What is Phthalates in Pool Liners? Why You Should Be Concerned

Our number one priority when producing 60 MIL membranes is that it is the safest choice for you and your family. We are set apart from other vinyl liners because our product is phthalate-free! For years now we’ve been hearing about the mysterious, ubiquitous, and hard-to-spell chemical compounds known as phthalates. Most of us have a general idea that we should avoid phthalates, but we aren’t certain why. Well, we are here right now to give you a little insight as to why.

What is Phthalates in Viynl Pool liners? 

Phthalates (pronounced tha-lates) are chemical compounds of phthalic acid, and are mainly used as a substance added to plastics to increase their flexibility, transparency, durability, and longevity. Phthalates are present in typical swimming pool liners and when exposed to heat, it migrates out of the PVC products and can be absorbed through our skin or taken in orally and then moves quickly through our bloodstream.

Why Should You be Concerned?

If it was up to the American Chemistry Council, a lobby group for phthalate manufacturers, they would tell you not to be concerned because phthalates are completely safe and “among the most thoroughly studied family of compounds in the world.” But what they don’t like to tell you is what exactly their studies found.

The effect of phthalates is something that has been studied for more than 70 years with a concentration specifically on male reproductive development. What they have found is that phthalates are endocrine disruptors.

What does this mean exactly? 

Hormones are chemical messengers that travel throughout the body coordinating complex processes like growth, metabolism, and fertility. They can influence the function of the immune system, and even alter behavior. In response to a signal from the brain, hormones are secreted directly into the blood by the glands that produce and store them. These glands make up what is known as the endocrine system. Chemicals that interfere with the function of hormones are therefore known as endocrine disruptors.

Phthalates are thought to mimic and displace hormones and interrupt their production. Some side effects that have been observed are: abnormal sexual development, reproductive birth defects, insulin resistance and the development of bronchial obstruction in children. This suggests that the increasing number of asthmatic diagnosis could be a partial consequence of the increasing household use of plastics containing phthalates.

Benefits of Phthalate-Free PVC Swimming Pool Liner

A Phthalate-Free PVC Swimming Pool Liner is the safest choice for swimmers. It exceeds all safety standards. The chemical Phthalate, widely used in products for half a century, is replaced in the Ultimate Pool Surface liner, and we can do this because we only use pure virgin raw materials that we control from the source. We are the first in the market to offer a Phthalate-Free SwimmingPool Membrane, the ultimate in pool membranes. If you are passionate about the environment, and you want the safest product for your family, this product is for you! Our 60 MIL commercial liners have more benefits than just being Phthalate free. Overall these liners are the best on the market and are the safest choice to avoid costly repairs.