Light Pool Liner Vs. Dark Pool Liner

A pool liner helps to hold or seal water in a below- or above-ground pool. It also can protect a pool's walls and floor. Pool liners are available in varying thicknesses (measured in gauge or mils) that are manufactured of vinyl or synthetic materials.

Pool liners are available in dark and light colors.

They are sold in dark and light colors and in different patterns. Deciding which pool liner color to use for your pool may depend on several factors.

Heat

Darker colors absorb heat better than lighter colors. When the sun casts its ultraviolet light on a dark pool liner, the liner can absorb and radiate heat to the surrounding pool water. A lighter pool liner may reflect heat or radiation. This can lead to a loss of energy offered by the sun and a cooler pool water temperature.

Imperfections

A lighter color shows more imperfections in a pool liner than a darker color, making dirt, scratches and marring on the liner more easily noticed. Water also can magnify this effect. A darker pool liner does a better job of hiding such imperfections, and so they are less easily noticed by guests.

Display

Individuals may choose a light or dark pool liner for display reasons. A light pool liner can create more of a beach or tropical feeling and environment with light-colored water. A dark pool liner may convey or give the feeling of deeper water as in a lake or ocean. A black-colored pool liner can make seeing the bottom of the pool difficult and associate greater depth.

Energy Savings

A dark pool liner can save on energy costs compared to a light pool liner. As previously mentioned, a dark pool liner absorbs more heat from the sun, which can increase a pool's water temperature. This is beneficial when the pool may be in use during winter months. A heat pump operated by the home's electricity needs to run less often with a dark pool liner, which can save on electricity costs.

Patterns

Pool liners are sold with varying patterns printed on them. A light pool liner can be printed with contrasting dark colors. This not only can create design but provide some benefit with the darker colors absorbing heat better. A dark pool liner printed with contrasting light colors allows for a brightening effect. This can remove or reduce the depth and darkness features associated with dark water.

The Drip Cap

A pool liner helps to hold or seal water in a below- or above-ground pool.
A lighter pool liner may reflect heat or radiation.
This can lead to a loss of energy offered by the sun and a cooler pool water temperature.
A black-colored pool liner can make seeing the bottom of the pool difficult and associate greater depth.
A heat pump operated by the home's electricity needs to run less often with a dark pool liner, which can save on electricity costs.
Pool liners are sold with varying patterns printed on them.