Why swimming pools need Pool Liners

Swimming pool liners are vital components of swimming pools. They fulfil the dual purposes of keeping water in the pool and enhancing the appearance of the pool. For this reason the liner material and its installation become critical to the swimming pool's performance and lifespan.

Swimming pool liners are necessity for in-ground pools, but they will also enhance the appearance and extend the life of above-ground and semi-above-ground swimming pools too.

Liner material performance

The most critical element of a swimming pool liner's performance is the liner material, the most popular of which are vinyl and the cheaper of which are plastic. Vinyl pool liners are generally regarded as superior in every way.

Most modern swimming pool liners are made from a manufactured synthetic vinyl. This vinyl is a resilient and elastic material that prevents transmittal and absorption of water from within the pool.

During liner manufacture, ultra violet (UV) inhibitors are introduced in the vinyl mix to slow down the damaging effects of direct sunlight. An acrylic topcoat is also usually added and this helps prevent the decorative finish of the pool liner fading as a result of chemicals and direct sunlight. Removing the plasticizers from the swimming pool vinyl liner also helps to keep it supple and reduces the occurrence of cracks.

Vinyl swimming pool liners are considered to have superior over-wintering properties to other materials, particularly in countries with cooler climates such as the UK. They are durable and long lasting and their colour-fastness is good.

Fitting size

It is vital that the exact dimensions of a pool are given if the pool liner is to fit and function correctly. The common faults with pool liners are tears and bulges and whilst these can result from a lack of care, they can also be caused by inaccurately sized pool liners being over-stretched or creased during installation.

A vinyl pool liner is either ordered to fit a standard sized pool, or custom made (made to measure). Most modern liners are cut on computerised cutting machines, following which the surface sections are sealed. Different manufacturing methods can be used to achieve this bond, an example of which is the use of radio frequency sealers.

The swimming pool liner will be delivered ready to fit with no cutting or sealing required. If it is to perform to its optimum, care must be taken in transporting and positioning it to ensure that there is no tearing or surface damage.

How the swimming pool liner works

When properly fitted, a swimming pool liner attaches itself to the walls and floor of a swimming pool. Reaching this stage is of course a careful and meticulous process that is different for in-ground and above-ground pools and pools of different shapes and sizes.

Initially, the liner is carefully positioned and lined up, following which one of a number of techniques are used to ensure its snug and accurate fitting to the swimming pool's base and wall surfaces. The subsequent fitting process may involve the use of a wet and dry vacuum and one of a number of top edge treatments that secure and aesthetically terminate the pool liner's edges.

For the liner to function correctly it must have no tears, bubbles, or bulges in the liner, or between the liner and the swimming pools physical structure. The alignment and fitting of the poll liner is not a DIY job and should be left to the experts.

Once the swimming pool is filled with water, the liner can perform and its durability and attractive appearance will enhance all aspects of the pools use for many years to come.