EN 15836 Plasticized Poly(Vinyl Chloride) (PVC-P) Membranes for In-Ground Swimming Pools

The European standard “ EN 15836 Plastics - Plasticized poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC-P) membranes for underground swimming pools” consists of the following sub-sections published under the same title:

• The standard "EN 15836-1 Part 1: Homogeneous membranes with a nominal thickness equal to or greater than 0,75 mm" describes the visual, dimensional, mechanical, and durability properties of plasticized poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC-P) homogeneous membranes with a nominal thickness of 0,75 mm or greater for use as linings for underground swimming pools. The standard also specifies the properties of the PVC-P composition used to manufacture the membranes.

This standard applies specifically to homogeneous membranes designed for use in swimming pools where the water temperature is 28°C or lower. This standard is valid if the membrane manufacturer permits the water temperature to be maintained consistently above 28°C.

For the purposes of this standard, the following terms and definitions apply:

• Homogeneous membrane refers to a sheet made of plasticized poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC-P), waterproof and gas permeable, packed in rolls, calendared or extruded, used in the production of swimming pool liners.
• The liner is a removable, self-contained pocket. It is factory-made from waterproof, flexible, expandable, plasticized poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC-P) membranes. The liner contributes to the sealing of the swimming pool in the same way as the enclosed parts and piping.
• An underground swimming pool is a permanent facility containing purified water for aquatic activities carried out entirely or partially below ground level, with a water depth of at least 0,85 m or a water volume of at least 8 m3.

Test pieces should be taken only from unused membrane rolls. Unless otherwise specified in the applicable test method, test pieces used to determine properties should be conditioned for at least 4 hours in a standard atmosphere at 23°C plus/minus 2°C and 50% plus/minus 5% relative humidity in accordance with EN ISO 291.

When tested using the parameters specified in the test methods given in the table within the standard, the PVC-P compound shall have properties that comply with the requirements given in the table.

PVC-P membranes must comply with all applicable national and international regulations. PVC-P membranes must be composed of substances not classified as carcinogenic category 1 or carcinogenic category 2, mutagenic category 1 or mutagenic category 2, toxic to reproduction category 1 or toxic to reproduction category 2 (Directive 76/769/EEC). The total concentration of lead, cadmium, mercury, hexavalent chromium and arsenic must not exceed 100 mg/kg. This requirement is based on the concentration levels of heavy metals present in packaging as defined in Directive 94/62/EC. The method given in Annex A must be used to determine the total concentration of these elements.

PVC-P compounds are recyclable materials that can be processed in a material recovery process that aims to minimize harmful emissions to air, water and soil and their impact on human health while conserving resources.

• The standard "EN 15836-2 Part 2: Reinforced membranes with a nominal thickness of 1,5 mm or greater" describes the visual, dimensional, mechanical, and durability properties of reinforced membranes designed to contribute to the sealing of in-ground, in-situ applied swimming pools, made of plasticized poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC-P) sheets combined with a polyester reinforcement with a nominal thickness of 1,5 mm or greater. This standard also specifies the properties of the PVC-P compound used to manufacture the membranes.

This standard applies specifically to reinforced membranes designed for use in swimming pools where the water temperature is 32°C or lower. This standard is valid if the membrane manufacturer permits the water temperature to be maintained consistently above 32°C.

For the purposes of this standard, the following terms and definitions apply:

• A reinforced membrane is a sheet made from plasticized poly(vinyl chloride) sheets and polyester reinforcement. These membranes can be manufactured by extrusion, calendaring, or cast laying, for example. The membrane is waterproof and gas permeable, packaged in roll form, and designed for on-site installation.
• An underground swimming pool is a permanent facility containing purified water for aquatic activities carried out entirely or partially below ground level, with a water depth of at least 0,85 m or a water volume of at least 8 m3.

Test pieces should be taken only from unused membrane rolls. Unless otherwise specified in the applicable test method, test pieces used to determine properties should be conditioned for at least 4 hours in a standard atmosphere at 23°C plus/minus 2°C and 50% plus/minus 5% relative humidity in accordance with EN ISO 291.

When the properties of the membrane are tested using the parameters specified in the test methods given in the table given in the standard, the membrane must have the properties that comply with the requirements given in the table.

PVC-P membranes must comply with all applicable national and international regulations. PVC-P membranes must be composed of substances not classified as carcinogenic category 1 or carcinogenic category 2, mutagenic category 1 or mutagenic category 2, toxic to reproduction category 1 or toxic to reproduction category 2 (Directive 76/769/EEC). The total concentration of lead, cadmium, mercury, hexavalent chromium and arsenic must not exceed 100 mg/kg. This requirement is based on the concentration levels of heavy metals present in packaging as defined in Directive 94/62/EC. The method given in Annex A must be used to determine the total concentration of these elements.

PVC-P compounds are recyclable materials that can be processed in a materials recovery process that aims to minimize harmful emissions to air, water and soil and their impact on human health while conserving resources.

Our organization, which has been supporting businesses across all sectors for years through a wide range of testing, measurement, analysis, and evaluation activities, has a strong team of employees who closely follow global developments in science and technology and are constantly improving themselves. In this context, we also provide testing services in accordance with the EN 15836 Plastics - Plasticized poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC-P) membranes for in-ground swimming pools standard.