Each pool refurbishment is different, with the occasional one presenting a real challenge, but the Certikin technical team are on hand to give advice and help you work around the problem. This on-site lining case study by David Hillier Pools is a case in point.

“The client contacted me towards the end of spring,” explains David Hillier. “He wanted some advice as his pool’s existing liner was torn and in need of replacement. He also wanted some steps building to make entering the pool easier.”

David went into consultation with Certikin’s Liners & Covers Division Product Manager, Craig Williamson, before drawing up a design. David and his team then set about the pool’s refurbishment.

The original pool was an above-ground steel framed pool with a one-piece liner and was half in ground with suspended decking and a raised edge to conceal what was beneath. This was stripped out and discarded as unusable.

After removing the sand underneath the pool, a 150mm concrete base with 100x100mm posts set into the floor was found to be good enough to reuse. Between each of the posts a 100mm Celotex insulation was installed, along with a cold bridge across the posts, all enclosed with a 18mm water resistant ply for structural strength and water resistance. A section between two of the posts was removed, the ballast behind the retaining timber removed and a concrete floor installed ready for hand-cut wooden steps to be made and installed, reinforced and surrounded with Celotex. An inlet and outlet were constructed, the floor levelled, liner track installed and the floor and wall void sealed up.

On what turned out to be the hottest two days of the year, the Certikin on-site liner team then moved in to work their magic, installing a new underlay and an onsite liner. It just left the decking to be replaced on the top of the upright and the pool to be filled with water and hey presto! It was ready to receive its first swimmers.

David adds: “It was certainly an interesting and challenging project, with all trades putting their heads   together to achieve an aesthetically pleasing result. It’s not perfect, there are elements I’d do differently next time. Most importantly, however, the client is absolutely delighted and now in possession of a durable, very usable pool which meets his needs. Thank you Certikin’s on-site lining team for bringing the project home!”

Hillier Pools | t. 07887 426988

The beauty of on-site lining

It’s quick and efficient and gives a tailor made, heavy-duty liner that is second to none. Here are some important questions answered

On average, how long does it take to site line a pool?

Timing varies with size and complexity, but generally it’s four working days for an average sized domestic hopper pool with steps.

How soon after lining can the pool be used?

Immediately!  There is no curing or standing period.  As soon as the lining is complete, the pool can be filled and used’

What kind of pools are the most suitable for site lining?

Site lining is a very versatile option for both new and old pools of domestic and commercial size.  It can accommodate complex shapes, steps, ledges, pits etc.  One key element to remember though is that any pool fittings need to be liner fittings so if the pool is not an existing liner pool some conversion is required.  If conversion is not possible, the provision of purpose made HDPE clamping plates may be possible.

What are its advantages over other refurbishment options?

As a commercial grade material the longevity of the product when compared to thinner linings or paints (it comes with a 15 year pro rata warranty) is a major advantage.  The process is generally quick but, as we complete the full installation, it also means that the pool trader can still earn on other projects while we are working on their behalf.  The range of colours and patterns mean that a tile effect can be re-created and areas of contrasting colour (such as racing lines) can easily be added at what is usually a fraction of the price of a fully tiled pool.

How does it compare in terms of cost?

A site lining falls between cheaper options such as paint and thinner, bag style, liners and more expensive options such as tiling or spray applied products, so it is often seen as excellent value for money as the materials used are both attractive and varied in colour and pattern, but also extremely durable and versatile.

How long does site lining last for?

The general warranty is 15 years, but the life expectancy can be double this in a well maintained pool.  Water balance is critical and an even temperature of around 28-32 deg C is ideal.  The lining really has two functions – retaining water and looking good.  As the life of the liner progresses it will very probably remain an excellent water retainer, but looks will suffer if the lining and its environment are not monitored and controlled.

How many different colours and finishes are there?

At present our core range has 11 pattern options, 8 natural texture options and 9 solid colour options.  Each can be combined with a contrasting or complementary anti-slip material for steps and slopes (many of which are an exact match to the main pool pattern).

For further details contact the Certikin Liners and Covers Division on 01993 777200