pipe lining for swimming pool? Explanation and guide for 2024

If you are facing a leak in your pool and are looking for a repair method that won't damage your terrace or garden, pool pipe lining is what you need. This internal repair technique avoids the need to dig up or destroy your infrastructure.

This article guides you through the pool pipe lining process: how it works, its steps, benefits, and how to select a reliable service provider. Discover how this approach can significantly increase the longevity of your pipes and prevent water leaks, becoming the optimal solution for your problem.

What is pool pipe lining?

Pool pipe lining is an innovative repair solution, allowing the application of a resin coating inside pipes or cracks. This process uses a liner that adheres to damaged walls, making them watertight and more robust.

This method avoids the need to dig up or demolish pipes to repair leaks.

Definition and basic principles

Applicable to all pipes, whether horizontal or vertical, made of PVC, concrete, or metal, lining is versatile. It is used for various pool systems, such as return pipes, vacuum lines, skimmers, main drains, etc., suitable for diameters from 40 to 250 mm.

The process involves inserting a fiberglass liner coated with epoxy resin into the pipe via a device called a packer. The packer is inflated to fix the liner onto the inner wall, adhering through the polymerization of the resin, activated by air, steam, or UV light, forming a new solid and watertight conduit.

The advantages of lining for swimming pools

Pipe lining offers significant advantages compared to traditional leak repair techniques:

• Speed: Lining is completed in a few hours, unlike the days required for traditional repairs.
• Economy: This method is 30 to 50% less expensive, avoiding the use of heavy equipment and reducing labor.
• Ecology: It preserves water resources and minimizes soil impact, generating no waste.
• Durability: Protecting against corrosion and abrasion, the epoxy resin ensures a lifespan of over 50 years for the pipes.
• Aesthetics: The method maintains the visual appearance of the pool and its surroundings without alterations.

Lining vs traditional methods: comparison

Traditional approaches often involve extracting and replacing pipes, requiring invasive and costly work with a significant environmental impact. In contrast, lining is a non-invasive alternative that reinforces existing pipes from the inside in an economical, fast, and eco-friendly way. It avoids inconveniences such as excavation, water loss, and noise pollution, thus proving superior technically, financially, and environmentally.

The pool pipe lining process in 2024

Pool pipe lining is a process consisting of four key phases, described below. This trenchless repair method avoids dismantling or replacing existing pipes, instead offering internal reinforcement through a resin coating.

Step 1: Inspection and diagnosis

This initial phase involves inspecting and diagnosing the pipes to detect and identify leaks, cracks, breaks, or blockages. Specialized instruments, such as an acoustic leak detector, an endoscopic camera, a tracer gas, or a NaviTrack Scout receiver, are used to examine the inside of the pipelines, assess water flow and pressure, and precisely locate damaged areas.

Step 2: Pipeline preparation

Preparing the pipeline to receive the lining is the goal of this second step. It involves cleaning and, if necessary, unblocking the pipes through descaling, unclogging, or cleaning processes. These techniques are crucial to remove deposits, roots, foreign objects, or obstructions, thus ensuring optimal adhesion of the resin coating to the inner wall of the pipeline.

Step 3: Application of the lining

The application of the lining constitutes the third step, during which the resin coating is applied using one of the following methods:

• Inversion lining: a technique where the sleeve, made of fiberglass or felt impregnated with epoxy resin, is inserted into the pipeline using water or air pressure, then adhering to the inner wall.
• Insertion lining: this method involves physically pulling or pushing the coating through the pipeline using a device called a packer, allowing the coating to align with the wall.
• Spot lining: suitable for repairing specific sections without treating the entire pipeline. This involves spraying epoxy resin directly onto the internal walls using a gun or nozzle.

Step 4: Curing and final verification

The last step consists of hardening the resin coating by applying heat or light, a process called curing, which induces the polymerization of the resin into a solid and durable substance. Curing can be done in open air, with steam, or UV light.

After curing, a final check is performed to ensure the sealing and compliance of the lining with quality and safety standards.

Tips for choosing a lining service provider in 2024

Pipeline lining for pools requires specific know-how and appropriate equipment. It is essential to partner with a reliable provider capable of guaranteeing quality and durable work.

With the multitude of offers on the market, how to make the best choice? Discover our tips to find the ideal lining specialist in 2024.

Selection criteria for a lining expert

To choose your lining service provider, consider the following factors:

• Expertise and experience: A competent provider must demonstrate proven experience in the lining field, capable of handling various types of pipelines and situations. Verify their references, case studies, or gather testimonials from satisfied clients.
• Quality of materials and equipment: It is essential that the provider uses top-quality materials, such as epoxy resin, ensuring optimal sealing and resistance. Their equipment must be modern and efficient for a quick and effective lining execution.
• Reputation and customer reviews: A reputable provider generally receives excellent feedback from their clients. Check online reviews and forums to get an idea of the quality and reliability of their services.
• Certification and insurance: The chosen provider must have the necessary certifications to carry out lining work according to current quality and safety standards, and provide insurance to cover any potential damages during the work.
• Transparency of pricing and quotes: A good provider offers a clear, detailed quote including the cost, materials used, duration of the work, as well as the guarantees offered, while providing good value for money.
• Customer service and follow-up: Ease of contact and responsiveness to your questions are crucial. Post-intervention follow-up ensures your satisfaction and advises you on pipeline maintenance.

Questions to ask before committing

Before signing a contract, some essential questions must be asked to ensure the provider meets your expectations:

• What is your experience in the lining field? Do you have projects to show me?
• What materials and equipment do you use? What is their quality?
• What is your reputation in the market? Can you show me customer reviews?
• What certifications and insurance do you have? What guarantees do you offer?
• How does the lining process work? How long does it take? Are there any special precautions to take?
• What is the total cost? What does the quote include? Are there any additional fees or special conditions?
• How do you ensure post-intervention follow-up? What after-sales service do you offer?

Anticipation of technological trends and innovations

The evolution of pool pipeline lining benefits from technological advances. Choosing a provider who stays up to date with the latest trends and innovations is therefore crucial.

Here are some innovations likely to impact lining in 2024:

• The UV technology for lining, using ultraviolet light to quickly and ecologically cure the epoxy resin.
• The robotic application of the coating, offering greater precision and safety, particularly suited for pipelines with difficult access.
• The smart lining, equipped with sensors and connected devices for real-time monitoring and optimized preventive maintenance.

Conclusion

It is clear that pool pipeline lining is both an innovative and eco-friendly method to solve leakage problems in pools without requiring invasive work. This technique allows you to extend the lifespan of your installations, save considerable amounts of water and money, while preserving the aesthetics of your aquatic space. To effectively benefit from this technology, it is crucial to select a competent and reliable provider who can guarantee a quality and lasting intervention.

Make sure to ask all your questions, check the references provided, and compare different quotes. To stay at the forefront and take advantage of the latest innovations and technological trends, choose a provider who keeps up with new developments in the field and can offer you tailor-made solutions. Why wait any longer to consult a pipeline lining expert for your pool?

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