IG Pool Liner Replacement Questions

I am currently in the process of replacing a 20 x 40 Vinyl Liner that sits in steel walls and what looks to be a vermiculite base. I have removed the old liner and now have a few questions :-

It appears that the 8 year old walls have a whitish deposit on them - is that calcium / chlorine build up ? and if so should I be looking to remove the build-up before installing the new liner ? will this build cause problems down the line ?. I also have a noticed couple of rust spots on the walls - what is the best way to treat/remove rust from steel walls ?

I also have a couple of hairline cracks in the vermiculite bottom (deep end hopper), and seeps a little water when it rains - how should I be sealing these cracks ?

Thanks in advance for your help.

JJNMRSDAD

Hi JJ;

I'll move your thread into the correct location -- after offering the minimal help I can. (Liners and liner pool hardware is not my area.)

+ The whitish deposit is probably zinc chloride from the galvanizing (zinc) on the steel. If the calcium or chlorine for the pool had been getting to the walls, the result would be rust, not white deposits.

+ The vermiculite is intrinsically porous, and isn't really intended to hold water; it just supports the liner.

Welcome to the Forum!

For his 'limited advice' Ben hit the nail on the head!

For the rust, sand it down, clean the area and use Rustolium, or similar, spray paint to seal it.

If the cracks in the floor are bothersome or are deep enough to let the liner into them, you can patch them with a THIN coat of hydrolic cement.

I've got a LOT of experience with liner pools, feel free to 'pick my brain' :)

If the whitish deposit is probably zinc chloride from the galvanizing (zinc) on the steel, should I be looking to clean it up before installing the new liner ?. I will clean up the rust spots and treat. I am think of installing foam around the steel before installing the new liner, that will hopefully keep any rough surfaces from penetrating the new liner.

Where can I purchase the hydrolic cement ?.

Thanks

JJNMRSDAD

The wall foam is a great idea! If you need any tips on installing it, let me know.


Lowes or Home Depot might have it, if not, try a masonry supply place.

You can get Hydraulic cement at any home hardware store.

How do I remove the Zinc Chloride ?

If I leave the zinc chloride build up and install the foam wall liner, is the zinc chloride going to cause any future damage to the steel walls ?

I doubt that the chloride has built up enough to be a problem if you use foam, but you can brush it off by hand or power tool.