Options and alternatives - lining a swimming pool

If you are looking at replacing an existing pool liner, or if you are having a swimming pool constructed, here is some information covering the available pool lining options.

What are the liner requirements

For any below ground pool it will be necessary to have a smooth liner. This will retain the pool’s water and give the internal surfaces a pleasant smooth, edge-free and tactile feel.

The two primary options that are available are-

• A constructed tiled and grouted finish, or


• A fitted vinyl liner

Both alternatives are suitable for most submerged or below ground swimming pools. Which choice is the best is determined by cost, speed of construction and personal preference. Here are some of the main features that differentiate the two approaches.

Liner purchase and fitting cost

A flexible liner is considerably cheaper than tiles and grout. Additionally, its fitting can normally be completed in a single day provided that there are enough people on hand.

This contrasts significantly with a tiled pool lining that will take several days to install and that will require a team of highly skilled craftsman. The disruption and mess will also be much greater with this option.

The result of this is that a tiled pool liner will cost many times more than a vinyl liner and it will be a much more substantial project to organise and coordinate.

Durability and upkeep

As superior vinyl has been developed, so vinyl liners have become increasingly durable and, once installed correctly, they are difficult to damage or tear during normal pool use. Despite this, they do not have the same toughness and hardwearing resilience as tiles and it is still possible to scuff or scratch them with sharp objects.

Repair – In the case of vinyl liners that are subjected to damage, e.g. a small tear or scuff, the damage can be repaired. Unfortunately, the repair will normally be visible although in some cases it can be well disguised.

By comparison it is very difficult to cause damage to a tiled lining and it would take the application of a heavy and sharp object to cause serious visual impairment to the walls or floor. Damaged tiles have the advantage that they can be replaced and, despite the fact that there may be a slight variation in the colour of the grout used for the remedial work, small or large areas can be adequately repaired and will look almost as good as new.

Life expectancy - Vinyl liners are expected to last for 10 years or more which, given their comparatively low cost, makes them very good value. (Most have a guarantee or warranty for this period.)

A pool surface covered with tiles will last many years longer than vinyl and if maintained correctly could perform and look good for decades. There will however be periodic maintenance costs involved.

Aesthetics and tactility

Whilst a vinyl pool liner can be distinguished from a tiled lining, the differences can only be discerned upon close inspection and even then some people prefer the smooth seamless look of a swimming pool liner.

Modern high performance vinyl liners can not only simulate the infinite patterns of tiles, but they can also gives the impression of a tiled surface texture. This means that vinyl is very hard to distinguish from tiles and it has a softer, smoother and more tactile feel.

The result is that you will never graze or scratch yourself on the walls of a pool lined with a vinyl liner and, by the use of soft compressible batts placed against the pool’s walls and a floor, vinyl liners can have a soft padded feel to them.

Which is best, vinyl or tiles?

There is no answer to this question although everyone in the pool industry has an opinion.

Some pool owners find a vinyl liner more attractive, more tactile and easier to clean and maintain than tiles and grout, other prefer the tiled and grouted option.

What is certain is that –

• The tiled option is undoubtedly the expensive of the two.
• Once installed you are stuck with the tiles for a long time (you may consider this a good or bad situation).
• Flexible liners can be easily and cheaply removed and replaced. So, if you want to change your colour scheme you can, and quickly and cheaply.

Finally, if you want some more comparisons of vinyl swimming pool liners versus tiled and grouted linings you can see this pros and cons page Vinyl liner versus tiles page. the article to find out more.