Steps And Benches
Thermoplastic Steps
The addition of steps or benches (swim-outs) to the pool can affect the liner to be installed. We will touch on how the addition of different style steps and benches (swim-outs) effect the way that the liner should be made. We will also provide the ordering forms needed to obtain the information needed for production and key questions you should ask when taking the order. Remember, for proper fit, all dimensions of vinyl covered walk-in stairs, cuddle coves or benches should be taken within a least 1/4 of an inch.
Thermoplastic Steps - Straight
When a straight thermoplastic step is located on a straight wall of the pool, there is no effect on the liner. Example: 16x32 2' radius rectangle with an 8' thermoplastic center end stair. If you note the step location on the order the sidewall seam may be placed in this location if requested.
When a straight thermoplastic step is located on a wall that is not straight, you must note the exact location of the step so that the perimeter of the liner can be adjusted and a step patch can be inserted into the liner to make it easier to install the liner in the step area.
Thermoplastic Steps - Radius
Radius Thermoplastic steps will not effect the liner unless they are a different radius than the pool wall. Example: pool wall is 27' radius, step is 9' radius. The step is a tighter radius than the pool wall, therefore it will jut out of the pools shallow end area resulting in a larger liner perimeter. Make note of the step radius size and location on the pool to insure proper fit. (See measurements that must be provided in Example of 16x32 oval w/offset straight polymer step above).
Thermoplastic Steps - Roman
Roman thermoplastic steps are normally placed on a straight wall and should be located on the liner order primarily for liner seam location. Take note on Roman vs. Patrician Pools with a Roman Thermoplastic step. A Roman pool is one with two bowed ends not including the step. A Patrician pool is a pool with only one bowed end with a straight shallow end wall. Typically, Roman Thermoplastic steps are placed on Patrician pools to gain the overall Roman End effect.
Thermoplastic Steps - Inside
Thermoplastic inside corner steps effect the liner. It is necessary for the factory to install a step patch where this inside corner step is being placed. Therefore, it is necessary to provide the liner shop with the step dimensions and exact placement within the pool wall. Diagonals to locate the stair patch for inside corner steps should be taken at both sides of the break-over to both sides of the stair patch as shown below.
Vinyl Covered Straight and Radius
The addition of steps or benches (swim-outs) to the pool can affect the liner to be installed. We will touch on how the addition of different style steps and benches (swim-outs) effect the way that the liner should be made. We will also provide the ordering forms needed to obtain the information needed for production and key questions you should ask when taking the order. Remember, for proper fit, all dimensions of vinyl covered walk-in stairs, cuddle coves or benches should be taken within a least 1/4 of an inch.
Vinyl Covered Steps - Straight
Vinyl covered straight stairs do effect the liner. You not only need to provide exact location and size, but you also need to provide tread and riser dimensions. (Note: the riser dimensions must total and equal the sidewall height at the shallow end.) You must also provide corner types and setback if any. All step sections will be made with rod loops at the base of all risers.
Sidewall
The term "Low Hung" liner refers to a pool which has a ceramic tile border with a vertical bead track on the wall just below the ceramic tile and the remainder of the pool is covered by a vinyl liner. Measuring for this pool liner is the same as any other pool with the exception that you need to pay close attention to the sidewall height and the way that the bead snaps into the liner track. You need to measure from the top of the liner bead to the base of the sidewall at the vertical wall seam to get your "finished wall height". Do Not include the ceramic tile border in the sidewall dimension.
Stair Setbacks
Set back on a step refers to the bottom riser of the step section being set back from the pool wall. See diagram below detailing setback and double setback type stairs. If the pool has a double setback, double setback must be noted on the order.
Rod loops are sleeves of vinyl material that are welded onto the back side of the liner on the step section area that you run a stair rod through. Once the rod is in the loops, you then pull the rod against the existing rod in pool using a cinch tie. Sometimes you can only utilize the top three rods on the step section in this manner. In these situations the bottom riser must be held in place with sand bags or by other means until the water weight holds the liner firmly in place.
Vinyl Covered Steps - Radius
Radius vinyl covered stairs effect the liner. You not only need to provide exact location and size, but you also need to provide tread and riser dimensions. (Note: the riser dimensions must total and equal the sidewall height at the shallow end.)
