Are rubber tiles chlorine-resistant for a pool surround?

Rubber tiles made from PU-bound rubber granules can be permanently resistant to chlorine around a pool, depending on their construction, the type of rubber, the chlorine concentration and the duration of exposure. Tiles whose rubber granules consist exclusively of EPDM are permanently chlorine-resistant and can also be used in public or heavily used indoor and outdoor pools.

For tiles with an EPDM wearing layer over a base layer of recycled tyre rubber granules (ELT), the full construction must be considered. The EPDM wearing layer withstands brief contact with low-concentration chlorinated water, as occurs in splash zones. Whether these tiles can also be used in public or heavily used pools depends on the chlorine concentration and the duration of exposure. Colour-coated ELT tiles should not be installed directly at the pool edge, where strong sunlight and chlorinated water can alter their colour.

This greater sensitivity of ELT arises because EPDM rubber granules have a largely saturated main polymer chain, leaving oxidising chlorine compounds with few points at which to attack. The rubbers in recycled tyre rubber granules (ELT) contain double bonds in their main chain and are therefore more sensitive. Prolonged exposure can harden the surface of ELT rubber granules, cause fine cracks or change their colour. Chlorinated household cleaners are suitable for cleaning all products, provided the surface is then rinsed with clean water so that residues do not remain in the pores.