Any downside to weld in place liner?

[Pajamas]

Hello community,

We are approaching the liner installation phase of our new steel wall/vinyl liner pool and have been asked if we would prefer the liner over our stairs to be welded. Our rectangular pool features 4 full length 12' long walk-in steps at one end. The pool builder advised the liner over the shallow steps could exhibit small wrinkles season to season if this section is not welded on. The price difference is $3-4k which we would be okay with, but I'm wondering if there are any downsides to welding this section? For example, will it complicate replacing the liner down the road?

Thanks

 

[Newdude]

The price difference is $3-4k

I would expect the interior steps to add that much to the bill, including step materials and the custom measured liner needed.

You're saying they want another $3k to $4k to basically glue the top step liner to the frame ?

 

[kimkats]

What he ^^^ asked

 

[Pajamas]

I would expect the interior steps to add that much to the bill, including step materials and the custom measured liner needed.

You're saying they want another $3k to $4k to basically glue the top step liner to the frame ?

To be honest, I'm not completely sure what welding a liner entails. My understanding was that a liner is custom fabricated to the shape of the pool and then once on site stretched into place before being held in place by the weight of the water that fills the pool. What was explained to me is that a welded liner involves heating/gluing a section of the liner to the steel frame/vermiculite - I assumed this meant some sort of two piece liner?

The line item on the invoice that was sent to me for consideration is for "Pool stair case custom welding (Carpet included)."

 

[Newdude]

My understanding was that a liner is custom fabricated to the shape of the pool and then once on site stretched into place before being held in place by the weight of the water that fills the pool.

Exactly. But for liner over stair pools, the top step will be above water when you drain some for the off season. With nothing holding it down, all bets are off if it stays put and/or wrinkle free.

What was explained to me is that a welded liner involves heating/gluing a section of the liner to the steel frame/vermiculite -

Ok so they just glue the top liner step to the step frame. The whole liner over stairs setup probably costs $3k to $4k. There's no way IMO 'welding' /gluing a small area would cost that much.

I would go for it, providing it's reasonably priced for what it is. Knock on wood that removing it won't matter for 15 years and at that time it peels up.