How to Choose a New Inground Pool Liner

🏊 Choosing a New Pool Liner? Here’s Everything You Need to Know

Replacing your pool liner can feel like a big decision — but at Premier Pool & Spa, we’ve installed thousands of liners over the past 25+ years, and we’re here to make the process smooth, informed, and stress-free.

🛠️ Choosing a Liner Manufacturer

We partner exclusively with liner manufacturers we know and trust to provide premium-quality products. All liners we offer are made using high-grade vinyl sourced exclusively from the U.S. and Canada. Whether you choose Latham, GLI, Loop-Loc, or Merlin, rest assured you're getting proven durability, color retention, and strong manufacturer support.

➡️ View Patterns Online:
Latham Signature Series
Latham Core Series
Merlin Liners
GLI Liners
Loop-Loc Liners

🎨 Choosing a Liner Base Color

We carry a wide range of liner samples and photos to help you visualize how each pattern will look in a real pool. Stop by our Chanhassen store to see physical samples or take them home to view in your own setting.

Keep in mind:

🌤️ Lighting & time of day affect how water color appears
🌳 Shade and surroundings can lighten or darken the pool’s look
🌀 Depth & shape of your pool will influence the overall tone
💻 Monitors & screens may display colors differently than in-person

Every liner pattern is designed to enhance your pool’s beauty. You’ll love the result — no matter which one you choose.

📏 Tile Border or No Border?

Prefer a clean, uninterrupted design? Many patterns are available without a tile border for a sleek, modern look. If you choose a border pattern, we recommend bringing a sample out to your pool to see how it interacts with your actual waterline height and outdoor space.

⚖️ Liner Thickness: Is Thicker Better?

A common misconception is that thicker liners (27 or 28 mil) are always better. In reality:

Thicker liners are less flexible, which can lead to wrinkling, poor fit in corners, and pulling away from walls.
Thicker liners can become more brittle over time, especially in heat pockets behind the liner.
Punctures and fading — the most common reasons for liner replacement — are not significantly improved by a thicker liner.
Thicker liners do not resist fading any better than 20 mil liners.

For these reasons, we typically recommend 20 mil liners. That said, we do offer thicker options if preferred.

📚 Read Tara Liners’ article on liner thickness for more insight.

🔧 What's Included in a Premier Pool & Spa Liner Installation?

Your quote includes:

✔️ Pool draining by Premier technician
✔️ Removal & disposal of existing liner
✔️ Up to 2 hours of bottom and wall repair & algae cleaning
✔️ 2 bags of vermiculite (floor repair mix)
✔️ Installation of new skimmer & main drain gaskets and faceplates
✔️ Tight-fit liner installation using GLI G20 Liner Vacuum
✔️ New return directional eyeballs & faceplates
✔️ New light gaskets & faceplates (if applicable)
✔️ Refill pool using customer-supplied water through our exclusive 3-stage filtration system
✔️ Add Pool Magnet to help filter out metals
✔️ Start-up of pool equipment
✔️ Free return visit to tuck liner bead after it relaxes into place (if needed)

🧪 Our 3-stage filter system removes particulates, chloramines, and metals down to 1 micron for a clear start.

🚚 Installation Window & Deposit Details

Current install availability: Please check your quote for installation window
50% deposit required to lock in install window
Scheduling is first-deposit, first-serve
All quotes must be finalized by our service manager and technician before install is confirmed

⚠️ Please note: If you book online, your date is a placeholder. Actual scheduling will be based on our service routes and availability.

⏳ Project Timing Notes

Typical pool downtime: 2–3 days
Pools requiring 3D laser measuring may be empty for 2–6 weeks (vendor dependent)

🌊 Filling Your Pool: Important Notes

We strongly recommend using a water supplier to truck in water for Freeform pools or pools with a known high water table

🔧 Premier Installation Guarantees

Wrinkle-Free Guarantee:

Guaranteed wrinkle-free until the water reaches mid-skimmer
Wrinkles after this point are usually caused by:
- Poor drainage (liner float)
- Chemical damage (e.g., high chlorine)
If wrinkles occur at install:
- Under 1” – $250 discount
- 1–6” – $500 discount
- Over 6” – larger discount or re-measure & re-install option

Leak-Free Guarantee:

We guarantee a leak-free liner and all white goods
Suspected leaks? We require:
- Leak detection service to identify source
- If liner-related: we pay for detection and repair
- If elsewhere (e.g. plumbing): customer is responsible

Lifetime Patch Warranty:

Any patch due to install-related issues is guaranteed for the life of the liner

💡 Additional Notes

If you suspect a leak before liner install, we recommend professional leak detection first
If bead retainer issues prevent liner bead from staying in place:
- We offer full perimeter bead lock installation at no charge (upon request)

💰 Liner Pattern Pricing Adjustments

You’ll find all liner pattern pricing options, upcharges, and discounts clearly listed in your quote.

💬 Ready to Move Forward?

To proceed:

✅ Approve the quote (in-store or via email)
✅ Submit your 50% deposit to secure your installation slot

If any measurements, features, or conditions of your pool differ from the details provided at the time of estimate, the quote may be adjusted. We will always review changes with you for approval before proceeding.

📩 Questions? We’re here to help. Contact our team today or use our online liner quoting service to get an estimate instantly.

Thank you for trusting Premier Pool & Spa — Minnesota’s leader in quality pool liner replacement.