Shifting inks
Designers are constantly researching and developing new products and innovations. This practice led to the introduction of a truly new ink innovation which allows further differentiation for pool professionals in the market. In fact, this new ink has the ability to “colour shift,” which means the colour of the liner will change from silver teal to magenta and violet red blue by simply changing one’s viewing angle of the pool.
The development of the colour shift inks required a lengthy process to ensure the quality and durability of this new product. The first step was finding a source and supplier to help create and manufacture the ink to meet the required specifications. Then, the new ink was thoroughly tested. It took more than a year and a half to test and develop the ink with the in-house colour lab. In fact, because of the long development process, this new ink is very robust and provides a higher performance level. Not only does it have a colour-changing ability, but it also has an iridescent sparkle quality.
The next step was to create a design to show off the colour-shift effect. The resulting Surf Antigua high-definition electric (HDE) pattern has intertwined waves of colour which change from blue to teal to magenta with hints of gold and silver and reflect in the water. Depending on the angle and the light conditions, it amplifies the reflection of the water and sunlight for a gradual effect along the pool.
In addition to the launch of the HDE design, other pool liner fabricators have worked with the author’s company to develop exclusive patterns for themselves using the technology. Builders are now promoting it as a premium product to stand out from their competition in 2022.
Enhanced colour
As with most products, colour trends change each season. Designers must do research to stay current with emerging colour trends and work to apply them to the pool industry in practical ways which will endure for the life of the product.
New advancements in vinyl colour technology led to the development of HDE colour materials. These premium-based films provide an intense, electric, or vivid colour which is stronger and brighter and amplifies the colour intensity of the water in the pool. Intense, deep blue colours are in demand and developing HDE has been key to making them a reality.
The ability to create 3D renderings allows designers to present new concepts to builders and liner fabricators as they would appear in the finished pool, co-ordinating with different pool shapes, decking materials, and coping treatments. This removes guesswork from the development process in visualizing the final product as it would be seen in the pool, which is especially helpful with new design trends.
Design inspiration and trends
Designers spend a considerable amount of time researching colours to use in a vinyl pool liner pattern to mirror the trends in backyard decor. Just because one colour may have been popular one year, it does not mean the same colour should be applied to the following season’s vinyl liner patterns. This is important because colours in products such as apparel are not expected to stand the test of time. However, vinyl liners are generally in the pool for at least five to seven years.
