We recently exchanged emails with a customer looking to install a new pool liner this season. Here are the questions and answers:
1. I have heard several different things about the ‘mil’ of the liner, does it matter the thickness of the liner?
The thickness of the liner matters to engineers (who can tell the difference between such a slight variation in thickness) that some feel better about a 30 mil. There are certain circumstances where a thicker liner may be warranted, but in 99% of our liner installs today we recommend the 20 mil as being just fine.
2. Will a 20 mil last just as long as a 30 or 40 mil?
Liners come in 20 mil or 30 mil from the majority of the suppliers. They all age the same, sun and water chemistry affect them the same. The only difference is an incrementally thicker liner with the 30 mil – not necessary in our opinion.
3. Are each of them just a easy to puncture? We have a dog and he will not be allowed in the pool but you never know if he’ll jump in!
They are just as easy to puncture or scratch. Avoid sharp objects, knives/glass or anything that could puncture the liner.
Dogs can swim in liner pools as long as they are shown the right way to get out of the pool (via a step) so they don’t head to the side of the pool and claw the liner. You might want to consider a drop in step (they are plastic resin). We could also pour concrete steps under the liner, but then I’d still be a little hesitant allowing a dog to walk on it.
4. Please quote for different mils, we don’t really care about or how many designs there are, we just want top quality.
The we give an option for the thicker liner as an upcharge on our quote form.
5. What are the payment options? Cash? Credit? Check?
Yes, cash, credit or check are fine!
6. Will the removal of the old liner be included in the quote?
Yes, we remove and dispose of the old liner.
7. Will water be included?
You as the homeowner are responsible for the water to fill the pool, either by hose, or by truck (approx. $1,000). You can also do a combination, set the liner with 1 truck load of water ($300-400) and fill the rest with the hose.
8. Will chemicals be included?
Chemicals are not included, but the source water is typically pretty stable at start up. We can show you how to do water tests and explain the various chemicals that you will need.
9. Can you pressure test the lines?
We do offer pressure testing of the lines. This should be done prior to the liner install, that ensures if a leak is located it could be addressed prior to the liner going in (especially if it is in the main drain line or one of the return fittings)
10. Will new white covers/caps be included?
Yes, it does include new main drain (bottom of the pool), return (circles in the side of the pool), and skimmer (rectangle in the side of the pool) rings/gaskets and covers.