Swimming pool Liners for in-ground pools
This page offers basic guidance regarding swimming pool characteristics and liner suitability for leisure pools that are built into the ground, i.e. in-ground pools.
Characteristics of an in-ground or below ground pool
Unlike an above-ground swimming pool, which is essentially a free standing pool with a base supported at finished ground level, an in-ground pool is constructed in a purpose dug excavation. The pool is then constructed within this “excavation”.
Because of this, in-ground pools have a number of constructional characteristics that differentiate them from above ground pools and some of these features have a direct impact on the type of swimming pool liner that can be used within them.
Unlike above-ground pools, in-ground pools have no top edge or rim over which a pool liner can be overlapped. Even if the pool has pre-made structural panels (rather than in-situ concrete), there will still be a ring beam and a coping preventing the use of an overlap liner.
Liners suitable for in-ground swimming pools
If you want the most expensive swimming pool finish available, then tiles (each one applied manually and individually) offer the least cost conscious alternative. This traditional system also requires the use of membranes and-or water-proof sealants and it is a time and cost consuming system.
The alternative finish to tiles is a vinyl purpose made swimming pool liner that uses a beaded and tracked fitting system running along the top edge of the pool.
These liners are available from dozens of different manufacturers (see the ads on this and other pages) and they come in a massive array of colours, patterns and styles – nearly all mimicking conventional tiled finishes. They can also be manufactured to fit any pool of any shape, size or configuration and they are quick and comparatively simple to fit.
Beaded swimming pool liners for in-ground pools
A beaded swimming pool liner uses a narrow track that is fitted just below the top of the pool on the inside walls of the construction. This track accepts a beaded liner, the top of which has a small groove or lip that fits (clips) into the track for a clean smooth and visually pleasing finish.
This system is efficient, pleasing to the eye and touch and has very low replacement costs when compared with fully tiled swimming pools.
These beaded liners offer a number of advantages over tiled pool finishes and their popularity continues to increase, making them the most widely used swimming pool lining system in the market.
Advantages of beaded swimming pool liners
- A professional installer will be able to fit or replace a new liner in a very short period of time and it will provide a durable an aesthetically pleasing finish.
- Beaded liners are a comparatively cheap way of getting a high quality look and feel to a swimming pool. They can also be replaced quickly and easily.
- Swimming pool liners can be fitted to almost any style and construction of swimming pool with a minimum of preparation.
- Swimming pool liners come in a massive selection of colour ranges, with different options being available for the base and walls, plus decorative detail strips for the top borders. They can simulate tiles perfectly (some even with a slight texture), but they have a smoother softer and more tactile feel.
- The finish of a swimming pool liner is not dependent upon the variable skills of one or more tillers, so there is always consistency of appearance and quality.
- Swimming pool liners are smooth and subtle when compared with hard tiles that may have sharp edges.
- Swimming pool liners can work with pool coving, and their cushiony quality can be enhanced by using wall and-or floor foam padding for extra comfort and protection.
- Swimming pool liners have excellent resistance to mould and other pool pollutants and the colour fading (due to sunlight) that was once a problem is now prevented by special protective coatings.
- Swimming pool liners tend not to have on-going maintenance costs – which can often be the case with traditional tiled pools.
Ultimately, beaded swimming pool liners offer a very cost effective and high quality finish to a swimming pool and they can easily last for over 10 years without repair or replacement. Beaded swimming pool liners require little if any maintenance and, provided that the pool is maintained properly, they will give years of trouble free pleasure.
For information about the alternative Swimming pool construction materials and methods use this link.