The lining system enabled the crew to rebuild each pool in sections (where necessary) and with various types of construction material so the structure could be repaired as they knew the liner would span all cracks and cover all patches and rough surfaces to not only provide a watertight seal, but also a clean, attractive, finished surface.
Repairing the pool structures were completed concurrently with the renovation of the plumbing and the replacement of the existing trenches so the new perimeter gutters could be installed to restore the water recirculation system.
Gutters and water recirculation system renovations
The water recirculation systems on all three pools were badly deteriorated. The trenches were collapsing and the plumbing lines were compromised due to ground shifting. The pools had inadequate filtration for water flow along with an old-style ‘trench-gutter’ that was difficult to maintain due to their deterioration.
The next step of the renovations was to start with the rebuilding of the perimeter recirculation system, gutters, grating, and decks on each pool. Due to the trenches being in such poor shape, water was seeping under the pool decks causing many areas of the pools to crack and sag in various degrees. Therefore, to replace the existing troughs on each pool was necessary. The old gutter and wall top had to be cut out to install new, custom-built stainless steel gutters. These gutters included a turn down flange to which the PVC liner would be attached.
The perimeter gutter is equipped with a return/supply system that continuously overflows the dirty water over the handhold. The gutter face and inner trough wall form the return line making the system virtually maintenance-free while also eliminating the fragile perimeter plumbing system. The stainless-steel gutter is welded in place and connected to all plumbing lines. It took approximately two to three weeks to complete this work on each pool.
All of the plumbing lines were tested and the walls were backfilled before the pool deck was repaired. Once all of this was completed, the pools were ready for the liner installation.
Prepping the pool surface
The 60-mil reinforced liner was selected for these concrete pools because it provides a cost-effective, watertight fix that is attractive and relatively fast to install. Installing a PVC membrane immediately cleans up the look of a pool, while the use of contrasting colours for racing lanes and transitions from shallow to deep areas can also make them safer.
The surface patches on these pools were not only an eyesore, but were also signs of underlying issues with the pool structure caused by leaking plumbing. Further, the thickness of the reinforced PVC membrane makes it nearly tear-resistant and capable of withstanding heavy use. The membrane is also flexible; therefore, it can expand and contract with any future ground shifting while still maintaining a watertight seal.
