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Do concrete pools have liners?

Author

Rachel Ellis

Published Jan 11, 2026

Liner swimming pools offer an excellent alternative to sprayed concrete pools. Cheaper and faster installation. Less ongoing maintenance. All while still maintaining the look of a traditional tiled swimming pool.

Do you have to have a liner in a concrete pool?

Concrete Pools

Concrete, or gunite, pools don't need a liner either. But concrete is a very porous material and will readily allow the growth of algae unless the water is properly maintained. You'll use far more chemicals with concrete pools than you would with vinyl or fibreglass models.

Can you put a liner on a concrete pool?

Except the ultimate answer to whether a replacement vinyl liner can be installed in a concrete pool is anything but straightforward. Starting on the simple side of the equation, the answer is “yes” a vinyl pool liner can be installed in a concrete pool.

Does concrete need pool pad?

Pools Installed on Concrete Pads

But concrete is a rough surface, and it will abrade the pool liner over time. A padding layer is crucial when installing a pool on concrete, but the most common form of padding — a layer of sand — is not suitable as a base layer in this situation.

Are inground pool with liners any good?

Modern vinyl liners are extremely durable. Vinyl is a nonporous surface which means it won't require as many chemicals as a concrete pool. Vinyl's smooth surface also makes it harder for contaminants like algae to take hold and wreak havoc on your pool.

21 related questions found

Why does an inground pool need a liner?

Why Pool Liners Matter

Pool liners are critical because they form a barrier between the wall of the pool and the water inside of it. Many inground pools have tiled walls that eliminate the need for a liner.

What is the average cost of a vinyl inground pool?

The average vinyl inground pool costs between $25,000 and $45,000, and between fiberglass, and concrete, vinyl is the most affordable option. Although the initial price is lower, the long-term cost to maintain a vinyl liner pool is $13,250 over ten years.

Is it OK to put a pool on concrete?

Many wonder though if above ground pools are exclusively used over grass, sand, or soil only and if installing it over concrete is impossible (for fear of it getting punctured). The good news is, yes, you can install your above ground pool on concrete if a sand or soil base is not possible.

Can you put Intex pool on concrete?

Can I put my Intex Pool on the driveway or concrete patio? YES. As long as your driveway or patio is level, this is a great place for an Intex Pool.

How much does it cost to put a liner in a concrete pool?

An inground pool liner is more expensive to purchase and install, costing between $400 and $2,300 (CAD 500 and CAD 2900) on average. Meanwhile, replacing an above-ground pool liner typically costs between $150 and $800 (CAD 190 and CAD 1,015).

How long does a cement pool last?

How Long Will a Concrete Pool Last? A concrete pool should last decades (we're talking 50 years or more) if it is properly maintained. While the shell of the pool can become damaged if the building was not done correctly, a well-constructed concrete swimming pool should last a lifetime.

How many years does a pool liner last?

The typical lifespan of a vinyl liner is anywhere from 15-20 years and where your liner falls in that range depends, most crucially, upon your proper maintenance of the pool's chemistry.

Do all swimming pools have liners?

By now, you probably know that there are three types of inground pools: fiberglass, vinyl liner, and concrete (also called gunite). Below is a detailed comparison of these three pool types, including the pros and cons of each.

Is it better to put an above ground pool on concrete?

Homeowners who choose to install one of these pools often set it directly on the ground, but it's a better idea to place it on a concrete pad. A properly constructed pad is reliably flat and level. Also, a concrete pad keeps the base of the pool above the ground, thus preventing deterioration from moisture and mold.

How thick should concrete pool floor be?

To be structurally sound, a concrete pool shell should generally be 6 inches thick. Depending on the engineer and the soil condition, it may be more. (On top of that, the plaster interior finish should be at least ⅜ inch thick.)

How do you make a concrete pad?

Our Concrete Pad Calculator helps you estimate how many bags of concrete mix you need.

  1. Step 1: Build the Concrete Slab Frame. ...
  2. Step 2: Dig Out the Area. ...
  3. Step 3: Add the Gravel. ...
  4. Step 4: Mix the Concrete. ...
  5. Step 5: Pour the Concrete Pad. ...
  6. Step 6: Screed the Concrete. ...
  7. Step 7: Finish the Concrete Pad.

What can you put under a pool on concrete?

Things You Can Put Under Your Pool

  • Concrete Pads.
  • Commercial Pads.
  • Sand.
  • Solid Foam.
  • Carpet Padding.
  • Flooring Underlayment.

What is the best thing to put under a swimming pool?

Concrete is probably the best option since it is usually 100% level and smooth. Also, grass can't grow through concrete and animals and bugs can't damage or burrow through it either. Grass or dirt is also another great option, as long as it has been properly leveled and you've killed off the grass first.

What can I use instead of sand under my pool?

Here are some alternatives that we've discussed:

  • Old carpet could be nice, although it will get moldy over time, giving it about a year.
  • Cardboard boxes will work for a few weeks, until they fall apart.
  • A few old blankets could also work, but they won't last a year.

What is a semi inground pool?

A semi inground pool is exactly what it sounds like: a swimming pool that is partially installed in the ground and partially installed above ground. Usually, most of the pool is still inground, but part of the pool will be raised a few feet or more.

How much does a 12x24 inground pool cost?

12x24 Inground Pool Cost

The cost for this size, on average, will be between $26,000 and $38,000, depending on the type of material used. Materials and their average associated costs are as follows: Concrete, $38,000. Fiberglass, $34,000.

What is the difference between a vinyl pool and a concrete pool?

Concrete pools cost $50,000 or more and require expensive long-term maintenance. They can be any shape but take 3–6 months to install. Vinyl liner pools cost $25,000 or more and need the liner replaced every 5–9 years. They take 3–6 weeks to install but tend to look cheap.

What type of pool water is best?

Saltwater pools offer a better swimming environment, and while it might feel better on the skin and does not cause eye irritation, it's not without its problems. Saltwater is corrosive to metal and tends to corrode any metal objects near the pool such as outdoor furniture and even nearby grills.