IG Plastic Steps forming Bubbles

[jevincent]

We have a set of 4' plastic inground steps. The steps are showing bubbles in the plastic. There are lots of them, and they are fairly small. They appear to be flexible (can be pushed in, etc.).

We just had our liner replaced 2 years ago at great expense. I'm being told that once the bubbles get brittle and start leaking it is a major expense (again) to replace the steps, and the liner will need replaced at that time as well.

Is there anything we can do to stop / slow down the process? The dealer's thought was it was due to the water chemistry. Outside of over winter, we do not let the PH drop below 7.2, and we use borax to keep it higher. Normally it is in the 7.4 range.

This just makes us sick considering the $4,000 we spent replacing an 8 year old liner two years ago.

The pool is IG, 27.5k gallons, Hayward offline chlorinator, navigator pump, and starite heater.

Thanks in advance for any thoughts.

Joe

[joliecharlie]

Sorry to see no one has replied. We have had a few bubbles form over the years and I was curious what suggestions, ideas would come of your question.

[mbar]

Those bubbles are water getting in between the fiberglass and the gelcoat of the steps. It is from the way thy wwere made, not from anything you did. It is called delamination. There isn't anything that can be done except to refinish the steps - but I wouldn't worry about them yet. Keep your eye on them, and see if they get worse. I have had them in my fiberglass pool for two years, and eventually will have the pool resurfaced.