Pattern Flaking
Pattern Flaking Off the Liner
To understand why the pattern may flake off, there must
be a basic understanding of the procedures involved in the printing
of your pool liner. The print pattern is applied by a
process called "roto-gravure" printing. The inks used are solvent
based and when applied to the vinyl they actually bond themselves
to the vinyl by "biting" into the it. Then a clear "top coat" is
applied to increase abrasion resistance and provide an added layer
of UV protection.
The cause of ink flaking off the vinyl is low water
PH. An acidic environment will weaken the bond by
softening the coating and eventually the ink. The more acidic the
environment the greater the likelihood of damage. The effect is
cumulative and irreversible. Once this softening occurs, the
coating and ink are susceptible to abrasion and flaking.
Always keep your pool at the recommended PH of 7.4 to
7.8. Deviation from these levels will adversely effect the
performance of your liner.
