
Your Pool and Spa Service Company
This site is all about Swimming Pool Liners. A-Pro Services offers expert in ground and above ground pool liner installation, and replacement liners by many manufacturers. We repair and service pools and spas, and their equipment, but here, we'll just talk about liners. We'll answer questions like: "What's the difference between a 20 mil liner and a 30 mil liner? How long should a pool liner last? How do you install an in-ground pool liner? What types of above ground liners are there, and how do I know what type I need?" We'll hit the highlights on this page, and link to other pages within our sites where you can learn more about that particular subject. if you need more information about swimming pool liners, feel free to contact us by e-mail [customer@poollinerokc.com] or at the phone number above - we'll be more than happy to help with all your questions!
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No, A leak does not necessarily mean you need a new liner. First, there are many other things on a pool that can cause a leak. Eliminate those things, first. Don't overlook the obvious, for example, evaporation or leaks in the plumbing or equipment. If there are no leaks in the plumbing or equipment, and no visible standing water, then check the fittings and gaskets. But if you do find a leak in your liner, it is pretty easy to fix. Vinyl liner repair kits are available in just about any pool store, and many retail stores. The best part is - They work under water!
There are a number of different options, or "upgrades" available.
Thickness: The standard thickness is 20 mil, meaning 20 thousandths of an inch. (Foreign manufacturers refer to thickness by "gauge", but this is the U.S.A., so let's stick with that.) There are commonly upgrades to 25, 28, and 30 mil liners, but thicker doesn't necessarily mean better. Dealers like to sell upgrades, but really, sometimes thicker is worse! Just about anything normally found around the pool, if it will cut a hole in a 20 mil liner, it will cut a 30 mil liner, as well. Heavier liners do tend to stand up to abrasion a little better, when the pool surface is rough, and can't be corrected. But for the most part, save your money. In Oklahoma, a thicker liner can sometimes work against you. The heat, cold, and wind tend to dry and shrink vinyl. Thicker vinyl shrinks more aggressively, and is actually more likely to develop hollow areas in tight radiuses corners and steps.
Protections: Some manufacturers offer protectants, for example, Plastimayd's Ultramayd, is sold as an upgrade, because the manufacturer says that it lasts longer and resists chemicals and UV better. But for me, the cost of the upgrade (about 30%) does not pay off in true longevity. To make your liner last longer, take proper care of the chemicals, don't let it turn green, and cover it in the winter. In my opinion, the same goes for most liner upgrades, most of the time. I wouldn't be much of a salesman, now, would I?
Texture: One upgrade that I do recommend is textured tread on walk-in steps. The material is thicker, of a different color, has traction to help prevent falls, and the up charge is reasonable.
Proper liner fit, along with proper proper preparation, installation and care, is one of the most important factors that determine the longevity of the liner, as well as it's appearance. When an in-ground pool liner is properly fitted and installed, it not only lasts longer, it is also more attractive, and easier to clean. For more about Why a liner needs to fit properly, visit:
For information on above ground pool liners, please visit this page: [ Above Ground Liners ]
There are a number of good reasons to frequent a pool store, if the staff is knowledgeable, helpful, and honest. But to answer your question, no. I strongly recommend that anyone who owns a pool or spa needs to know how to take care of it, and the basics of how it works. One part of that is Chemistry. Some pool stores have computer programs, written for chemical manufacturers and resellers, to maximize sales. Not good. Take time to learn water chemistry, and other aspects of pool care. Then, even if you subscribe to a weekly pool service, you will be able to know whether they are doing their job - They are now a convenience, not a necessity! Once you know how to use chemicals properly, you can buy them anywhere. FYI - A-pro Services is (slowly) building an online store, A-ProShop.net, where we should be able to cut costs through collective buying. We will also be opening a new retail outlet soon.
Well, I can't exactly answer that in one sentence, or even in a paragraph! Perhaps in a word - Carefully! As for the second part, I honestly don't know. You can read about how it's done by following this link to our page entitled [ Inground liner installation ]
That depends on who you ask. One thing to remember is that a salt pool still uses chlorine, it simply derives it from salt. Many people like salt systems, because on the surface, they are lower maintenance. This is true, in the sense that you don't handle a lot of chlorine tablets. But you still have to maintain proper levels of salt, as well as all of the other chemicals to keep the water in balance. The cheap salt systems aren't too good, and the good ones are fairly expensive. If you move into a house where the pool is already on salt, and has a fairly new system, you will save a lot of money on chlorine. But if you have to convert to salt, considering the cost and life expectancy of the unit, it is pretty much a wash, perhaps slightly in favor of chlorine, in long term cost. The better units have a built-in, automatic super chlorination feature, and will tell you if you salt level is getting too low. As a service company, I would be expected to sell you on salt, but, as I say, it depends on who you ask.
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