Vinyl is an increasingly popular material for lining inground swimming pools. This is the external surface of the bowl that gives the pool its shape and keeps the water inside. Vinyl is an inexpensive way to line a pool, is quick to install, and it offers a wide range of colors and patterns—which is why many people opt for vinyl liners.
For inground pools, vinyl has a life expectancy of 8-12 years as a result of the chemical composition of the water, natural pollutants, and UV exposure all of which can lead to leaks, warping, bead stretching, and more.
If your vinyl is experiencing signs of wear, the following will help you estimate a vinyl pool liner replacement including how much a vinyl pool liner replacement costs in Maryland, and what goes into that price.
What are the Major Factors that Determine the Cost?
The cost of replacing the liner of a vinyl pool varies based on several factors. For example, even within a small state such as Maryland, different geographic locations can experience a large difference in pricing.
Even within a specific area, the unique details of the pool and the replacement will result in widely divergent costs. This may include the shape and design of the pool or the ability to access the pool location for equipment or water refilling. In some cases, replacing the liner could cost as much as $5,000, though lower-end estimates may hover closer to $1,500.
A high-quality pool that needs to be drained and lined with thick vinyl will be more expensive than a pool with a simple shape that has a simple overlap liner. A few of the most influential factors for how much replacing a vinyl pool in Maryland will cost are the type of liner, the quality of the vinyl, and the size and shape of the pool. Here is a breakdown of those factors:
Types of Vinyl Lining and Cost Impact
There are three main methods for lining a pool with vinyl, each of which has its own advantages. The type of liner will impact the cost, but it will also influence the versatility and design options of the pool.
Overlap liners are the simplest option in terms of cost and installation. The vinyl liner is placed over the top edge of the pool and held in place with a firm clamping strip. Overlap lining is inexpensive and simple to install and replace, but it is also less versatile. The method of overlapping makes it hard for patterned vinyl to line up correctly, so overlap liners are usually only available in solid colors.
Beaded liners utilize a strip around the top edge of the pool; the track and the groove in the vinyl attach. This method makes the vinyl the easiest to replace or repair when needed, and the elegance with installation allows patterns or designs to be used effectively.
Unibead liners are the most versatile against damage from prolonged use and are therefore the most expensive. This vinyl comes with a curved end that overlaps and connects itself, but it is still compatible with beading systems.
The Quality of the Vinyl and Pool Life Expectancy
How the pool liner will respond to environmental factors, such as sun damage, natural pollutants, and the chemical composition of the pool, is down to the thickness of the vinyl (and regular maintenance). Increasing the thickness and durability of the vinyl will also increase the cost.
However, an increased cost in the short term may be more cost-effective over the long term. Durable vinyl will make repair costs less likely in the future and delay the need for replacement.
The average liner is 20 millimeters thick, with the 25-millimeter option costing more. The liner itself, not including installation costs and other factors, should cost between $700 and $1,500 for an in-ground pool of average size.
The Size and Shape of the Pool
It makes sense that the size of the pool would influence the cost, as it will impact how much vinyl needs to be purchased. The size also directly affects how the pool is drained and filled, though that cost is not as variable in this context.
The shape of the pool impacts cost as a result of the complexities in labor that come with non-traditional pools. Simple rectangular pools are typically less expensive than pools with irregular curved shapes, assuming a comparable size.
It’s easier to measure the pool for required vinyl and cut the material when the pool has straight edges.
Choose a Trustworthy Vinyl Pools Installation Team In Maryland
Pool owners can do a lot to maintain their pools with stabilizing chemicals, pool cleaners, and home repair. All pools benefit from this kind of attention, but time and UV radiation will leave even the most robust pool liners in need of replacement at some point.
The experts at Masten Pools can install your pool with a liner that will last as long as possible and explain the options so that you can make an informed decision. Contact Masten Pools to schedule an estimate.