While rare, accidental glare and focused heat can cause substantial damage to the pool liner. Damage of a liner can be an expensive repair so take the precautions necessary to avoid all damage, even some of the uncommon causes.
Many homeowners wouldn't think twice about the reflective surfaces around the pool. However, many familiar items have surfaces that can potentially cause serious problems for your pool liner if placed in the wrong area or left uncovered for extended periods of daylight.
Reflected sunlight often hits its target much hotter than sunlight alone. This is because reflected sunlight is highly concentrated, rather than being naturally dispersed. As a result, when it hits your pool liner, it may generate more heat than anticipated--and you may end up having to replace or repair your liner due to it melting.
Reflective surfaces may include:
Take a look at any stainless steel appliances near your pool, highly reflective windows, and other surfaces that could cause a glare. Keep in mind that reflective coatings on your windows can quickly transform reflected sunlight to temperatures of more than 200 degrees Fahrenheit--and those temperatures are more than enough to cause substantial damage to your pool liner. Make sure to check out those surfaces at different times of the day, since the changing angle of the sun can transform where the light hits.
It's great to be able to barbecue or grill out by the pool, continuing to enjoy family time and keeping an eye on the kids all while getting dinner on the table. Once you're done using those cooled down appliances, however, make sure that you cover them back up. This will help keep your pool liner safe from their reflective surfaces (and protect your appliances from weathering at the same time).
Take a look at where reflections from these devices are hitting. If they're coming into contact with your pool liner, go ahead and move them to another area. Often, this simple step is enough to help protect your pool liner.
If you think your windows may cause problems, consider adding a new coating on your windows or installing a cover outside the window to help protect your pool liner. Planning to install new, more energy-efficient windows? Make sure you ask the supplier and installer how much of a reflection to expect and how much it will magnify the reflection.
If you know that the windows reflect directly toward the pool, you may want to consider a different type of coating, even if it's not as energy-efficient as your pool liner is a big investment.
Many homeowners may assume that during the summer, their pool liners will be exposed to considerably more heat than they are during the rest of the year.
The reality, however, is that during the summer months, the sun is actually at a higher angle, which means reflected sunlight may be less intense. During fall and spring, on the other hand, the lower angle of the sun may generate more heat than during the rest of the year. In fact, you may suffer more damage to your pool liner--or to your cover--in the fall and spring than you do during the actual summer months.
During the spring and summer, the changing angle of the sun may also change where all of those reflections hits your swimming pool. Even if you've already considered potential reflective damage during the summer, make sure you take a peek at your pool liner and the way reflective light hits it during other times of the year.
If you start to spot wear and tear damage, especially damage that looks like it might have melted the pool liner, make sure you look for potential reflective sources to move or change them if possible.
Are you struggling with unexpected damage to your pool liner due to reflective surfaces? Unfortunately, those reflective heat damages from indirect sources typically are not covered by your warranty. You can, however, often find a qualified repairman who will come out and help repair or replace your pool liner following this type of damage--and help you get your pool back to normal again. However, if the damage is irreparable, a new liner may be required.
Again, while liner or safety cover damage of this kind id rare, when it does happen it is not very forgiving. Take the steps needed now to ensure a longer liner life. Happy Swimming!