Kangaroos, Cows & Vinyl Liners: Modern Liner Tech with Jamie from Aquatec

Episode Summary

On this Mondays Down Under episode of the Talking Pools Podcast, Shane in Auckland and Lee on the chilly NSW coast are joined by Jamie from Aquatec, a family business that’s been making swimming pool liners since the late 1970s. They dive into how vinyl liners have evolved from “one blue fits all” to highly engineered, custom-fit solutions for everything from tired old concrete pools to wild freeform designs with benches, bar stools, and beach entries.

Jamie shares the story of taking over the business from his father and sister, partnering with an Australian manufacturer to bring in cutting-edge 3D measuring technology, and how a smart pivot into refurbishments kept them thriving when new builds slowed down. The trio also tackle a listener question from Debbie in Florida about liquid chlorine and vinyl, unpack myths around chlorine damage, talk calcium hardness in liner pools, and swap some unforgettable insurance stories—kangaroos, cows, and pole-vaulting kids included.

If you’ve ever hesitated to recommend vinyl, or wondered how long a liner really lasts when it’s properly maintained and balanced, this episode is your masterclass.

Episode Chapters

• 00:00 Introduction
• 10:40 Discussion Continues
• 21:21 Deep Dive
• 32:01 Key Insights
• 42:42 Practical Tips