Pool linings imply the liner, the reinforced PVC membrane, the polyester, and the coating that ensure a good water-tightness of the pool (they are referred to as “independent of support” below).

There are also pool linings, for example, the tiling and the paint which are dependent on the substrate and they do not ensure the waterproofing of the pool.

Criteria for choosing a swimming pool coating

Several elements determine the choice of your pool’s lining:

Depending on the structure: you can’t put just any liner on just any structure.

According to your budget: if the liner is the most used liner, both in the case of kit pools and masonry pools, it is undoubtedly because the quality/price ratio is the best. Paint is the cheapest liner, but it is not permanently watertight and needs to be redone very regularly. Tiles and stones are the most expensive coatings because, in addition to their own price, they require prior waterproofing.

Depending on the shape of the pool: some coverings are incompatible with certain pools. It is hard to imagine a natural swimming pool covered with tiles.

According to your taste: since this is what will be seen in the end once the pool is finished.

Comparison of pool linings: possibilities and prices

This table is not exhaustive, which is why we recommend that you seek professional advice to guide you towards the most appropriate choice for your pool (shape and materials).

If you wish, we can help you find a pro near you.

Comparison of pool linings

	Lining	Type of pool	Durability*	Ease of maintenance	Indicative cost for an 8 × 4 × 1.5 meter pool
Waterproof	Coated	Poured concrete pool	More than 50 years old	xxx	$25 to $60 the bag of 25 kg
		Shotcrete pool
		Modular form pool
	Liner	Wood	Between 15 and 20 years	xx	Approximately $1,200
		Poured concrete		Cannot stand too hot water
		Shotcrete
		Modular formwork
		Modular panels
	Reinforced PVC membrane	Wood	Between 15 and 20 years	xx	About $2 000
		Poured concrete		Cannot stand too hot water
		Shotcrete
		Modular formwork
		Modular panels
	Polyester	Wood	Between 20 and 25 years	xx	Approximately $6 000.
		Poured concrete		Gel coat to be replaced every 10 years
		Shotcrete
		Modular formwork
Not waterproof	Tile/ mosaics	Poured concrete pool	More than 50 years	xxx	Approximately $5,000 to $6,000
		Shotcrete pool		Joints have to be replaced when they get damaged (about once every 10-15 years).
		Modular form pool
	Painting	Poured concrete	Approximately 5 years	x	Approximately $1,500

The following table will tell you which type of lining is suitable for which type of pool.

Type of pool	Swimming pool lining
	Independent of the support			Dependent on the support
	Liner	Reinforced PVC membrane	Polyester	Coatings	Tiling	Painting
Poured concrete	Yes*	Yes*	Yes*	Yes	Yes	Yes
Shotcrete	Yes*	Yes*	Yes*	Yes	Yes	Yes
Modular formwork	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes**	Yes**	–
Modular panels	Yes	Yes	Yes	–	–	–
Wooden swimming pool	Yes	Yes	Yes	–	–	–
Hull swimming pool	–	–	–	–	–	–
Above ground pool	–	–	–	–	–	–

* Concrete must not be water repellent in order to absorb the water from capillary perspiration of the coating and avoid leaving stagnated water.

**Outside installation, for an 8 × 4 m pool.

Should you wish to read more on pool lining, this post was recently published: How to Renovate the Liner of a Swimming Pool.

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