Vinyl liners come in a variety of thicknesses, usually  20, 27, 28, or 30 mils thick. So what’s a mil? It’s not a millimeter as you might expect. It’s actually 1/1000 of an inch. It takes about 40 mils to equal an inch. In contrast, it takes around 25 mm to equal an inch. 

Ultimately, the decision on the thickness of vinyl liner to buy is a matter of preference, but the liner you choose can stay with you for up to 10 years (and as little as 5), so it’s good to consider all the factors before making your final decision. 

A thicker inground pool vinyl liner will be able to withstand more impact and is more resistant to punctures. Potential punctures can come from a wide variety of sources, including animal claws, broken glass, or basically anything with a point, including long fingernails and toenails. It’s important to always adhere to the manufacturer’s recommendations in regards to properly caring for your vinyl liner. 

The only real downside to thicker vinyl liners, when installed correctly, is the initial cost and it does not retain its elasticity as well as the 20 ml liners. The thicker the liner, the more you’ll be investing upfront. But that welcomes the question of will a thicker liner last longer. 

Do Thicker Vinyl Liners Last Longer?

Thicker vinyl liners are expected to last longer, but that’s dependent upon several factors, including the ability of the installer. So while choosing the thickness of the liner does matter, so does choosing a capable and experienced pool company to do the vinyl liner replacement. 

When it comes to your vinyl liner pool, a vinyl liner can be expected to last anywhere between 5 to 9 years. Keep in mind the lifespan of your pool liner depends greatly on how well you care for your pool on a regular basis, as just with other pool options, proper pool care plays a huge role in the health and longevity of a pool’s function. 

It’s important to note that a thicker vinyl liner is a good investment in avoiding potential problems. They can usually withstand more damage without leaking and will require fewer patches and repairs throughout the years. But it’s also important to note that a thinner mil doesn’t mean an inferior product. 

So how much extra does a thicker vinyl liner cost? Each level you move up in thickness adds more expense. This is due to the amount of material needed. But that extra material also means more durability.

Your Virginia Beach Vinyl Liner Experts

When it comes to the health of your pool, the vinyl liner experts at Aqua Leisure Pools are here to help you make the right decisions. The most important part of your vinyl liner replacement is having the liner installed correctly. Give the vinyl liner replacement experts at Aqua Leisure Pools a call today to schedule your consultation. As the most experienced vinyl liner pool company in the area, you will have full confidence that no matter what thickness you choose, it will be installed right. 

About the Company

Aqua Leisure Pools is the leading pool and hot tub supply store and service company serving Virginia Beach, Chesapeake, Norfolk and the surrounding areas. Since 1985, Aqua Leisure Pools offers a number of pool and hot tub services, including inground vinyl liner replacement, weekly pool service, pool repair, and pool openings & closings, and much more. 

Aqua Leisure Pools has five conveniently located pool and hot tub stores throughout Virginia Beach and Chesapeake to help make pool ownership easy and stress free. Our stores are stocked with reliable pool chemicals, energy-efficient equipment, pool toys and floats, pool cleaners and more. We also offer complementary water testing to ensure your water is well balanced and healthy. We are a Hayward Platinum Dealer and Totally Hayward Warranty Service Center. 

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