Because the liner is not a part of the pool itself, it needs to be replaced when they reach the end of their design life, normally 20-25 years, but varies depending on usage.
Advantages of Vinyl Liner Pools
- Price:Initially there is a lower price due to low material costs and low labor costs.
- Customization:Vinyl Liner pools can be built to any shape or depth.
Disadvantages of Vinyl Liner Pools
- Liner Replacements: Although liner warranties usually last 20-25 years, the warranty loses its value each year. The warranty also does not cover labor and water costs, and more often than not, you will need to replace your liner more than once in that 20 year span.
- Bleaching of Liner: Although the liner may stay intact, chlorine tends to fade the color of the liner.
Fiberglass Pools
A fiberglass pool is exactly what it declares to be. It is a pool, built upon layers of fiberglass, with a surface layer of high quality gel coat that nowadays, is fade resistant.
Advantages of Fiber Glass Pools
- Lower Maintenance: Fiberglass pools use 1/3 the amount of chemicals that vinyl liner pools use and there are no liner replacements necessary.
- Aesthetics: With new mold innovations, colored finishes, and fade resistant surfaces, the fiberglass pool is and stays aesthetically pleasing.
- Long Term Cost: Because of the longevity and low maintenance, the cost over a lifetime is significantly less than that of a vinyl liner pool.
Disadvantages of Fiberglass Pools
- Shape/Depth Limitations: Fiberglass pools are pre-manufactured to exact conditions. There is no customization of size, shape, and color.
- Initial Price: The initial price of a fiberglass pool will be high and is usually a drawback for many customers who can’t fathom spending the money up front.
Making a decision regarding a Maryland pool can be a big one. You may need to take into account your current budget, future budget, and the intended use of the pool. It is sure to be a tough decision, as are most decisions involving money. But with summer upon us, these are some things to consider when purchasing an in-ground pool for your first home, new home, or home of twenty years. Happy swimming!
