Not sure about the pros and cons of different swimming pool types? Need to decide whether cement or vinyl pools are better for your lifestyle, property and budget? Wondering if vinyl pools are good for a low-maintenance backyard oasis?
Brothers Grimm has answers! We’ve been transforming outdoor spaces with custom inground pools and landscaping for nearly 30 years – so we know a thing or two about the process of pool design and installation.
We put our expertise to work for you in this guide to vinyl liner inground pools. Let’s dive into the pros and cons of vinyl-lined pools!
Pros of Vinyl Liner Inground Pools
Vinyl pool liners have a lot going for them. If you’re working with a limited budget but still want a unique look and low-maintenance swimming season, vinyl lined pools need to be on your radar. The major pros of vinyl pools include:
Quick & Cost-Effective Installation
Vinyl-lined pools require less intense installations than cement inground pools. Depending on the dimensions and accessories you choose, you could be splashing it up in as little as two or three weeks! That’s because the steel shell and vermiculite base don’t need to cure the way cement does. And the lower cost for labor and materials translates to a more cost-effective installation.
Low Day-to-Day Maintenance
Homeowners tend to agree that the worst part of having a backyard pool is figuring out how to get rid of algae in the pool water. Vinyl pools are good for avoiding that headache! Their smooth, nonporous surface makes it more difficult for algae to take root – so you can expect to spend far less time scrubbing away their blooms and shocking the water to eliminate them.
Limitless Customization Options
Unlike fiberglass pools – which are prefab shells formed at a factory and then shipped in a single piece – vinyl liner inground pools are created from scratch on your property. That means your dream design is limited only by the size of your yard, Ohio’s inground pool building codes and your imagination! Want a faux lagoon that follows the contours of your yard? Hoping for a super-deep inground pool that can accommodate a high diving board? Wishing for a resort-style oasis with great features like a tunnel slide, tanning ledge, adjoining hot tub and swim-up bar? Those are all possible with vinyl-lined pools.
Cons of Vinyl Lined Pools
Nobody’s perfect – not even our beloved vinyl liner inground pools. To help you make a well-informed concrete vs. fiberglass vs. vinyl pools decision, let’s look at some downsides to vinyl-lined pools:
Limited Lifespan
The vinyl liner of an inground pool will not last forever. Liners are very durable and can be repaired if rough use causes a small tear – but they typically need to be replaced every 10 to 20 years. The upside here is that vinyl liners are available in a wide range of colors and patterns, so replacement offers the opportunity to change up your aesthetics! You may be surprised at how pool liner color affects your pool’s look overall. And a refresh every decade might be just the thing to keep your inground pool aligned with your home or family’s evolving style.
Slightly Higher Lifetime Cost
The necessity for liner replacement is the only reason vinyl pools have a slightly higher lifetime cost than fiberglass shell pools. You can stretch your vinyl liner’s lifespan by learning – and diligently staying on top of – how to maintain and care for an inground pool. In particular, using a good-quality pool cover whenever possible can help lessen the bleaching effects of constant sun exposure.
Lower Resale Value
Outdoor upgrades can increase home value – but only if they’re well-designed and well-maintained. If you neglect your vinyl inground swimming pool, it can lower your home’s resale value. And if you have a pool installed amid a wasteland of dirt, you’ll likely turn off some potential bidders. The best way to avoid these pitfalls is to combine pool and landscaping design with an expert on both, like Brothers Grimm. We can help you create a lush, cohesive outdoor experience that not only enhances your everyday life but delivers serious ROI when it’s time to sell.
What’s Next?
Feeling more knowledgeable about swimming pool types, pros and cons of vinyl liners, and all the benefits of vinyl-lined pools? Great! Now it’s time to start bringing to life your vision of a custom vinyl liner inground pool with Brothers Grimm. Contact us today so you can dip into that dreamy pool life as soon as possible!
