What finish is best for inground pool renovations?

If you're renovating an inground pool, a vinyl liner should definitely be considered. If you want a tiled look on a fibreglass budget, you've had problems with black spot, or your shell has cracks, then a liner might be the perfect solution for your pool.

Giving a high quality, durable result, vinyl is smooth to touch, and comes in a range of fashionable colours and prints. Australian made, ABGAL liners are easy to keep clean, and are custom made to fit each pool. Steps, deep ends and benches are all easily accommodated. Regardless of whether it is a standard size and shape or an intricate, one-off design, a vinyl finish can be made for any pool.

Disused for several years, this old Marblelite pool had been drained, and left sitting empty. Badly rusted, with illegal fencing, faulty plumbing, hairline cracking and structural damage, it was in the 'too hard' basket, with long term plans to fill it in.

John Bartkaitis of Western Suburbs Swimming Pool Services heard about it, and presented the owners with the option of a full restoration, using an ABGAL vinyl liner (in Caribbean print). Unfamiliar with the product, and unsure that the job could be done within budget, they were hesitant to try. As you can see though, they were eventually convinced, and the restoration was a success. From disastrous to delightful, the owners are over the moon with their 'new' pool, and love the smooth, vinyl finish.

Although you may not be familiar with the concept of a liner, they are popular, and those who have them love the benefits.

Pros and Cons of different inground pool restoration finishes

Paint/Plaster: A common choice. Quick, cheap and effective, no limit to colour options! Drawbacks are a tendency to oxidise and lift, peel and flake. May need re-painting every couple of years, depending on the quality of preparation work, paint used etc. Often used as a 'quick fix' prior to a house sale.

Fibreglass: Can be sprayed on over any surface, over a period of days. Smooth on skin, it is a cost effective choice, and there are plenty of professional pool installers who provide a 'respray' service. Much longer lasting than paint, and like vinyl, it's natural resistance to algae makes it low maintenance. On the downside, if you have had problems with your existing shell cracking, it wont be long before a new one also cracks.

Tiles: Suitable for a concrete pool only. A very attractive finish, but ranges from expensive to extremely expensive, depending on your tile selection!

Quartzcote: An attractive cement/quartz based finish which is rendered on. Comes in a variety of colours, and is also at the more expensive end of the scale.

Pebblecrete: Was very popular in the 80's - long lasting, but can cause cuts and bruising on soft skin during swimming. Vacuums can struggle to keep algae at bay with the rough surface. These days it is no longer just old brown pebbles though, as it can now be mixed with a variety of coloured oxides.

Vinyl: Special additives make it resistant to fungus, making it extremely low maintenance. Very durable, vinyl is 15 times thicker than paint, and will not chip or peel. It is ideal for pools in areas that are exposed to periods of alternate heavy rainfall and drought - a common cause of cracking. Not good if you like to swim with scissors (it can be easy to cut), and it is important to keep your chemical levels to within Australian Standards. Vinyl offers the largest range of colours and patterns of all finishes.

So every finish has it's own pros and cons. Obviously we think the vinyl liner is the best option all-round, and that's why we make them.

How is an inground pool liner installed?

Preparation for a vinyl liner is pretty much the same as for any other finish, but if it is already smooth, the liner may be installed directly over the top. For a premium result though, some installers will render the old finish, or place a foam underlay between the two surfaces.

When the surface is ready, the liner is put into position, then vacuum sealed. The pool is ready to be filled immediately - in fact, it is the weight of the water that holds the liner in place. If you have steps or a bench, you will see that your installer will use weights to secure the liner until the water reaches the appropriate level.

A liner must be installed by an industry professional. Enter your postcode into the 'find a supplier' facility to get some contact details of installers in your area.