Changing liner to Alkorplan reinforced liner: process, price and timelines
Changing liner to Alkorplan reinforced liner is one of the most requested renovations in Spanish pools aged 10-15 years. The liner — an unarmored membrane, thinner and more economical — fulfills its function for about a decade but eventually loses elasticity, color and, eventually, watertightness. Replacement with Alkorplan reinforced liner elevates the pool to another technical level with a manageable cost difference.
Technical differences between liner and reinforced liner
Before explaining the change, it helps to understand what is being replaced:
Liner (unarmored membrane): thickness 0.75–1.0 mm, no reinforcing mesh, installation by stretching over the pool shell secured with perimeter profile. Service life 8–12 years. Average cost in residential pools: €3,000–5,500.
Alkorplan reinforced liner: thickness 1.5–2.0 mm, internal polyester mesh, installation by hot welding over entire surface. Service life 20–25 years. Average cost: €6,500–12,000.
The key difference is the internal textile armor: the reinforced liner incorporates a polyester mesh that provides mechanical resistance to puncture, tearing and deformation. This is why it is the standard option in communal pools, hotels and demanding private owners; while liner is relegated to small, prefabricated or light-use pools.
When to change liner to reinforced liner?
The usual signals indicating it is time are:
The liner shows visible wrinkles or peeling, especially on vertical walls or in areas near skimmers and jets.
There are unexplained water level losses (between 2 and 5 cm per week without intensive use), a sign of leaks from punctures, weakened seams or degraded perimeter joints.
Color has faded significantly and shows whitish, brown or desaturated areas. Beyond 10 years in southern climates, this fading is virtually inevitable.
The liner has suffered punctures or tears from accidents (fallen cover, fallen furniture, sharp objects) that have been patched repeatedly. Accumulated repairs signal end of service life.
You are renovating other pool elements (skimmers, stairs, filtration system) and take the opportunity to upgrade to a better-quality lining.
Step-by-step process for the change
Day 1: Draining and removing old liner
The pool is drained using a submersible pump (water is usually discharged to the sewer or garden after dechlorination). Once drained, the perimeter profile holding the liner is removed and the old membrane is uninstalled. The condition of the concrete pool shell is inspected for cracks or weak areas.
Day 2: Surface preparation
Residual adhesives are cleaned from the pool shell, structural cracks are repaired with repair mortar and, if required, a layer of leveling mortar is applied. New anchoring profiles (stainless steel or PVC) are installed around the entire perimeter.
Day 3: Geotextile placement and pattern layout
A cushioning geotextile layer (200–300 g/m²) is laid over the pool shell to protect the liner from direct contact with concrete. Over the geotextile, pieces of Alkorplan reinforced liner are placed according to the pattern calculated in the project.
Days 3–4: Hot welding
Joints between pieces are made using hot welding (welding machine at 350–450 °C) which fuses the edges and creates a joint indistinguishable from the base material. Each weld is verified with a test probe (mechanical test ensuring correct heat penetration).
Day 4: Sealing joints and finishing
Perimeter joints (where the liner meets profiles, skimmers, jets and stairs) are sealed with manufacturer's sealant liquid (Alkorplan Liquid). Skimmer and jet frames are installed with original material.
Day 5: Filling and commissioning
The pool is filled, water chemistry is adjusted, the filtration system is purged and commissioning is carried out. The pool is ready for immediate use.
2026 prices for the change
The cost of changing liner to Alkorplan reinforced liner in 2026 falls within these ranges:
6x3 m pool: €4,500 – 6,500. 8x4 m pool: €6,500 – 9,500. 10x5 m pool: €9,500 – 13,500. Premium Touch finishes: +15–25%.
If the pool shell requires structural repairs or significant leveling, the cost can increase by an additional €500–2,000.
Is the cost difference worth it compared to another liner?
Simple economic analysis: a new liner costs between €3,000 and €5,500 and lasts another 10 years. Reinforced liner costs between €6,500 and €9,500 and lasts 20–25 years. Over 20 years, the liner would have required two installations (€6,000–11,000 total) versus a single reinforced liner installation. The cost per year of service is roughly half with reinforced liner, plus it eliminates the risk of liner failure before 10 years.
Warranty
At ArgPiscinas we offer a written 10-year warranty on installed Alkorplan reinforced liner (the same offered by the manufacturer) and 2 years on labor. Installation is always with certified original material.
Request a firm quote for your liner to reinforced liner change at argpiscinas.es/contacto. Free technical visit throughout Andalusia.
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https://www.argpiscinas.es/en/blog/cambio-liner-lamina-armada-alkorplan-proceso