Above Ground Pool Liner

[Dan Schultz]

Any more pool owners out there in TubaLand?

I've had above ground pools for well over thirty years. This is actually my 2nd one and I'm on my second liner in this one. Ten years seems to be about the life of Vinyl when exposed to chemicals and sun. I probably should have replaced the liner going into this season but the weather got warm here quite a bit earlier than expected. I've had the pool open for a month now.

Below the waterline is fine. But... above the waterline is where problems normally occur first where the Vinyl dries out and gets brittle. I've applied some patches over the years where there have been holes from being poked with toys, brushes, etc. I've noticed that in the areas where the patches are, the Vinyl is very supple... almost like new.

Does anyone know of a spray or coating that can be applied to the area above the waterline to help preserve or restore the Vinyl?

[ppalan]

I'm just guessing here but what about something like ArmourAll or this product:
http://www.amazon.com/3M-39040-LEATHER- ... B0002NUNM0?
Pete

[Ken Herrick]

I think Pete might be on the right track if the armourall works as a UV screen. UV exposure is likely doing a lot of the damage, along with air exposure. Something which might help would be to have some shade cloth on a roller so you can pull it over the pool as a cover. Added benefit - less cleaning, including less algal growth and thus less need for added chlorine which, combined with the air on non-submerged areas could also be contributing to the weakening of the vinyl.

[Dan Schultz]

I think Pete might be on the right track if the armourall works as a UV screen. UV exposure is likely doing a lot of the damage, along with air exposure. ....

Ken... I'm well aware of the damage UV can do. However... the damage is done. I just want to help the liner last out this year.... maybe something that could put a little life back into the very dry Vinyl.

[ppalan]

Dan, although it's not obvious from the link in my original reply ( http://www.amazon.com/3M-39040-LEATHER- ... 0002NUNM0?), the product is also listed as able to be used to restore vinyl. I have no personal experience with the product but one of my brothers says he used it for a similar purpose to what you're looking for and thought it worked pretty well. Anyway, hope you find something so you can stay cool. It looks like it may be a long hot summer out in your neck of the woods.
Pete