Deterioration & Dry Rot
Discoloration, Deterioration and "Dry Rot" Above the Water
Line
In most cases, these three problems are different stages
of the same phenomenon. The cause of these problems are
many and varied, but have a universal theme. In most cases, the
discoloration (usually brown), the deterioration (stiffening of the
vinyl) and then the complete failure of the vinyl, commonly
referred to as "dry rotting", is due to the extraction of the
plasticizers and stabilizers from the vinyl. (Plasticizer is the
additive which gives the vinyl its flexibility, stabilizers give
the vinyl its high temperature stability.) Under normal
circumstances, the volatility of these additives is very low and
the vinyl will maintain its physical characteristics for many
years.
Experience has taught us that under certain
circumstances the area above the water line can begin to
deteriorate very quickly. There are three main
contributors to this problem; chemical attack, high temperatures
and UV rays. The UV resistant characteristics of pool vinyl is
excellent and by itself the UV rays do not present a significant
problem. However, acid based vinyl cleaners, when not rinsed
completely from the vinyl, exposed to extremely high temperatures
and the effects of UV rays, will accelerate deterioration of the
vinyl liner. There are however, certain steps that can be taken to
combat these problems.
We had found, through laboratory testing, that acid
based vinyl cleaners will dversely affect the life of the
vinyl. Exposure to sun light and high temperatures will
greatly accelerate that deterioration process. From a vinyl
standpoint, we do not recommend using any cleaners that contain
acid. If you do use an acid based cleaner, you must rinse all
traces of the cleaner from the vinyl. If you do not remove all
traces of the cleaner, you are creating a situation where
accelerated breakdown of plasticizer and stabilizer will take
place, thereby significantly shortening the life of the liner. Use
alkaline based cleaners. They are more vinyl friendly and they work
just as well as the acid based cleaners. In all instances, rinse
the liner fully.
Clean your pool often by taking a soft cloth and using
the pool water to rinse contaminates from the vinyl.
Substances such as body oil, sun tan lotion, baby oil, etc., will
collect at the line. These substances, when exposed to the sun and
the high temperature that can be found just above the water line,
will often times turn brown and be very difficult to remove from
the vinyl.
If it is an option, have at least a two foot radius, or
larger, corners in your pool. This will lessen the stress
put on the vinyl in the corners. Insist that the liner fit
properly. Watch the installation of the liner. If it has to be
"stretched in", insist on a looser fitting liner. If the liner is
too small it will tend to pull away from the wall above the
waterline and especially in the corners. On the sun side of the
pool, temperatures can reach in excess of 180 degrees Fahrenheit,
between the liner and the sidewalls. These areas that pull away are
the areas that generate the highest temperatures and are the places
that will fail first. Remember: Stressed vinyl is more susceptible
to chemical and environmental attack.
With proper cleaning and a properly fitted liner, there
is no reason why your liner should not last many years. However,
unless you follow these simple rules, your liner's life will be
significantly shortened.
