The JB Elite Blog: UK Swimming Pool Maintenance, Repairs, Parts & Accessories

Swimming Pool Liners: Onsite Lining Vs One Piece Liner

Written by James Chapman | Feb 6, 2018 10:55:39 AM

Your choice of liner will come down to many factors such as who will be using the pool, shape and complexity of the pool, required finish and budget. If you are looking to refurbish an existing tiled pool an onsite liner is often the best way to go. By contrast, if you are planning a brand new installation a one piece liner may be the way to go.  A one piece liner is fabricated in the factory and delivered to your site ready to be dropped into your in-ground or above ground pool structure.

Why Are Liners Important?

The liner can be considered as the most important component of your pool set-up. It will be there for many years and so it’s important to make the right choices at the outset. Regardless of which option you choose, there are two things to consider that will determine the type of materials you require:

  • Bathing demand – with the highest rating being a public pool (commercial)
  • Water temperature – the higher the temperature, the greater the level of wear on the liner

Onsite lining is constructed on site and requires the vinyl to be measured, cut and welded to the exact dimensions of the pool, allowing for things like steps, custom designed shapes, water circulation openings, geyser or spa fittings, lighting, as well as comfortably handling pool ladder fittings. It is an exact science that requires great skill and experience to implement successfully. Water is an unforgiving medium to work with and will seek out any faults in the installation to deliver a leak. Precision is vital and the old carpenter’s motto was never so vital, “measure twice and cut once.” 

Types Of Vinyl

Vinyl comes in a number of thickness but the vinyl used for onsite lines is always at least double the thickness of the thickest vinyl used for bag liners. This is what makes on site liners so much more hard wearing. The joins are heat welded using special vinyl welding equipment which is a far cry from the oxy-acetylene fiery sparking scenario for welding metal. Vinyl welding uses electrically heated components and special adhesives to generate waterproof and robust joins that last a lifetime. The thicker gauges of liner used in on site lining also resist higher water temperatures better, as well as the bangs and knocks that exuberant swimmers can impart to the walls and floor of your pool.

Advantages Of Onsite Lining

One great advantage of onsite lining is that it enables you to refurbish old in-ground pools that may have lain unused for years or that have just seen better days. An insulating and protective underlay mat is fitted on the existing pool floor and foam can be applied to the walls. This also help with if required especially if weathering or age has resulted in pitting. Then the vinyl coat can be laid over. Depending on pool size, condition, and any customisation work required, the task can be completed onsite in 7 to 10 working days.

In summary, the great benefit of a one piece liner is the minimal disruption required to measure and install it, and a one-piece is prefect for a regular shape of pool with few or no features, such as steps. The onsite lining process lends itself to more complex pool shapes and features, as well as refurbishment of older in-ground pools that have seen better days.

High Quality Swimming Pool Liners From JB Elite

A newly fitted onsite liner will utterly transform a tired old pool, giving it a whole new lease of life and make it the focal centre of your garden once again. Call us today for an informal chat about what you want to achieve for your pool. We can list the options available and point out the advantages of each one. Our number is 01536 646 007 and our expert staff will be only too delighted to take your call.

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