Jump to content

LinerMFGr

Members
  • Posts

    63
  • Joined

  • Last visited

About LinerMFGr

  • Birthday 03/23/1975

Contact Methods

  • Website URL
    http://www.kaydenmfg.com
  • ICQ
    0

Profile Information

  • Gender
    Male
  • Location
    Hackensack, NJ
  • Interests
    pool liners, steps
  • Gender
    Male

Recent Profile Visitors

7,080 profile views

LinerMFGr's Achievements

Spa Savant

Spa Savant (3/5)

0

Reputation

  1. I'm obviously bias to this discussion, so I'll keep keep my banter to a minimum. I just want to point out to Waterbear that vinyl pools can be built to virtually any shape and size and are nearly as versatile as concrete pools. The only real limitation is measuring the pool to get a liner to fit in it. Alright--I've got work to do. See you in 6 months
  2. Hi GeoShea, Like Waterbear said, a low pH will damage a liner. In fact, what happens is the liner will actually absorb water at a very low pH and grow causing wrinkles. I'm not as familiar with water chemistry as Waterbear, but I know chlorine is heavier than water and tends to sink to the bottom if not properly circulated causing it to collect at the hopper pad/main drain. I have seen liners that have bleached directly under the skimmer because the homeowner put some solid form of chlorine in the skimmer basket and didn't circulate the water. ...but I think it is probably the liner floating and not settling properly... maybe combined with your closing method.
  3. Hi iWeb, I've heard of people overfilling their pools when they expect a lot of rain and have ground-water problems. The idea is that the pressure from the inside of the pool will be greater than the back side of the pool liner keeping ground-water at bay. If that doesn't work, you could ask your pool guy to invest in <member's website link removed> to save the expense of refilling your pool. There are ground-water mitigation techniques which your pool guy should be able to help you with. It is something that is normally done when the liner is being replaced.
  4. Hi Akrauss, There are two good companies that I have experience in that area. There is Cool Pool out of Nanuet NY. I have been doing business with them for about 15 years. My wife actually worked for them before we had kids. They tend to be a bit more expensive, but they do very good work. The other company is Westrock Pools also in Nanuet. They are a bit more high-volume, but do a great job. I know nothing about those other companies. $7500 seems high, but maybe there is more going on with the pool than a simple liner change. Either way--good luck and feel free to message me with any questions.
  5. I haven't heard of it being done before, but the logic seems solid. Any sheet metal shop should be able to make the flange for you. Typical pool panels are 14 gauge galvanized steel with a 4" top flange. The only problem I foresee is where the shim tapers off to 0" high--you can't really bend sheet metal that way. Good Luck, Jeff
  6. Yeah, this is the first day in a while that I've been able to log in. Never tried doing it from my droid though.
  7. Bamafan, I'm going to try really hard to be unbiased. Here I go... There are many differences between liner manufacturers and a few major ones. I'll start with the major ones. FIT All manufacturers undersize the liner to some degree. You want the liner to stretch into place for that painted on look. Many manufacturers will undersize the liner substantially because it is easier to install an undersized liner. Also, measurement mistakes aren't as big of a deal with an undersized liner.... have I said undersized enough? ...anyway. The problem with...shrinking a liner is that it thins everything out and and makes it wear out more quickly. Ideally your liner should be as full fitting as possible and remain wrinkle free. A liner cut this way will last a great deal longer than one stretched substantially. PATTERNS Most manufacturers have a dizzying array of patterns to choose from (guilty as charged). There are two main types of patterns--"open" and "proprietary". Open patterns are patterns that the suppliers offer to all manufacturers and a proprietary pattern is exclusive to a certain manufacturer--they own the rights to the pattern. So you may see "Gray Lancashire", for example, sold by many different manufacturers. WARRANTY Warranties range from 15 years prorated to 25 years prorated. As far as I know, all of the warranties only cover a very specific manufacturing defect and only covers the cost of the liner or the repair of the liner. Some manufacturers offer extended warranties to cover installation costs. SEAMS We all use the same method to manufacture liners--RF bar welder but there are two different techniques. One technique, which is the oldest, uses a narrow bar that creates a lip on either side of the weld cause by the vinyl being melted and squeezing out of the sides of the bar. This creates a weak spot that is prone to tearing (which isn't covered under anyone's warranty). The weld itself is often thinner than a single ply of material strangely enough, also the lip that it creates can, in rare cases, be so bad that it can actually cause lacerations. No, I'm not making this up--I used to work in shops that had this happen. The other style of seam is done using a wider bar that completely flattens the seam so there are no ridges and greatly reduces the weak spot phenomenon. And, if the manufacturer is really nice, they will point them all down hill so the dirt won't collect on them. The seams tend to be less visible using this style too. rant: So after you've read all about how there are two different styles of seams you are probably going to ask your dealer, "so how are Acme Liners' seams" and your dealer will say, "oh, they're great". Chances are the dealer doesn't even realize the difference between the two styles of seams and there is really no way for you to find out until the liner is installed. You could try asking for a sample of the seams, but, in my 15 years manufacturing pool liners, I've never heard of a homeowner asking to see a sample of seams. Maybe this post will change all that. ...end rant After all that being said, I must admit that a large part of how a liner weathers is determined by how it is measured and installed. If a dealer likes to tweak his dimensions because he wants a tight liner that is easy to install, your liner won't last as long. Geesh, how did this post get so long? I guess I'll stop with the major ones too. The wife is wondering why I'm not home for dinner yet. Anyway. In closing... Try to find a reputable dealer to give you some guidance. Someone that is able to tell you the difference between Liner Shop A and Liner Shop B. Good luck and happy swimming, Jeff
  8. You're in luck! There is a product called Tru-Tile. Good Luck Jeff
  9. Sorry to go off topic here but... Ouch--hurt feelings. Maybe this will change your mind... And yes, they are vinyl liner pools.
  10. I have a high-end vinyl liner pool builder who has had great success with Pool Studio--they swear by it.
  11. @tbOne - Make sure the installer is changing faceplates and gaskets on everything. It may cost a bit extra but it is well worth it. Definitely ask for referrals. I suspect most dealers will not want you bothering their past 5 customers, but take what they will give you. Waterbear was dead-on when he stated installation price was regional. I’ve heard of people charging $8k for a regular liner replacement in NC. The poor folks up by me would be lucky to get $3k for the same job. I’m not completely on-board with the “thicker is better” mode of logic, but I’m not going to go into my rant on that one (you can search the forum for my rant if you are interested). And keep in mind that a liner can be made in the USA but use foreign material in fabrication. You should specifically ask if the pattern you pick is produced domestically if it concerns you. @Pathfinder-Great breakdown. Your experience is an asset to this forum. ...Usually (I didn't want it to seem like I was kissing up)
  12. Hi OlderMom, Let me try to shed some light on your situation. First off, bulging corners are common. They aren't desirable, and will probably reduce the life of the liner to some degree, but common none the less. There are a few factors that lead to bulging corners. One is measuring of the length and width and the type and size of the corners. Those measurements are very simple to take and even a novice can do it. I doubt your bulging corners are a result of improper measuring. It is more likely that it was caused by the design and assembly practice of the liner manufacturer. Many installers prefer a tight fitting liner. A tight fitting liner won't last as long but it is a lot easier to install, so most manufacturers design them that way. There are some advanced installation techniques that help reduce the bulging, but, after all your fittings are cut in, it is impossible to implement. I have never heard of a manufacturer or installer replacing a liner due to bulging corners, so you are probably stuck with what you have. Make sure to choose a different manufacturer for your next liner. Ask for a manufacturer that cuts a full fitting liner. It isn't a sure-thing, but you have a better chance of bulgeless corners under these conditions. Don't forget--pools are supposed to be relaxing. Good luck, Jeff
  13. umm... how do I put this gently.... That's a horrible idea! It would be unwise to create a permanent fix for a temporary problem. Also, the weight of the concrete could counter the pressure of the water and cause the liner to stretch even more. You could put something behind there though. The idea would be to make it so the pesky kids don't poke their fingers through the liner. Maybe something you could carve out of Styrofoam or wood. Warning: it is really, really not fun to try to get the corners of the liner back in place after you pop it out of the track. Especially when the pool is full of water. Good Luck, Jeff
  14. und3rd06, it is common for the liner to pull away from a square corner or small radius corner (6" or so). It definitely not desirable, but it is quite common. Some manufactures don't take measures to make the corners fit properly. Another reason may be if the liner was measured improperly and you ended up with a tighter fitting liner than intended. Either way, a 2 inch gap isn't too much to worry about. If the corner is subjected to a lot of direct sun (ie northern corner of the pool) the tight fit may decrease the life span of your liner by a few years. Nice graphics btw Jeff
  15. Pureluck32, there are basically two reasons a liner can develop wrinkles over time. One is improper pH levels. An elevated pH will cause the liner to absorb water and wrinkle like your toes when you stay in the bath too long. The other is if your liner has gotten water behind it or "floated". We had a very wet late-winter in the North East, and we've seen a lot of this happening. If the wrinkles are in the shallow end of the pool it is sometimes possible to use a plunger to get the wrinkles out. You don't want to try this if the liner is over 4 or 5 years old. An older liner doesn't have the elasticity a new liner has and may rupture if you try plunger it. And sorry, I don't have the expertize to help you with your brown stain.
×
×
  • Create New...