75/100 liner or 150/100 reinforced membrane: what are the differences for your swimming pool?
When building or renovating a swimming pool, choosing the lining is a crucial step. However, many owners hesitate between two very popular options: the 75/100 liner and the 150/100 reinforced membrane.
At first glance, these two coatings seem similar since they both ensure the pool is watertight. But in reality, their design, resistance, lifespan, and use are very different.
So, which solution should you choose?
Is a standard liner sufficient?
Is a reinforced membrane really worth its higher price?
Here is a complete guide to understanding the real differences between these two pool liners.
What is a 75/100 liner?
The classic liner is a flexible PVC coating custom-made to fit the dimensions of the pool.
The “75/100” refers to its thickness:
- 75/100 mm = 0.75 mm
It is now very widespread on:
- family swimming pools
- renovated fiberglass swimming pools
- panel swimming pools
- some concrete basins
The liner is usually held in place by means of a fastening system under the coping stones.
What is a 150/100 reinforced membrane?
The reinforced membrane is also a PVC coating, but its design is much more robust.
It is composed of:
- two layers of PVC
- reinforced by an internal polyester mesh
Its thickness is generally:
- 150/100 mm = 1.5 mm
That's about twice as thick as a classic liner.
Unlike prefabricated liners, reinforced membranes are welded directly on-site in the pool.
The main difference: resistance
This is the most important point.
Liner 75/100
The classic liner remains relatively flexible and more sensitive:
- to the perforations
- with folds
- to temperature variations
- to the movements of the pelvis
- chemical aging
It is very suitable for many residential pools, but it does have some limitations.
Reinforced membrane 150/100
The reinforced membrane is much more resistant:
- improved mechanical strength
- excellent tear resistance
- better stability over time
- improved resistance to intensive treatments
- withstands high temperatures better
The internal polyester mesh acts as a true structural reinforcement.
This is one of the reasons why it is widely used in:
- public swimming pools
- hotels
- spas
- complex basins
- difficult renovations
Lifespan is often different
Lifespan of a 75/100 liner
On average:
- approximately 8 to 15 years depending on:
- UV exposure
- the interview
- water quality
- the quality of the liner
Some liners age prematurely because of:
- of excessive chlorine
- of an unstable pH
- intense heat
- of a bad winter
Lifespan of a reinforced membrane 150/100
A high-quality reinforced membrane can often exceed:
- 15 to 20 years old
- sometimes even more with good maintenance
It generally withstands better:
- to UV
- to aggressive treatments
- to temperature variations
- to mechanical constraints
Reinforced membrane is ideal for complex shapes
The classic liner works very well on:
- simple basins
- standard shapes
But it sometimes becomes more complicated on:
- infinity pools
- complex staircases
- the submerged beaches
- free forms
- the large pools
The reinforced membrane allows for much more flexible adaptation thanks to on-site welding.
The risks of creases are different
Classic liner
Over time, some liners may:
- relax
- create folds
- move slightly
This depends in particular on:
- temperature
- of the pose
- water variations
- the quality of the support
Reinforced membrane
The reinforced membrane remains much more mechanically stable.
The risks of deformation are generally lower.
The cost: a real difference
Price of a 75/100 liner
The liner remains the most economical solution.
For a standard family swimming pool:
- the cost remains relatively affordable
This is often the best value for money for:
- traditional residential projects
- controlled budgets
Price of a 150/100 reinforced membrane
Reinforced membranes are more expensive:
- more technical material
- specialized installation
- welding on site
- longer installation time
But it also offers:
- improved durability
- fewer future renovations
- better resistance
In the long term, this can become profitable.
The quality of the installation is essential
Even the best coating can cause problems if it's installed incorrectly.
For a reinforced membrane in particular:
- the welds must be perfectly done
- the angles correctly treated
- the support well prepared
Improper installation can cause:
- infiltrations
- aesthetic defects
- premature aging
Therefore, choosing the installer is just as important as choosing the coating.
The aesthetic differences
Today, both solutions offer:
- many colors
- modern effects
- varied textures
But the reinforced membrane often offers:
- more premium finishes
- 3D effects
- non-slip textures
- higher-end renderings
Some modern product lines imitate:
- the stone
- the slate
- marble
- natural sand
Which type of flooring should you choose for your project?
A 75/100 liner is often ideal if:
- the basin is simple
- the budget is tighter
- its use remains classic family-oriented
- you want an economical solution
A 150/100 reinforced membrane is often preferable if:
- the swimming pool is high-end
- the basin has complex shapes
- you are looking for very high durability
- you want to limit future renovations
- the pelvis is under considerable stress
- you want a premium finish
Common mistakes to avoid
Many homeowners choose solely based on price.
However, we must also consider:
- lifespan
- the quality of installation
- the actual use of the basin
- sun exposure
- the water temperature
- the type of treatment used
A reinforced membrane may sometimes cost more initially… but be cheaper over 20 years.
Conclusion
The 75/100 liner and the 150/100 reinforced membrane meet different needs.
The classic liner remains an excellent solution for:
- standard residential swimming pools
- controlled budgets
- simple projects
The reinforced membrane, on the other hand, offers:
- superior resistance
- a longer lifespan
- improved stability
- more technical and aesthetic possibilities
The right choice depends primarily on:
- of your project
- of your budget
- the desired level of finish
- desired durability
Before choosing solely based on price, it is important to assess the true long-term cost as well as the technical constraints of your pool.