Pros/Cons of Wall Foam, Foam Cove and Floor liner?

[sskraly]

We're building a new 30' Round Saltwater 5000 AGP (21K gallons). I've read a lot of posts discussing Wall Foam, Foam Cove and Floor Liner but my PB is advising against all of them:

- Foam Cove ($75 extra to install): he builds a Cove from Sand and says a sand cove will hold up as well or better and he has seen ants eating away the Foam Cove
- Floor Liner ($75 to install): he says we will get a smoother floor without this and that a liner is only needed if we have a lot of rocks or roots (we have neither, it's wide open)
- Wall Foam ($200 to install): says it's not really needed on a new pool. Might protect against corrosion many years down the road. Does it make the walls noticeably "softer" or add significant protection for the liner?

He would be charging extra to install these, so he has no financial motivation to advise on this one way or another.

Anyone have any strong opinions of pros/cons of doing each of these?

Thanks!
Sam

 

[BlueWave8]

Only thing I can think of is if you were going to cover the pool to try to get a longer season, the foam all around might help you insulate it and keep the temps up a little longer? Maybe?

As far as longevity, in my experience it wouldn't make a huge difference. Every AGP I have had failed because of the frame, not the liners. The liners were always fine.

 

[Mdragger88]

Hey Sam
to address your concerns:
*Foam cove- nice to have ,especially if doing diy install, doesn’t wash away/shift as easily as sand if there’s a drainage issue around the pool. (Which you should try to correct post haste if one develops)
Never heard of the ant problem specifically pertaining to foam cove.
I recommend you put down a granular insecticide that covers ants & termites as well as nutgrass killer no matter what type of cove u have as well as regular treatment around the pool just like u would your house. I do mine at the same time.
Termites & ants have been known to chew holes in a liner.

*Floor liner/pad -
If you can afford it - do it.
I have a sand floor & 1 million divots. My installers were a little more worried about speed than wrinkles or divots which i’m sure amplified the issue but the gorilla pad/happy bottom etc. takes a lot of installer error out of the equation.

*wall foam- personal preference really.
thats a steep expense for little return.
If you’re concerned about premature corrosion you could coat the inside of the wall with something. Regardless of foam, no foam, or coating you should inspect/repair any leaks quickly to prevent rust. As well as ensure proper drainage away from the pool wall.