Preformed Pool Cove Problem

by Don W.
(Central IL)

Have you ever had a problem with preformed pool cove? I installed our pool last year using these and I used the sticky-backed type, no clip. With the heat, the humidity, increased temperature under the liner and the sweating (from me), I additionally used some duct tape to keep them in place and a piece over the butt-seams.

After the pool had filled and settled into place at the bottom from the displacement of the weight of the water, I noticed in several areas that where the butt seam was, the cove had separated and now between the pieces of cove there might be 1/2 inch of separation in several areas. Is this common? Will the liner hold or be weak at these points?



Hi Don. Yes, I have seen this happen on a few occasions. The sticky back foam is not my favorite to work with, I much prefer the kind that with the clip on the back. It seems to hold better and uses less tape in the installation. Taping over all the seams is a very important part of using either type of pre-formed pool cove. Because you did that I don't feel you have anything to worry about.

The tape you used acts as an extra layer of reinforcement in these small gaps so it may appear there is nothing under the liner when there actually is. The only caution I would give would be to just watch them and be aware of them. There is little chance of them growing or getting worse and I would not drain the pool just to fix them. Just keep an eye on these little gaps over the course of the summer.

As far as the strength of the liner, I can say this. I have seen gophers come up under a pool and completely remove the dirt is a six inch wide burrow hole. The liner will droop down in these places but will not burst. The liner does become weaker in these holes and any kind of object bumping into the area could cause it to tear. The liners are amazingly strong.

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