By Matthew Sands
A growing number of professionals consider weld-in-place membranes a lucrative addition to their business and are taking the time to train their staff on proper installation techniques.
Weld-in-place polyvinyl chloride (PVC) membranes provide a pool finish with unique benefits not provided by other systems (e.g. marbelite, stone-coloured quartz finishes, or thermoplastic coating). One of the main advantages of the membrane pool finish is it does not crack regardless of freeze-thaw conditions, or even earthquakes. The membrane completely seals the structure of the pool and keeps it watertight. This makes it ideal for both renovating existing pools, especially elevated pools, and new installations.
Once a business has a crew of installers who know how to apply these membranes, this service can easily become part of the company’s offerings, whether it is being used to finish off a new concrete or stainless-steel pool wall project. It can also be used to cover cracked, peeling, or leaking gunite pools. A growing number of professionals consider weld-in-place membranes a lucrative addition to their business and are taking the time to train their staff on proper installation. Weld-in-place PVC membranes not only offer clients a unique and attractive finish for their pool, but also allow companies offering this unique skill set to keep their crews busy throughout the winter.
Training crews
Since proper training is the first order of business, some membrane suppliers offer assisted installations to builders and installers. Pool pros do not always realize how easy it is to install this product, and there are extremely low barriers to entry, as a pool business does not need to invest substantial amounts of money for equipment and the material does not need to be stocked. The membranes come in 24.4-m (80-ft) rolls and any left-over material can be used on another job. In fact, some installers prefer to stock the membrane during spring so they do not need to rely on the supplier, which can limit the risk of longer lead times.
Rolls of PVC membrane and related accessories are simply ordered for each specific job and can be delivered direct to the job site. There is a learning curve, of course, like anything else; however, compared to other types of equipment repairs, the training can be completed much quicker.
