Are rubber tiles for a pool surround chlorine-resistant?
Whether rubber tiles stay resistant to chlorine at a pool surround depends on how the tile is built up. Tiles made entirely from EPDM are permanently resistant to chlorine and are suitable for public pools and other heavily used indoor and outdoor swimming facilities. An EPDM wear layer over an ELT base layer withstands brief contact with water containing a low concentration of chlorine in splash zones. Colour-coated ELT tiles should not be installed immediately around the pool, as strong sunlight combined with chlorinated water may alter their colour.
The difference lies in the type of rubber in the granules, the chlorine concentration and the duration of exposure. EPDM rubber granules have a largely saturated polymer backbone, leaving few sites vulnerable to attack by oxidising chlorine compounds. The rubbers in recycled tyre rubber granules (ELT), however, contain double bonds in the polymer backbone and are more susceptible. With prolonged exposure, the surface of individual granules may harden, develop fine cracks or change colour.
Household cleaning products containing chlorine can be used for routine cleaning on all tile types. Afterwards, rinse the surface with clean water so that no residue remains in the pores.