Swimming pool lining options

When it comes to getting an attractive finish combined with a hard wearing, protective, and durable surface to a swimming pool, you are faced a dual choice of swimming pool lining options.

The two options that are available are a traditional tiled and grouted liner that is applied over the pool walls and base, or a flexible swimming pool liner made of a hard wearing vinyl.

Both of these lining alternatives can be applied to below ground swimming pools, but only a particular version of the vinyl liner (called and overlap liner) will work with above and semi above ground pools.

A liner is a critical feature of any swimming pool, not only because it provides a smooth surface, but because it allows the owner to select from a range of colours and patterns. It is the liner or tile lining that makes any pool stand out and it is this feature that gives the owner the chance to personalise its appearance to their preferences.

Vinyl versus tiles – cost

A vinyl pool liner is a lot cheaper to buy and install than the tile and grout alternative. Its installation also results in far less disruption because most pool liners can be installed over the course of a day. Additionally, unlike mortar and grout installations, fitting a liner is not a “wet” trade. This means that there is little in the way of mess associated with fitting a vinyl liner.

By contrast, applying a tile and grout finish is a much more expensive, time consuming and messy project. Tiles cost considerably more than a liner and special water proof mortar and grout are required. Drying and hardening time is also necessary and the project will take several days (possibly weeks) to complete.

One other consideration is that, with small pools and above ground pools, fitting a liner is a possible home project (DIY project). The skills necessary to apply tiles make this a highly skilled tradesman’s job, so tiled installations always require specialist contractors.

Performance – durability and repair

Whilst a vinyl liner will never be as hard wearing and tough as tiles, these liners are very durable and they are difficult to rip, scratch or tear. They are designed to work in a tough environment and, although they do not offer the resilience of tiles, they are hard wearing and not easily damaged.

Despite the toughness of modern vinyl liners, they can get damaged, however it is possible to make repairs to small tears and scratches. Once completed these repairs are barely noticeable. Most vinyl liners will come with a guarantee or warranty and this will be typically for ten year for high quality beaded liners. They can of course last much longer.

Real tiles are very difficult to damage. They are resistant to virtually every kind of knock, bang and scratch that typical swimming pool use would entail and this makes them almost damage-proof. Equally, if a tile or a small section of tiles does get damaged it is always possible to replace the damaged area (depending on tile availability). The only durability issue with tiled pools arises when the tiles (or more specifically the grout and mortar) come to the end of their lifespan. At this point the only option is replacement. Tiled pool lining can last many years, and even decades, if they are correctly installed and maintained.

Appearance and tactility

One of the dilemmas when choosing between a vinyl liner and a tiled lining is the fact that a tiled pool is the real thing, whilst a liner is a simulation or facsimile of tiled and grouted pool finish.

However, the other side to this dilemma is the tactility and feel of a smooth and soft vinyl finish versus the hard and edgy tiled finish. A vinyl liner feels much nicer once you are in the pool and, by using battens and cornices, this soft tactile feel can be increased even more. Further more it is pretty much impossible to scratch or graze yourself on a vinyl liner and there will never be any sharp or hard edges.

Ultimately, deciding which liner covering to use comes down to personal preference, budget and the kind of finish that you want. Vinyl liners look almost as good a tiles and they are quick and comparatively easy to fit. There main downside is simply the fact that they are not tiles and for some this is an issue.