Are you looking to upgrade the appearance of your pool? Perhaps you bought a house with an existing vinyl in-ground pool or were persuaded by a slick salesperson to install one. You have options if you desire the luxurious look of a gunite pool. You can replace your pool or opt for one of the many pool liners that look like gunite.
The Challenge of Replacing Vinyl Pools with Gunite
Replacing a vinyl pool with a gunite one is a significant undertaking. If you’ve researched this, you know it can be quite costly. Pool builders frequently receive inquiries about converting vinyl pools to gunite, especially in the spring. Since this process involves completely replacing the existing pool, the cost often exceeds that of building a new pool from scratch. Considering the budgetary constraints, opting for a pool liner that looks like gunite is often a more feasible solution.
Exploring Pool Liner Designs
When searching for pool liners that look like gunite, your salesperson hasn’t highlighted all the available options. Pool liner manufacturers are adept at creating realistic designs that mimic the appearance of a gunite pool. Similar to vinyl wraps used on trucks and buses, these manufacturers can print virtually any design onto the vinyl used for pools. Common designs include tile patterns, waterline tiles, and pebble interiors.
How to Choose the Best Pool Liners That Look Like Gunite?
Most pool liner manufacturers can provide high-quality liners that emulate the look of gunite. The key is to approach the design with a different perspective. Simplifying the color scheme can make a significant difference. Belgian and French pool builders, known for their subtle design aesthetics, often use solid color liners to create a luxurious look. They achieve a high-end appearance using a waterproof membrane by focusing on simple, elegant designs.
Examples of Effective Pool Liners
European pool builders often use solid-color liners, such as dark grey or light grey sharkskin, to achieve a luxurious look. By not attempting to mimic other materials, the solid-color liner stands out as a sophisticated choice. In the USA, solid-color liners are less popular, but they can drastically improve the appearance of a vinyl pool. Sometimes, this involves installing a printed liner inside out to achieve the desired effect.
Designer Tips for Enhancing Liner Pools
One valuable tip for enhancing the look of a liner pool is to use color-matched fittings. Many European builders use white fittings, even with solid color liners, but this isn’t necessary. Color-matched fittings are available for nearly all solid pool colors and can significantly improve the pool’s overall appearance.
Summary: Achieving the Gunite Look with Vinyl Liners
In summary, installing pool liners that look like gunite is achievable by keeping the design simple and opting for solid color liners. A vinyl liner can provide a smooth, streak-free solid grey interior, which is challenging to achieve with gunite. This sharkskin look not only makes your pool appear luxurious but can also surpass the aesthetics of many gunite pools. By focusing on these design principles, you can transform your vinyl pool into a stunning, high-end feature in your backyard.
