An in-ground vinyl pool is desirable to some families because it requires the smallest initial investment to build. While this fact is attractive and true, there is a downside. An in-ground vinyl pool is the least durable form of swimming pool construction, resulting in ongoing known costs and risk of even higher costs.
The ongoing known cost of an in-ground vinyl pool is related to the periodic replacement of the vinyl liner. The average life of a vinyl liner is about 7 years. So, you can plan on replacing the vinyl liner that often, if you don’t have any damage to the liner.
The risk associated with a vinyl liner is that rough play, curious children, and certain objects increase the likelihood of a tear or hole in the vinyl. If that happens in the wrong place, the liner could require replacement, even if it is only 6 months old. Vinyl can be patched, but we have replaced young vinyl liners because patching attempts were not successful. Owners of vinyl liner pools can establish rules designed to protect against behaviors and activities that can cause a hole or tear, but these rules are not guaranteed to be effective.
The risks relate to durability. Of the three main types of swimming pools —fiberglass, gunite (also known as shotcrete), and in-ground vinyl —the in-ground vinyl is the least durable.
Although a fiberglass pool requires a 10-15% higher initial investment, the cost difference is offset over time. Eventually, a fiberglass pool becomes the most cost-effective option when considering both the initial investment and ongoing expenses.
Daily maintenance is easier for pool owners of in-ground vinyl or fiberglass pools than for those with a gunite (or shotcrete) pool, due to the smooth, non-porous surface. While it is best for the pool surface, swimmers, and the pool equipment to maintain the water chemistry, a vinyl liner is most susceptible to early damage from unbalanced water chemistry.
When water chemistry becomes unbalanced, it can cause the vinyl to wrinkle, dry out, and crack prematurely, potentially requiring replacement.
An in-ground vinyl pool remains a worthwhile investment for families, offering fun, entertainment, and relaxation. However, if you opt for a vinyl pool, it’s essential to understand the associated risks. While we build in-ground vinyl pools for our customers, we recommend fiberglass pools because they require a larger initial investment, but offer the best value due to their durability and ease of maintenance.