FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about CGT Alkor reinforced PVC membranes: installation, range selection, liner vs membrane differences, finding a certified installer.

Understanding the Reinforced Membrane

With well-maintained residential use, it typically exceeds what you get with a standard liner. The commercial ranges Infinity 30 and Infinity 60 are guaranteed for 20 years in collective use, which gives an idea of the potential. The actual lifespan depends as much on the installation as on the product: a careful job and well-balanced water extend the life of the covering well beyond the averages, while repeated chemical imbalance or too frequent shock chlorine shorten it, regardless of the manufacturer.

It all depends on the range and usage. The 150/100 (1.5 mm) is the standard thickness for the smooth ranges — Aquacolor in solid color, Aquadecor in printed — perfectly suited for a classic residential pool without any specific anti-slip requirements. The 180/100 (1.8 mm) corresponds to the textured anti-slip 3D ranges: Aquasense Signature, Aquasense, Aquastone. It is reserved for submerged beaches, stairs, barefoot circulation areas, and more generally for pools where comfort and safety of use are paramount.

Very well. It is often the preferred solution for this type of installation. An indoor pool has several constraints — constant heat, high humidity, sometimes more intensive treatments, and usage spread throughout the year — that the reinforced membrane handles better than a traditional liner. For public or semi-public pools (hotels, thalassotherapy centers, collective basins), the choice almost systematically leans towards commercial ranges like Aquaceram anti-slip 1.8 mm or Infinity, specifically formulated for these intensive uses.

The liner is a single sheet of PVC, made to the dimensions of the pool and then installed as a single piece. The reinforced membrane has a three-layer structure: a top PVC sheet, a polyester reinforcement grid, and a bottom PVC sheet. This central framework changes everything about mechanical behavior: better dimensional stability, superior tolerance to minor support defects, and increased durability. In contrast, the reinforced membrane is not pre-formed — it is cut and welded on-site, which requires specific installation skills.

As soon as the project goes beyond the standard rectangular pool. Typical cases include: renovation of a concrete basin with structural issues, a tiled pool that we want to renovate without removing the tiles, freeform pools with Roman steps or submerged beaches, infinity pools, and indoor or communal use. For a family rectangular pool in good condition and a tight budget, the liner often remains the most rational solution; the reinforced membrane takes precedence when longevity or project complexity comes into play.

Installation and Technique

Yes, and it is actually one of the most common uses of the product in renovation. The existing tiles serve as a support, after appropriate preparation: treatment of the peaks, leveling of the hollows, checking the overall condition, cleaning. The membrane is then installed using traditional welding. Compared to removing tiles followed by a complete renovation, it is often the most economical and fastest solution, with a modern aesthetic result.

The heating temperature is adjusted according to the device used, the welding speed, the thickness of the membrane, and the ambient conditions (outside temperature, humidity). Common ranges are around 500 to 600 °C on hot air welders like Leister, but no number replaces the welding test on a drop before starting the job. It is precisely this type of fine adjustment that the CGT Alkor Academy training addresses: three days of theory and practice, two levels of certification.

For superficial cracks or properly treated masonry joints, yes. This is even one of the strong technical arguments for the product: the polyester mesh absorbs small irregularities that the liner would struggle with. However, a structure with evolving structural cracks requires a serious diagnosis before any installation — no membrane compensates for a pool that is actually moving. When in doubt, consult a study office or an experienced professional before proceeding.

For a typical residential pool measuring 8×4 to 10×5 meters in concrete, generally expect three to five days for installation, sometimes longer depending on the complexity of the sealing pieces, stairs, site accessibility, and the necessary preparation of the support. Installing a reinforced membrane is not a task that can be completed in one day like a liner; it is a project that follows its own pace, and trying to rush it often leads to a degradation of the quality of the welds.

Overlap is the standard technique (the strips overlap). Edge-to-edge provides a more aesthetic finish but requires more precision. The choice depends on the range and the installer.

This is not the standard case. A shell in good condition is repaired or gelcoated rather than covered. In situations where the shell is degraded to the point of compromising its watertightness, an experienced installer may consider installing a reinforced membrane after preparing the substrate — but this is an exceptional project that requires an on-site diagnosis. It is better to submit this type of project to a professional accustomed to complex renovations rather than committing based on remote advice.

Find a Installer

The platform connecting pool builders, installers, and individuals community.cgt-alkor.com centralizes certified profiles and CGT Alkor ambassadors. The account is free, and filters allow you to target a department, a region, or multiple areas at once. It is also possible to submit a project that will be directly accessible to installers in the area. This is the most direct way to quickly identify a professional trained in the manufacturer's product ranges.

A certified installer has completed the CGT Alkor Academy training: three days of training, two levels of certification, mastery of the ranges of reinforced membrane and associated installation techniques. The ambassador status adds a dimension of commitment: regular and sustained use of the products, involvement in the life of the network, and sometimes presence at events such as the Global Piscine Show. Neither status imposes a pricing grid, and the final choice remains a matter of dialogue, references, and professional affinity.

Create a free account on community.cgt-alkor.com submit a specific project — dimensions, type of pool, intended range, department, desired schedule — and let interested installers come forward. A well-written request attracts more actionable responses than a dozen cold calls. Relevant installers in the area see the information, filter based on their availability, and get back to you with a quoted response after visiting the pool.

This is one of the most common renovations in the French residential pool sector. The end-of-life liner is removed, the support (usually concrete or steel panel) is checked and prepared, and then the reinforced membrane is installed by welding. There are no major technical difficulties if the support remains sound, and it is often an opportunity to switch to a non-slip 3D finish or a more modern design than a simple solid color liner. Check with a trusted installer, identified on community.cgt-alkor.com if you don't already have one.