What is the difference between 20 and 25 gauge pool liners?
David Craig
Updated on April 06, 2026
What is the difference between 20 and 25 gauge pool liners?
A 20 gauge vinyl swimming pool liner is thinner than a 25 gauge liner. If you have an above-ground or in-ground swimming pool that sees heavy use it’s often better to go with a thicker vinyl pool liner. Both 20 gauge and 25 gauge vinyl pool liners are typically made with double-weld seams to enhance durability.
What is the best pool liner thickness?
The shape is important: if the pool has a lot of tight, intricate turns, it’s better to go with a 20 mil liner in order to achieve a better fit. I cringe when someone with 90-degrees corners wants a 28 mil, especially in cold weather. The thicker liner just isn’t as pliable as the 20 mil.
What is the thickest vinyl pool liner?
27 mil
If you are interested in a thicker, more durable liner, the 27 mil “all-over” is the thickest available. Some of our competitors call the 27 mil liner a 34 gauge – we use the industry standard term “mil” so as not to confuse our customers. This liner will have the extra thickness on the wall and on the floor.
What is thicker 30 mil or 20 mil?
The most common term for vinyl, “mil” (not to be confused with millimeter) is a unit of measurement equal to one thousandth of an inch. Therefore, a 20 mil liner thickness is equal to 20 thousandths of an inch. A 30 gauge liner is equivalent to 0.0260 inches (26 mil).
Is a 25 mil pool liner good?
You can certainly get a thick 25 mil liner but keep in mind that it will carry a higher price. Installing the thickest liners can be challenging without good weather conditions. This safe zone takes into account everyone involved at replacing a pool liner from the customer right down to the installer.
Is a 20 mil pool liner good?
20 mil pool liners: The Good 20 mil liners are proven to stretch perfectly against tight corners and conform to the curves of a shaped pool. Minimising opportunity for punctures or drying out. They are also strong enough to withstand the weight of the water.
How long does a 27 mil pool liner last?
Vinyl liners last 5-9 years, with a general rule being the thicker the liner, the closer it will be to 9 years. But beyond that, a thicker vinyl liner is a good investment in avoiding potential problems. They can withstand more damage without leaking and will require fewer patches and repairs.
Which is better 20 mil or 27 Mil pool liners?
Thicker liners tend to be less pliable and much heavier which can make the installation more difficult. A proper fitting 20 mil liner will outlast an improper fitting thicker liner. There can be advantages to thicker liners though. 27mil and thicker liners can help protect against abrasive pool surfaces and provide additional puncture protection.
Which is better the 20 mil or the 27 Mil?
Oftentimes people ask us which liner material is “better:” the 20 mil or the 27 mil? In reality, there is no “better” liner. The most important choice is not the thickness of the material, but the liner pattern that you choose.
Which is thicker 20 mil or 20 millimeter?
The most common term for vinyl, “mil” (not to be confused with millimeter) is a unit of measurement equal to one thousandth of an inch. Therefore, a 20 mil liner thickness is equal to 20 thousandths of an inch. The term “gauge” (not to be confused with mil), is a bit more of a moving target.
What’s the thickness of an above ground pool liner?
I would request from your local dealer, the thickest liner they have available for that style of pool. The range for above ground pools is usually anywhere from 12 mil – 20 mil and sometimes can be found as thick as 27 mil.
Which is better a 20 mil or a 27 Mil pool liner?
27 or 20 mil: Which Pool Liner Thickness Should You Choose? Oftentimes people ask us which liner material is “better:” the 20 mil or the 27 mil? In reality, there is no “better” liner. The most important choice is not the thickness of the material, but the liner pattern that you choose.
Oftentimes people ask us which liner material is “better:” the 20 mil or the 27 mil? In reality, there is no “better” liner. The most important choice is not the thickness of the material, but the liner pattern that you choose.
The most common term for vinyl, “mil” (not to be confused with millimeter) is a unit of measurement equal to one thousandth of an inch. Therefore, a 20 mil liner thickness is equal to 20 thousandths of an inch. The term “gauge” (not to be confused with mil), is a bit more of a moving target.
Which is the thickest all over pool liner?
If you are interested in a thicker, more durable liner, the 27 mil “all-over” is the thickest available. Some of our competitors call the 27 mil liner a 34 gauge – we use the industry standard term “mil” so as not to confuse our customers.