Are you considering building a custom pool this year? Or perhaps you already own a pool, but it’s due for a liner replacement? Either way, you should know a few essential things to select the best swimming pool liner for your needs and budget.

Read on to learn all about them!

What Is a Swimming Pool Liner?

A pool liner is a waterproof covering or lining applied over the base. Their aim is to reduce algae growth, protect the pool structure, and keep users safe from rubbing against hot or rough pool floors and walls.

Additionally, they work as a protective barrier to keep the water inside the pool and prevent leaks, increasing the lifespan of your pool system.

Pool Liner Material Options: Vinyl or Tile

When choosing a liner for your swimming pool, you have two main options: vinyl or tile.

Vinyl pool liners are non-porous and may help you reduce the pool chemicals needed to maintain clean, clear water. They also tend to be less pricey than tile liners, so vinyl may be the right option for you if you’re working with a limited budget.

Tile pool liners are known for their gorgeous aesthetic, lasting power, a plethora of color and design options, and mildew/scum resistance. But because tile liner installation is a much more involved process than vinyl pool liner installation, tile liners are considerably more expensive.

Materials costs also play into the additional expense, but given the tile’s longer lifespan, it’s worth the investment if you have the budget. 

Pool Liner Colors & Styles

What kind of overall color do you want your pool to be? Deep blue? Beachy blue? Aqua? Something in the middle?

You’ll want to determine your preferred color scheme before selecting a vinyl or tile liner to choose the right color for the pool's interior lining.

Keep in mind that while the swimming pool liner does play a role in the overall color of the pool interior and the appearance of the water, it’s not the only determiner of what the inside of the pool will ultimately look like. The color of the sky overhead will also play a role in the final color of the pool's interior, and even the depth of the water can affect the overall appearance.

Be aware that vinyl liners fade with time and exposure to the elements, whereas tile liners don’t experience much fading. If you want to maintain a specific color within your pool, tile may be a better option if color retention is high on your must-have list.

Light vs. Dark Color Pool Liners

Pool liners are customizable and come in a myriad of choices, from materials to designs. Depending on the ambiance you're trying to achieve, you can also pick between light and dark colors, each offering different benefits.

Light

  • Lighter colors naturally reflect radiation and heat; This can be an ideal option for hotter weather climates.

  • They can also convey a tropical feeling ideal for beach theme environments, giving the water a lighter ambiance.

  • Light pool liners also offer more customization because color can be added to them to contrast darker shades and emphasize patterns.

Dark

  • Darker colors absorb heat better than lighter ones; a dark pool liner can absorb and radiate heat into the water and reduce the need for a heat pump.

  • Dark pool liners can mimic the feeling of deeper water levels in a lake or ocean.

  • Dark liners cover up debris, blemishes, and damages more easily, making them a lower maintenance option.

Material Thickness

If you’re leaning towards a vinyl liner, you should know that the thicker a swimming pool liner is, the less vulnerable it is to puncture wounds that necessitate repairs. Thicker material generally lasts longer because it’s less susceptible to natural wear, tear, and deterioration.

But thicker vinyl liners have one major drawback: When installed on a cool day, a thick vinyl liner will not be as pliable as a thinner one. Why does that matter? Because the less flexible a liner is, the further it must be stretched to fit the pool. And the more a liner must be stretched, the lower its lifespan may ultimately be.

Here’s the good news: You can avoid that issue entirely by preparing for your swimming pool liner installation properly. Check out the weather forecast for the projected installation day and ensure it’s not too chilly outside.

Warm, wind-free days are the best for vinyl pool liner installation, so keep that in mind!

Ease of Liner Maintenance

Last but not least, think about how much pool maintenance you will undertake. If you plan to hire a pool maintenance team for routine cleanings and chemical balancing, you won’t have to worry about this at all.

However, if you plan to do your own pool maintenance, consider the ease of cleaning when weighing your liner options.

Consult a swimming pool maintenance and/or installation expert to learn about the liner options that take the least labor and chemicals to keep clean!

Looking for Swimming Pool Liner Replacement in the Twin Cities?

Whether you’re in the market for swimming pool liner replacement or maintenance, don’t hesitate to get in touch with our team at Royal Pool & Spa! We specialize in custom pool design and construction, pool maintenance and repair, and a wide variety of pool renovation services for in-ground swimming pool owners throughout White Bear Lake, Minnesota, and the surrounding areas.

Each team member has at least 10 years of experience in the pool industry, and we’ve proudly served Twin Cities pool owners since 1988. To learn more about our services or get a pool liner quote, call us today at 651-779-7606.

You can also request a quote online, and we’ll reach out with additional information.