Pool Liners

There are several distinct construction methods for private (home) swimming pools, which are typically called "concrete", "vinyl liner", and "fiberglass". more...

The term "vinyl liner" pool describes the method of lining the interior, not the construction materials, which may be concrete (of various types), pressure-treated wood, or paint-coated or galvanized sheet steel. All construction types have individual benefits and very few problems, the choice being generally up to the individual purchaser.

Concrete pools have many different construction methods, as the term concrete describes the basic materials used in construction, and fiberglass refers to the base material of the pool shell which is fiberglass reinforced resin generally 5 mm in thickness. As these terms refer to different parts of the pool the names may be confusing to the newcomer to the swimming pool world. Construction standards for in-ground pools have been developed by the Association of Pool & Spa Professionals (APSP) and approved by the American National Standards Institute.

Concrete pools

Concrete pools may be constructed using many differing methods. Concrete pools are not dissimilar to concrete ships: i.e. they are a contiguous shell that will float under certain circumstances. It is therefore essential that an unrestricted hydrostatic valve is incorporated in the pool design. It is not advisable to empty these pools unnecessarily – especially during rainy months – as the operation of the hydro valve is necessary to avoid flotation (and possible destruction) of the swimming pool. The emptying of all pools must be conducted strictly under the supervision of the pool builder or an authorized consultant.

Vinyl liner pools

As mentioned above, vinyl liner refers only to the interior surface of the pool, as colorized chlorinated PVC thermoplastic vinyl may be used as the waterproofing membrane in a number of diverse pool construction methods. Vinyl Liner pools are typically more numerous than other in-ground pool types, especially so in European Union countries, Canada, England and New Zealand.

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