Heritage I-Beam vs Traditional Vinyl Pools

There are many common issues and stigmas associated with traditional vinyl pools. However, that is why Heritage Pools offers its exclusive Heritage I-beam here in the Lowcountry – a pool specifically designed to meet the needs of an area with a high ground water table and seismic activity.

A traditional vinyl pool typically features a vermiculite base (porous), which can be argued that a porous base allows for less cracks. A vermiculite base is also known to cause mold. A concrete base allows for a structural, nonporous base that is smooth and stable (Heritage I-beam).
Traditional vinyl pools also utilize thin metal or plastic walls to line the pool. A Heritage I-beam uses thick, custom polymer walls with embedded structural I-Beams that extend into the surrounding earth. These structural walls are also set into a poured concrete footing and the hollow I-beams are then filled with concrete to further strengthen the wall structure – each panel able to withstand 10,000 psi. This also allows for the pool to be constructed on an incline, whereas a traditional vinyl pool cannot.
The custom polymer walls also provide two other benefits: 1. a completely custom shaped pool, whether you’d like an organic shape or standard rectangle. 2. Contribute to the structural integrity of your chosen decking. The walls support the weight of the surrounding deck.
Comparatively to concrete pools, the Heritage I-beam can be installed faster and for less money.

Another feature of the Heritage I-beam is the surrounding ground water mitigation system. In an area that has a hurricane season, this system will do wonders for the pool safety and structure. The system features in-ground piping, both around and below, that pumps groundwater away from the pool thus lessening the pressure on the pool.
The Heritage I-beam’s vinyl layer is also placed directly against the concrete base and sides, which helps prevent tears. When a padding layer is added between the base and vinyl, this can allow the vinyl to be penetrated or torn.
See the Heritage I-Beam building process here.