Thanks to the product’s longevity, aquatic facilities can break the maintenance cycle of repainting and replastering pool interiors which is costly and time consuming, not to mention having to close the pool to drain, dry, replaster, repaint, and wait for the pool to dry before reopening. Many facilities do nothing to maintain the reinforced PVC interior and only some aquatic facility managers and/or operators choose to pressure wash the reinforced PVC to clean the surface after a busy season. There is basically no other maintenance required to preserve the longevity of this interior finish for pools and, since it is offered in both 60 and 80 mil thicknesses, reinforced PVC also provides a long-lasting waterproofing solution that is attractive and virtually maintenance-free.
This interior finish for pools can also offer another, more immediate benefit; rather than dealing with long lead times for pre-manufactured products, weld-in-place reinforced PVC materials are readily available. Installers can, therefore, overcome lead times by stocking material for upcoming services. Weld-in-place reinforced PVC can provide an exact fit for custom pools, even for the most challenging shapes, because they are installed on-site.
Understanding the installation process
The installation process is relatively straightforward. Before lining the pool with the reinforced PVC, crews must first prepare the surface, which can include repairs. Most pools require a day or less for preparation. However, if a pool is in particularly bad shape, a professional might need to spend three to four days patching the pool, fixing returns, etc.
Once the pool surface is prepared, a felt lining is installed along the floor and walls of the pool structure. This material, also referred to as geotextile, acts as an antibacterial agent to avoid bacteria proliferation behind the reinforced PVC and extends the life of the product.
After the geotextile is installed, the reinforced PVC pool interior is rolled out in either 1.5- or 1.8-m (5- or 6-ft) wide lengths which are then heat-welded together on-site to ensure a smooth fit. Steps, beach entries, safety ledges, and other elements are cut, fitted, and welded as well.
Reinforced PVC is also available with slip-resistant, embossed surfaces, which are generally used on steps, in shallow areas, and beach entries. Black material is also available to create racing lanes, transitions, and depth markers as needed.
Colour and texture options
Reinforced PVC also comes in new visually pleasing textures—giving pools a completely renovated look. These transformative textures can give bathers the experience of standing in a gunite pool, but are softer on the feet. The cushioned feeling makes them more comfortable to stand on. This is particularly beneficial for bathers using the pool for water conditioning, therapy, or aerobic purposes.
