By J. Kevin Shea
1. Seal the extrusion or coping with duct tape or caulk.
2. If the tread or riser surfaces are rough, line with 3.175-mm (0.125-in.) closed-cell foam.
3. Close all valves to minimize air loss and make sure all open lines are plugged.
4. Install bottom rods prior to liner step installation.
5. Work step installation from the bottom riser up.
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By J. Kevin Shea
1. Take time during the measuring process to assure the liner fabricator receives accurate and complete information with regards to the swimming pool’s dimensions.
2. Prior to or during the installation process, make sure the swimming pool bottom and walls have been prepped thoroughly.
3. Weather conditions should be taken into consideration with regards to extremely hot/cold temperatures and intense sunlight.
4. Take the colour of the pool liner into consideration. The darker the colour, the more sensitive the liner is to expansion as a result of heat absorption during peak sunlight hours.
5. Remove all footwear, particularly sneakers and work boots, prior to getting into the pool for installation.
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Once the liner is properly in place, vacuums should be set up as close as possible to any speciality feature areas in the pool, e.g., step sections, sun ledges, cuddle coves, etc. Photo courtesy Seahorse Pools
Once the liner is properly in place, vacuums should be set up as close as possible to any speciality feature areas in the pool, e.g., step sections, sun ledges, cuddle coves, etc. If the pool includes several of these features, it is a good idea to utilize more than one vacuum to remove any wrinkles and help set the liner in place. Most installers will agree it is best to remove all wrinkles before filling the pool with water.
It is also important to make sure the electrical supply to the vacuums is sufficient to prevent interruptions in electricity while the pool is being filled with water. This is especially important if the pool is slowly being filled using a garden hose. It should be noted, however, most liner vacuums used today draw very few amps.
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By J. Kevin Shea
When dealing with bead issues, particularly during cool weather, a hair dryer should never be used to soften the bead and wall section. Boiling water is recommended instead.
Hot water will simply soften the liner without creating any deterioration of the material itself and/or the print integrity, while at the same time allowing the bead to be easily snapped into the track. By using a hair dryer, builders run the risk of burning through the vinyl, if not attended to properly.
One tip for keeping hot water readily available on the job site is to utilize a single-burner camping stove. After boiling the water in a pot or teakettle, it is simply poured directly onto the liner.
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To ensure the liner is installed properly, start by clipping the liner into the most complex part of the pool—whether it is the sun ledge, cuddle cove, bench or steps. Photo courtesy Seahorse Pools
By J. Kevin Shea
There are many ways to ensure the liner is installed properly. First, start by clipping the liner into the most complex part of the pool—whether it is the sun ledge, cuddle cove, bench or steps. If there are challenging areas on opposite sides of the pool, start with these first and work the liner around the perimeter on either side of the special features.
Most vinyl pool builders also utilize rod pockets behind the liner, similar to a drape or curtain, for step sections. This liner feature, which must be requested when ordering the liner from the fabricator, allows a rod to be easily inserted through the pocket, and using a clip to hold the steps or specialty feature in place. This feature can also eliminate the pool liner from floating, especially around steps or sun ledges, in areas with high groundwater tables.
Using the new bead track system offered by some liner fabricators is another option. This system is specifically designed to help make complex vinyl-covered steps, benches and other special features look smooth and wrinkle-free.
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