All About Vinyl Swimming Pools

Vinyl pools have a vinyl liner used to form the outermost layer of the swimming pool. The vinyl liner sits atop the structural components that support and shape the swimming pool. Each vinyl pool requires a liner, wall panels and supports, a pool floor (also called pool base), steps or a ladder, coping, and decking.  

A vinyl swimming pool can be customized with the actual vinyl liner and select the swimming pool shape and size. 

This beautiful vinyl pool with rock waterfall was designed and built by our NPC Premium Member, Pool Town. Learn more about this builder.

Vinyl Liners

Like linoleum, synthetic rubber, upholstery, and many other products, vinyl liners are made with petroleum. A perfect quality liner, installed and fitted correctly and maintained well, will last between 15 and 20 years. No vinyl liners are permanent, and all will need to be replaced at some point. 

Texture and Color

There are several choices to make when selecting your liner. While vinyl liners are most often smooth, you can choose an embossed texture. Textured liners usually cost more but are typically chosen to provide a less slippery surface to enable additional grip for your feet. Another way to customize the look of a vinyl swimming pool is by selecting one of several color groups and the myriad of patterns and designs offered by each manufacturer. Remember that each color and shade will have a different effect on the color of the pool water and the amount of sunlight absorbed. For example, darker colors tend to absorb more sun, and while they may help your pool warm-up, the sun absorption may also contribute to your liner fading faster than a lighter colored liner. It’s best to discuss the pros and cons of your color selections with your contractor. 

Thickness

In addition to the various colors, a multitude of patterns, and designs, vinyl liners come in several thicknesses. The standard measurement used to calculate the thickness of a vinyl liner is a millimeter. Some manufacturers may use gauge as a measurement, but this is not a standardized measurement for vinyl liners. As these two measurements are not equivalent, be sure to pay attention to what type of measurement is used for the liner’s thickness. For example, a 35 gauge liner is not the same as a 35 mil liner; it’s actually equivalent to a 30 mil liner. If you are looking at a manufacturer that uses gauges, make sure to properly convert that thickness to millimeters.   

Vinyl liners usually come between 20 to 30 millimeters thick. The thicker the liner, the more expensive your overall costs will be. Thicker liners are supposed to last longer and need to be replaced less often than thinner liners because they can be less susceptible to unwanted punctures and weakening from ongoing direct sunlight exposure. It is essential to know that a properly fit liner will last longer than one that is not properly fit, regardless of thickness. Thinner liners are more pliable than thicker liners, and some contractors find them easier to install. However, a properly trained and experienced contractor should be equally skilled at installing a thinner liner as a thicker liner. Thickness does not effect the rate of fading. Fading is caused by direct exposure from the sun and chemicals improperly added to the swimming pool. 

Vinyl Swimming Pool Construction

As mentioned, there are several components to every vinyl swimming pool: wall panels (also called sidewalls) and supports, liner, a pool floor (also called a pool base), steps or a ladder, and coping. 

Wall Panels and Supports

The wall panels (also called sidewalls) are the major structural component determining a vinyl swimming pool’s shape and size. Wall panels can be made of steel, fiberglass, aluminum, plastic, or pressure-treated wood. Vinyl pools can be built in many shapes and sizes, offering homeowners lots of options for customization. Standard heights for a wall panel are 42”,  48”, or 52” high. The water line will be 34”-36”, 40”-42”, and 44”-46”, respectively. If you want a deeper pool, you will need additional construction to elevate the walls’ height. Ideally, this material will be made from gunite or shotcrete. This customization level may become more expensive, and trouble than it’s worth, as not every builder may offer it. 

All wall panels require additional supports, known as a bracing system. The bracing system secures the sidewalls in place and supports the swimming pool’s coping and deck. Bracing systems are typically patented and designed to work best with specific manufactures’ wall panels. In general, braces may form an X, A, or I. The most secure systems are bolted into a concrete pad on the ground along the wall panels’ perimeter. 

Pool Floor (also called a pool base)

The pool base can be made of several materials. Sand, grout (a combination of sand, cement, and water), or products made with vermiculite, Portland cement, water, and admixtures are popular options. Your contractor will know what material is best. Sometimes, the terrain where you will build your pool can determine the type of material best used for your pool base.Some determining factors may include: if you will build your pool on a slope, if there are groundwater issues, if your soil is expansive or wet, 

The most important thing to remember about the pool floor is that it should be smooth and level. A smooth surface will make it less likely your liner will rupture. A level surface will make the pool easier to clean and means algae is less likely to grow. 

Pool Steps or a Ladder

Like any other pool, you can install steps or a ladder to help you get in and out. Most vinyl swimming pools are built with plastic steps. These are attached to the wall panels, and usually, the last step ends at the base of the pool wall. The steps kind of jet out from the pool wall. However, when the coping and decking are completed, they do not appear separate from the pool. Plastic steps come in white (most common), but other colors are available, too. You can also purchase your vinyl liner to be placed over the steps (vinyl over) so that the entire swimming pool has the same color, creating a continuous look. Vinyl over steps is more expensive than plastic steps or a ladder. They are typically placed inside, alongside the pool wall. 

The Building Phases for a Vinyl Swimming Pool

All inground swimming pools involve the contractor digging a hole approximately the size of the eventual swimming pool, and excavation. With vinyl swimming pools, the next step involves installing the pool walls and then securing them with the support system. Once the walls and support system are up, the contractor will typically install the plumbing lines and pipes. Then the concrete pad is constructed around the perimeter of the wall to secure the support system safely. Then drains are put in along with the pool floor. Lastly, the coping is installed atop the walls. Before the liner is installed, the contractor will backfill the hole. After the liner is installed, the contractor will add the water. Suppose you install an automatic cover (highly recommended for a vinyl liner pool that can be more susceptible to damage caused by debris). In that case, the cover will be installed at this point. Lastly, the deck and patio are installed. And voila, you are ready to swim and entertain your family and friends! Find more on our blog >>