Pool pipe lining? Explanation and guide from 2024

If you are faced with a leak in your swimming pool and are looking for a repair method that will not harm your terrace or garden, pool pipe lining is what you need. This internal repair technique avoids the need to dig or destroy your infrastructure.

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

What is swimming pool pipe lining?

Pool pipe lining is an innovative repair solution that allows a resin coating to be applied to the inside of pipes or cracks. This process uses a liner or sheath that adheres to the 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, in PVC, concrete or metal, the lining is versatile. It is used for various pool systems, such as discharge pipes, broom sockets, skimmers, bottom drains, etc., suitable for diameters from 40 to 250 mm.

The process involves inserting an epoxy resin-coated fiberglass sheath into the pipe via a device called a packer. The packer is inflated to secure the sheath to the inner wall, adhering as the resin cures, activated by air, steam or UV light, to form a new, strong, watertight conduit.

The benefits of pool liners

Pipe lining offers significant advantages over traditional leak repair techniques:

• Speed: The 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 the impact on the soil, without generating waste.
• Durability: Protecting against corrosion and abrasion, epoxy resin ensures a longevity of more than 50 years for 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 the removal and replacement of pipes, requiring invasive and costly work, with a significant impact on the environment. In contrast, lining is a non-invasive alternative, which reinforces existing pipes from the inside in a cost-effective, fast and environmentally friendly way. It avoids inconveniences such as excavation, water loss and noise pollution, thus proving to be superior from a technical, financial and environmental perspective.

The process of lining swimming pool pipes in 2024

Pool pipe lining is a process consisting of four key phases, described below. This no-excavation repair method avoids the need to dismantle or replace existing pipes, instead providing internal reinforcement with a resin lining.

Step 1: Inspection and diagnosis

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

Step 2: Preparing the pipeline

The preparation of the pipeline to receive the lining is the objective of this second step. It involves cleaning and, if necessary, unblocking the pipes using descaling, unclogging or cleaning processes. These techniques are crucial for removing deposits, roots, foreign bodies or obstructions, thus ensuring optimal adhesion of the resin coating to the inner wall of the pipeline.

Step 3: Applying the liner

The third step is liner application, in which the resin coating is applied by one of the following methods:

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

Step 4: Curing and final check

The final step is to harden 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 the open air, with steam or UV light.

After curing, a final check is carried out to ensure the sealing and compliance of the liner with quality and safety standards.

Tips for Choosing a Lining Service Provider in 2024

Lining swimming pool pipes requires specific know-how and adequate equipment. It is essential to partner with a reliable service provider capable of guaranteeing quality and long-lasting work.

Faced with the multitude of offers on the market, how can you make the best choice? Discover our advice for finding the ideal lining specialist in 2024.

Criteria for selecting a lining expert

When choosing your lining service provider, consider the following factors:

• Expertise and experience: A competent service provider must have proven experience in the field of lining, capable of handling various types of pipes and situations. Check their references, case studies or collect testimonials from satisfied customers.
• Quality of materials and equipment: It is essential that the service provider uses top-quality materials, such as epoxy resin, ensuring optimum sealing and resistance. Its equipment must be modern and efficient for rapid and effective execution of the lining.
• Reputation and customer reviews: A reputable provider usually has excellent feedback from its customers. Check online reviews and reviews on forums to get an idea of ​​the quality and reliability of its services.
• Certification and insurance: The chosen service provider must have the necessary certifications to carry out lining work in accordance with current quality and safety standards, and offer insurance to cover any possible damage during the work.
• Transparency of prices and quotes: A good service provider provides a clear, detailed quote including the cost, materials used, duration of the work, as well as the guarantees offered, while offering 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 pipe maintenance.

Questions to ask before committing

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

• What is your experience in the field of lining? Do you have any achievements 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 trends and technological innovations

The evolution of pool pipe lining benefits from technological advances. Choosing a service provider who is on the lookout for the latest trends and innovations is therefore crucial.

Here are some innovations likely to impact liners in 2024:

• UV technology for coating, using ultraviolet light to quickly and environmentally cure epoxy resin.
• Robotic application of the coating, offering greater precision and safety, particularly suitable for difficult-to-access pipelines.
• Smart liner, equipped with sensors and connected devices for real-time monitoring and optimized preventive maintenance.

Conclusion

It is obvious that pool pipe lining represents an innovative and eco-responsible method for solving leak problems in swimming pools without requiring invasive work. This technique offers you the possibility of extending the life of your installations, making considerable savings in water and money, while preserving the aesthetics of your aquatic space. To benefit effectively from this technology, it is crucial to select a competent and reliable service provider, capable of guaranteeing a quality and sustainable intervention.

Be sure to ask all your questions, check the references provided and compare different quotes. To stay ahead of the curve and take advantage of the latest innovations and technological trends, choose a service provider who stays on the lookout for new developments in the field, able to offer you tailor-made solutions. Why wait any longer to consult an expert in pool pipe lining?

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