What are the different possible pool coverings?

Not only does the liner determine the aesthetic appearance of the pool, but it also plays a vital role in its durability and watertightness. With a wide selection of liners available on the market, it can be difficult to navigate the different options and determine which one best suits your needs. We'll explore the different types of liners for concrete pools. Whether you opt for a liner that's separate from the substrate, such as reinforced PVC, or ones that are dependent on the substrate, such as polyester resin or coatings, understanding the pros and cons of each option will help you make an informed choice.

Liner (liner membrane)

The liner is arguably the most widely used coating for private pools, thanks to its versatility and attractive price-performance ratio. Made from a flexible PVC membrane, the liner is a coating that fits over the pool's structure to ensure its watertightness. It perfectly matches the shape of the pool. It is particularly popular for its ease of installation, its wide range of pattern colors, and its price.

One of the main advantages of liners is their ability to adapt to almost any shape and size of pool, including those with special features like steps or edges. Liners are UV-resistant and have good color and aging stability. While the average lifespan of a liner is between 10 and 20 years, it is closely linked to pool maintenance and water temperature. Liners should not… Show more

For pool owners looking for an economical and aesthetically pleasing solution, the liner is the most attractive option.

Tiling

Tile is a classic and elegant pool cladding option, offering unparalleled durability and aesthetics. Ideal for concrete pools, tile is a cladding that is installed on a stable and well-prepared substrate to ensure a successful and long-lasting installation. Available in a wide range of materials, colors, and patterns, tile allows for complete pool customization, catering to a wide variety of tastes.

Ceramic, porcelain, or mosaic tiles are the most common choices for swimming pools. They are resistant to water and cleaning products, and offer a smooth, easy-to-clean surface. However, tiles require regular maintenance, especially for the grout, which can become dirty and impair the appearance and hygiene of the pool.

Additionally, tile installation requires skilled workmanship and careful attention to detail to ensure a perfect finish and avoid waterproofing issues. Despite its higher initial cost and maintenance requirements, tile can be a preferred option for those looking for a high-end pool coating.

Reinforced PVC (reinforced PVC membrane)

Among the most widely used coatings, the reinforced PVC membrane stands out for its robustness and flexibility. Suitable for a wide range of pools, this membrane is particularly prized for its impressive lifespan, which can reach 25 years with proper maintenance. Reinforced PVC is suitable for all types of supports (polypropylene formwork panels, concrete, etc.) and ensures the pool's watertightness.

Its high strength makes reinforced PVC an ideal choice for pool owners concerned about the longevity of their installation. In addition, its ability to adapt to complex shapes allows for customization according to each owner's specific desires. Whether you have a pool with elegant curves, sharp angles, or unique features such as a custom-designed submerged deck, gentle slope access, or integrated stairs, reinforced PVC is… Show more

Despite its many advantages, it's important to note that installing reinforced PVC membranes requires the intervention of professional and experienced installers. This ensures a proper and watertight installation. In short, for pool owners looking for a more durable, aesthetically pleasing, and adaptable coating, reinforced PVC is an excellent choice.

Polyester resin (polyester laminate)

Better known for the manufacture of shell pools, polyester resin can also be used to cover the interior of an existing pool to ensure the structure is watertight.

Polyester resin, used in combination with fiberglass to form what is known as laminated polyester, is another substrate-dependent coating that is popular in the pool world. Applying successive layers will ultimately achieve a thickness of between 2.5 and 4 mm. A gel coat and a top coat are then applied to solidify the coating and give it a beautiful finish.

This type of coating offers great design freedom and is particularly suitable for concrete pools, where it adheres directly to the pool surface. Pool owners often choose polyester resin for its smooth and aesthetic finish. It can be applied in a variety of colors and textures, allowing for complete customization of the pool's appearance.

Polyester resin is renowned for its strength and ability to withstand harsh outdoor conditions, making it ideal for extended use. The average lifespan of this type of coating is 15 years. Compatible with all water treatments, polyester resin is, however, sensitive to overly basic pH levels (pH > 7.2) and limescale. Darker shades of gel coat are also less resistant to UV rays.

It is important to note that installing polyester resin requires technical expertise and must be carried out by a professional to ensure perfect waterproofing and a quality finish. Polyester resin remains a coating with a high price.

Coatings (silico-marble coating)

The silico-marble coating is composed of white cement, marble powder and various additives and binders. The coloring is obtained by the addition of pigments.

This type of coating is applied manually or with a spraying machine directly onto the pool surface, which must be smooth and clean. It must be applied in thick, even layers.

The production of the mixture as well as the installation of the silico-marble coating can only be carried out by a qualified professional who will know how to correctly mix cement, marble powder, additives and binders and respect the drying time between layers.

The lifespan of this coating is 10 to 20 years, but depends on the pool's maintenance conditions. To ensure its longevity, the pool must always be filled with water.

Marble-like silico coating is particularly appreciated for its high-end aesthetic appearance, imitating the look of marble. It offers a smooth and elegant finish, adding a touch of luxury to any pool.

Coatings are dependent on the substrate they are applied to. This means that any cracks or movement in the substrate can affect the integrity of the coating. Therefore, it is crucial to ensure that the pool substrate is stable and in good condition before applying the coating. By choosing a quality coating and ensuring professional application, pool owners can benefit from a coating that is both aesthetically pleasing and durable, but at a high cost.

Which coating to choose for your swimming pool: comparisons

Coating	Sustainability	Cost	Aesthetic	Ease of installation
Reinforced PVC	High (15/25 years)	Pupil	Customizable, variety of colors	Professional required
Polyester resin	High (about 15 years old)	Pupil	Smooth, customizable	Professional required
Coating (Marble-like Silico)	High (10 years / 20 years)	Pupil	High-end appearance	Professional required
Liner	High (10/20 years)	Low to medium	Variety of patterns and colors	Easy, DIY possible
Tiling	Very high	Pupil	High-end, very varied	Professional required

Choosing the right pool liner is crucial for the durability, aesthetics, and maintenance of your pool. Each liner has its own advantages and disadvantages. Your decision will depend on factors such as pool type, budget, aesthetic preferences, and desired level of maintenance. Take the time to consider these aspects and, if necessary, ask us for advice to make the best choice for your needs and fully enjoy your pool.