Latham Pool Products makes vinyl liners, fiberglass shells, and equipment for residential and commercial pools

Latham is a manufacturer based in Latham, New York that produces the physical components pools are built from — mainly vinyl liners that sit inside concrete or steel walls, and fiberglass pool shells that come as one-piece units. If you are building a pool or replacing worn parts, you will encounter their products either directly (choosing a liner pattern or shell model) or indirectly (your contractor sources them). Understanding what they make helps you talk to builders about your options and what different choices cost.

The company has been in business since 1956 and supplies builders, pool dealers, and some retail customers. Their products are sold through pool construction companies and pool supply retailers rather than directly to homeowners in most cases, though some of their items are available online through third-party sellers.

Key Takeaways

  • Latham makes vinyl pool liners in different thicknesses and patterns, fiberglass shells in various sizes and shapes, and pumps and filtration equipment.
  • Vinyl liners are the most common Latham product homeowners encounter, and they typically last 7 to 10 years before needing replacement.
  • Fiberglass shells are a one-piece alternative to vinyl and concrete pools, and they come in preset dimensions rather than custom sizes.
  • Most homeowners buy Latham products through their pool contractor or local pool supply store, not directly from the manufacturer.
  • Latham products are one option among several brands — comparing liners, shells, and equipment specs helps you understand what your builder is proposing.

Vinyl liners: what they are and how long they last

A vinyl liner is a large sheet of PVC plastic that sits inside your pool's walls and holds the water. Latham manufactures liners in different thicknesses, measured in mils (thousandths of an inch). Thicker liners cost more but last longer and resist punctures better. A 20-mil liner is common for residential pools; 28-mil and 30-mil liners are thicker and more durable.

Vinyl liners typically last between 7 and 10 years, depending on sunlight exposure, chemical balance, and how much the pool is used. When a liner fails — usually from a tear, puncture, or seam separation — it must be replaced entirely. Latham liners come in dozens of patterns and colors, from solid blues and greens to tile designs and stone textures. Your choice of pattern is mostly aesthetic, though darker colors absorb more heat.

Installation requires draining the pool, removing the old liner, and fitting the new one to the walls and floor. This is a job for a pool contractor or experienced pool service company, not a DIY task. The cost of a replacement liner varies by pool size and thickness, but the liner itself is usually the smaller part of the total replacement cost — labor and any wall repairs add significantly.

Fiberglass shells: one-piece pools with fixed dimensions

Latham also manufactures fiberglass pool shells, which are molded as single units and installed in a hole in the ground. Unlike vinyl liners, which conform to whatever shape your concrete or steel walls are built in, fiberglass shells come in preset sizes and shapes — typically rectangular, kidney-shaped, or oval. This means your pool's dimensions are limited to what the manufacturer offers.

Fiberglass shells are smoother than concrete and do not require a liner, so there is no vinyl to replace every 7 to 10 years. The gel coat (the outer surface) can crack or fade over time, but repairs are simpler than replacing a liner. Fiberglass pools are generally more expensive upfront than vinyl pools of the same size, but they have lower long-term maintenance costs because there is no liner to replace.

Installation involves setting the shell in the ground, backfilling around it, and connecting plumbing and equipment. Because the shell is rigid, the ground must be level and stable, and the installation process is less flexible than vinyl pool construction. If you want a custom shape or size, fiberglass is not the right choice — vinyl or concrete pools offer more design freedom.

Pumps, filters, and other equipment Latham manufactures

Beyond liners and shells, Latham produces circulation and filtration equipment — pumps, filters, and related parts that move water through the pool and remove debris and contaminants. These are the mechanical systems that run every day to keep the water clean and safe.

Latham equipment is sold as individual components or as part of a complete system package. A typical system includes a pump (which moves water), a filter (which removes particles), and a control valve (which directs water flow). Your contractor will recommend equipment based on your pool size and how much water circulation you need.

Equipment choice matters because undersized pumps and filters will not keep the water clean, while oversized equipment wastes energy. Your contractor should calculate the turnover rate — how many times per day the entire pool volume passes through the filter — to size equipment correctly. Latham equipment is one option; other manufacturers like Pentair and Hayward also make compatible systems.

How Latham products compare to other brands

Latham is one of several major manufacturers in the pool industry. Other vinyl liner makers include Swimline and Doughboy; other fiberglass manufacturers include Leisure Pools and Trilogy. Equipment makers include Pentair, Hayward, and Jandy. Your contractor may stock one brand or offer multiple options.

Comparing products means looking at thickness (for liners), warranty length, and specific features. A 28-mil Latham liner and a 28-mil liner from another brand will perform similarly, so the choice often comes down to pattern selection, price, and what your contractor stocks. For fiberglass, the main differences are shape options, warranty terms, and finish quality. For equipment, efficiency ratings and noise levels vary by model.

Ask your contractor what brands they recommend and why. A contractor who has installed many Latham products knows their strengths and weaknesses and can tell you whether a particular product is a good fit for your situation. Do not assume one brand is universally better — the right choice depends on your pool design, budget, and maintenance preferences.

Where to buy Latham products and what to expect

Most homeowners do not buy Latham products directly. Instead, your pool contractor orders them as part of the construction or renovation project. The contractor has accounts with distributors and may receive volume discounts that are not available to retail customers.

If you want to source products yourself, some Latham items are sold through online pool supply retailers and local pool stores. Vinyl liners are more commonly available this way than fiberglass shells, which are usually ordered through contractors. Buying a liner online and having a contractor install it is possible, but make sure the liner dimensions match your pool exactly — a liner that is too small or too large will not fit properly.

Pricing varies by product, size, and retailer. A vinyl liner for a standard residential pool ranges widely depending on thickness and pattern. Fiberglass shells are priced per model and size. Equipment costs depend on pump horsepower, filter size, and whether you are buying individual components or a complete system. Get quotes from multiple contractors to compare both product choice and labor costs.

Warranties and what they cover

Latham products come with manufacturer warranties that vary by product type. Vinyl liners typically have a warranty of 10 to 20 years, though the warranty usually covers defects in materials and workmanship, not normal wear or damage from misuse. A puncture from a sharp object or damage from improper chemical balance is usually not covered.

Fiberglass shells often have longer warranties — sometimes 25 years or more — but again, the warranty covers manufacturing defects, not damage from settling, impact, or improper maintenance. Equipment warranties are typically 1 to 3 years and cover mechanical failure, not wear parts like pump seals that are expected to need replacement.

Read the warranty details before you buy. Some warranties are transferable if you sell your home; others are not. Some require you to register the product within a certain time frame. Your contractor should provide you with warranty documentation and explain what is and is not covered.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if a Latham liner will fit my pool?

You need the exact dimensions of your pool — length, width, depth, and the shape of any corners or curves. Latham liners are made to specific sizes, and a liner that is even a few inches off will not fit properly. Your contractor or pool service company can measure your pool and order the correct size. If you are buying a liner online, provide these measurements to the seller to confirm compatibility.

Can I replace a Latham vinyl liner with a different brand?

Yes. As long as the replacement liner is the same size and shape as your current one, you can use any brand. Vinyl liners are largely interchangeable if dimensions match. Your contractor can install a non-Latham liner in a Latham pool without any issues. Price and pattern selection may influence your choice more than the brand name.

What is the difference between a 20-mil and 28-mil vinyl liner?

The mil measurement refers to thickness. A 28-mil liner is thicker and more durable than a 20-mil liner, resists punctures better, and typically lasts longer. The trade-off is cost — a thicker liner costs more upfront. For most residential pools, 20-mil is adequate; 28-mil is chosen when durability or longevity is a priority.

Do I have to use Latham products if my contractor recommends them?

No. You can ask your contractor about alternative brands and products. However, contractors often stock or prefer certain brands because they are familiar with them, have good relationships with distributors, or have had good experiences with reliability. If you want a different brand, discuss it with your contractor — they can usually source it, though it may cost more or take longer to arrive.

What happens if my Latham liner tears?

Small tears (under 6 inches) can sometimes be patched with a vinyl repair kit, which is a temporary fix. For larger tears or seam failures, the liner must be replaced. Patching is not a permanent solution and is usually done only to extend the life of a liner until you can schedule a full replacement. If your liner is near the end of its expected life, replacement is usually the better choice.