Rusting Walls After 1.5 years? Normal?

[91stealthes]

Pool liner was defective and is finally being replaced. Pool was installed less than 1.5 years ago and has gone through 2 seasons. Is this normal in that time?

 

[ajw22]

I don't think the rust is normal for 18 months but most folks have no idea what is going on behind their liner.

@jimmythegreek thoughts?

How were you chlorinating the pool?

I would treat the rust with a rust neutralizer before putting in a new liner.

And don't leave the pool without water for too long. The water in the pool supports the walls. If we get a big storm while your pool is empty then brace the walls with plywood and 2x4's to prevent any caving in.

 

[91stealthes]

Pool was just drained this AM and they just ripped out the liner. Realigning the base now and will be putting in the liner today and refilling.

saltwater pool.

Pool company states it’s fine, which I disagree

 

[sktn77a]

So, what was the outcome? I would have definitely painted on some rust neutralizer ("naval jelly") before reinstalling the liner. But that wouldn't help with anything going on behind the wall.

 

[91stealthes]

Outcome is that the pool installer states that it’s normal. One employee said it’s because of my bluestone overhang.

I still don’t think it should have rusted like that in less than 18-months, which is why I’m here for some professional opinions.

There was an issue with the new liner, so it’s partially tacked up right now and I will probably now have to wait for a new liner to be manufactured.

 

[Yev]

Disclaimer, these are not my points of first hand knowledge, just stating what I have read. Others will weigh in with more first hand info.

Be careful about what you are getting. Liners need to be hung when it is warm. I have heard this is when temps are higher than 65. This is donebecasue the liner needs to stretch to fit properly in a pool.

Seeing that you are in NY, and fall weather is just a day or so away, you may have an issue. I dont know the ramifications of trying to install sub-65, but worry that you could be fighting potential problems.
Good luck.

 

[91stealthes]

Thank you. I would assume the warmer the better as well. Weather is going to be in the mid to low 70s through Thursday. But, you have a very valid point if I need to wait a few weeks for a new liner to be manufactured. Worst case, I crank the heater I guess??

 

[ajw22]

Worst case, I crank the heater I guess??

Your heater will only work once your pool,is full and water is circulating.

You need warm sun to get the liner pliable as it is being laid and water filler and cuts made. Otherwise you end up with a liner stretched in the wrong places and wrinkles.

 

[Yev]

I have no idea if true, but was told that liners are made a bit smaller than your pool size. As water is fileld into the pool, the vinhyl will strewtch and settle into the corners. If the air temp is cold, the vinyl stays stiff and rigid, and it will not stretch into place properly, leaving wrinkles and/or air gaps in corners. And if really bad, you could even tear the vinyl.

I dont know the solution to your issues, as you aslo cannot leave the pool without a liner and water for long either.

 

[JamesW]

That's way too much rust. The walls will be disintegrated in 10 years.

I suspect that there is probably galvanic corrosion from some sort of electrical current.

Is all of the bonding correct?

What is the ground water situation?

 

[JamesW]

If the air temp is cold, the vinyl stays stiff and rigid, and it will not stretch into place properly, leaving wrinkles and/or air gaps in corners. And if really bad, you could even tear the vinyl.

A good installer is can install a liner down to about 35 degrees air temperature if they know what they're doing.

You can adjust the size of the liner to accommodate the amount of stretch due to temperature.

 

[91stealthes]

New liner is actually inches too narrow.

Pool is bonded through every support and piece of equipment.

Regarding ground water, my yard is sand, so no standing water.

Any suggestions on how to bring this up as a valid issue with proof that it shouldn't be rusted like this already?

 

[JamesW]

Find out who manufactured the walls and contact them for their opinion.

Maybe do a stray current survey to see what that shows.

You might want to consider putting some sort of anode protection on the walls if you can't get the walls replaced.

You would probably need to get an expert to do it in a way that is safe and effective.

Even if you replace the walls, you would still need to make sure that there is no stray current pulling electrons from the walls.

 

[jimmythegreek]

I've seen walls starting to rust early on and it's usually due to backfill. Native material will stay wet and fast track rusting. There could also be issues with the panel coating, they are manufacturer dependent. Some manufacturers make garbage panels, and alot of PBs buy them cause they are cheap. There very well could be electrolysis on play but it's definitely not coping.
You said liner was defective what was the issue

 

[91stealthes]

I've seen walls starting to rust early on and it's usually due to backfill. Native material will stay wet and fast track rusting. There could also be issues with the panel coating, they are manufacturer dependent. Some manufacturers make garbage panels, and alot of PBs buy them cause they are cheap. There very well could be electrolysis on play but it's definitely not coping.
You said liner was defective what was the issue

Looks like the manufacturer was Latham Pool Products or Latham International. Good or Bad?

Original liner split at a seam 1-day after filling pool. Was due to manufacturing defect. Replacement liner is ~6-7 inches "short" and can't possibly be stretched without ripping the new liner. Pool currently sitting empty and hope to get more information tomorrow.

Assuming that a new liner will need to be manufactured. What discussions should I have or what should I do to these walls in the meantime?

Edit: added photos of walls before installation.

 

[JamesW]

Contact the manufacturer and see what they say. See if the panels come with some sort of warranty.

 

[sktn77a]

Warranties like this usually are limited to replacing the panels. Rebuilding the pool, if necessary, will be on your dime!

 

[jimmythegreek]

Latham makes good panels they are upper tier. What was pool backfilled with? Did you have an electrical inspection that included a bonding inspection?

 

[JamesW]

If the walls are not going to be replaced, you should do something to mitigate the potential future corrosion.

Maybe a good coating and some sort of electrical countermeasure.

See what Latham has to say.

 

[91stealthes]

If the walls are not going to be replaced, you should do something to mitigate the potential future corrosion.

Maybe a good coating and some sort of electrical countermeasure.

See what Latham has to say.

Latham makes good panels they are upper tier. What was pool backfilled with? Did you have an electrical inspection that included a bonding inspection?

Pool was backfilled with existing fill, which is sand. Pool is bonded and electrical inspection was performed.

Latham informed me to use a wire brush on the corroded areas (which I believe is every panel) and paint with Rustoleum. I inquired if this is normal for this short of time and was informed "we don't have a timeline on rust or corrosion factors. There are many variables that contribute to the factors that lead to rust and corrosion. Splash off,bonding, bather load, pool location, chlorinator types and maintenance intervals are just a few that as the manufacturer we don't have any control over. Our warranty specifies that corrosion and rust is not a covered item under our warranty terms. Having said that, we cannot put a timestamp on how your pool walls will look after 17 months of operation."

Needless to say, I am extremely disappointed and upset.