Schnurbach says he finds it always takes new liner patterns a few seasons to take off in the market and it is rare for a new pattern to take off in the first season.
“Consumers need to see how the pattern looks in a pool; seeing it in a neighbour’s pool or a display pool used by a pool builder is what really propels a new pool liner design into the marketplace,” says Schnurbach.
The pattern’s shifting effect is particularly pronounced in sunlight or during dusk when the lighting conditions are changing. Observers can stand from any angle and witness the colour transformation occurring above the waterline, along the border.
Developing colour-changing designs
The origins of this vinyl liner manufacturer’s journey into creating vinyl inks with colour-shifting capabilities for pool liner designs was a concept that emerged after a trade show in Atlantic City, New Jersey. The collaborative efforts of the company’s R&D and design departments eventually led to the development of this proprietary ink that authentically achieves the ability to “colour shift,” resulting in a change from silver teal to magenta and violet-red-blue by altering the viewing angle of the pool.
“The pattern popularity varies by region—what is popular in Toronto is not the same as what is popular in Quebec or cottage country, and we also sell into the U.S. which is also different,” says Schnurbach.
“The colour-changing vinyl liner pattern is more impressive in a larger, freeform pool because there are more opportunities for the pattern to flow around the pool and capture the light and change colour,” he says. “I’ve also seen the liner in a smaller 12- x 24-ft [3.6- x 7.3-m] pool, and it looks colourful and modern, which is what many consumers want in a pool.”
The initial step in developing these colour-shifting inks was to secure a source and supplier for the ink’s creation, with more than a year and a half dedicated to testing and developing the ink to meet specific requirements. This prolonged development process has resulted in a robust ink that delivers higher performance levels within vinyl material used for pool liners.
“This liner has the colour-changing effect built into the design,” says Schnurbach. “It’s not an overpowering design, but rather a unique-eye-catching pattern that attracts attention.”
The design philosophy goes beyond esthetics, emphasizing the balance between function (usability) and form. The challenges and rewards of this design process reflect the constant evolution of technology in inks, printing, and vinyl manufacturing, elevating pool liner designs to new levels. As the industry gears up for the coming season, there will be more choices in patterns, colours, and textures to meet the growing demand for pool and outdoor living esthetics.
