Hey folks! First time pool owners.
We're in the process of getting our liner replaced. Pool and liner were over 13 years old so there's some TLC needed before they put the liner in (reshaping the floor, patching the frame, etc). Looks like the previous homeowner went with a pool install company that used sand for the bottom under the liner. The company we picked (based on reputation) has said this was an unusual choice and they usually see vermiculite.
Anyway, we're a week into excavation, and now the workers are telling us their boss is really recommending us doing a concrete bottom. Their rationale to us is that it lasts longer and is more stable for the liner to prevent against floating (which was the issue we had last fall... though, again, the liner was over a decade old, had a tear in one corner, and we had record flooding in SC).
We know we will have to do a full on renovation by the time this new liner is due to be replaced down the road, because the the frame is a bit bulged from erosion behind it, so we are in the boat that doing a concrete bottom (and spending another unanticipated $6000+) is going to be a waste of time and money if it's going to need to be torn up down the road.
Are we being too cautious, or is that a valid concern? Are concrete and vermiculite the only two truly recommended bottoms? How long does a liner replacement typically take after they pull the old one? (New liner is sitting in a box waiting)
I'm a bit frustrated I suppose because the longer they sit on this (they've now skipped 3.5 days of working on our pool) the worse our bottom is going to get if it rains again (rained this weekend, now the bottom looks roughed up again).
Appreciate any insight anyone has!
We're in the process of getting our liner replaced. Pool and liner were over 13 years old so there's some TLC needed before they put the liner in (reshaping the floor, patching the frame, etc). Looks like the previous homeowner went with a pool install company that used sand for the bottom under the liner. The company we picked (based on reputation) has said this was an unusual choice and they usually see vermiculite.
Anyway, we're a week into excavation, and now the workers are telling us their boss is really recommending us doing a concrete bottom. Their rationale to us is that it lasts longer and is more stable for the liner to prevent against floating (which was the issue we had last fall... though, again, the liner was over a decade old, had a tear in one corner, and we had record flooding in SC).
We know we will have to do a full on renovation by the time this new liner is due to be replaced down the road, because the the frame is a bit bulged from erosion behind it, so we are in the boat that doing a concrete bottom (and spending another unanticipated $6000+) is going to be a waste of time and money if it's going to need to be torn up down the road.
Are we being too cautious, or is that a valid concern? Are concrete and vermiculite the only two truly recommended bottoms? How long does a liner replacement typically take after they pull the old one? (New liner is sitting in a box waiting)
I'm a bit frustrated I suppose because the longer they sit on this (they've now skipped 3.5 days of working on our pool) the worse our bottom is going to get if it rains again (rained this weekend, now the bottom looks roughed up again).
Appreciate any insight anyone has!