Swimming lane lines are an essential component of any training or competitive pool. They help build structure, reduce wave turbulence, and help keep swimmers in their designated space.
But like all swim equipment, how you care for your lane lines will impact their lifespan. They are subject to wear and tear under the constant strain of pool water and frequent use from pool goers.
Learn how to care for this important and valuable equipment for your pool to get the most from your investment.
How Long Do Lane Lines Last?
Lane lines from Competitor Swim are high quality and typically last 5-10 years. How long the lane lines last within that timeframe will vary based on usage, frequency, the environment they are subjected to, and the maintenance practices you employ.
Some factors that could impact the life of your swimming lane lines include the following.
- UV exposure: Sun exposure can degrade the plastic that the discs are made of. And while they are built to withstand UV rays, with time, they will still fade from their original color brilliance.
- Chemical damage: High chemical levels or poorly balanced pool chemistry can break down your swimming lane lines faster than they would in a balanced pool.
- Improper storage: You should avoid tangling, crushing or dragging your lane lines on the pool deck’s surface as that could stress or damage the materials. Use a Stor Reel for the best results when storing your lane lines.
- High use: The more pool usage the faster your lane lines will wear. If you have extended hours compared to pools in your area or frequently host meets, practices and open swim sessions, you can expect your lane lines to wear faster.
Ways to Extend the Life of Your Lane Lines
You should be proactive in protecting the lifespan of your lane lines. This can add years to your lane lines, reducing your total equipment costs. Here are some tips for extending the life of your lane lines.
1. Rinse After Use
When storing your lane lines, rinse them as they come out of the water to avoid allowing chemicals or saltwater to sit on the materials. Allowing chemicals to sit on the lane lines can contribute to the materials degrading at a faster rate despite them being designed to withstand these materials.
2. Use a Stor Reel
Pairing your Competitor Swim lane lines with a Stor Reel can make winding the lane lines up simpler while also preventing kinks and ensuring proper tension to avoid straining the lane lines. Our reels are designed specifically for the lane lines to allow for the best environment for your lane lines while in storage.
3. Store Your Lane Lines in the Shade
Place your Stor Reel in the shade. This will limit the UV exposure to your lane lines. This includes storing them out of the way of windows, even if your pool is indoors. Placing them in front of windows will have less UV impact than storing them outside, but it will still shorten the lifespan of the lane lines to some extent.
4. Inspect Your Lane Lines
Check your lane lines for broken discs, fraying cables and rusty hardware regularly. Spending time to replace parts now can extend the life of your lane lines to avoid bigger problems.
5. Keep Your Pool Chemistry Balanced
When your pool is chemically balanced, it can prolong the life of your equipment, including your lane lines. Chlorine levels that are too high or when the pH levels are unregulated can accelerate the plastic’s wear and deteriorate the metal components.
6. Avoid Dragging the Lane Lines on the Pool Deck
When you drag the lane lines on any surface, but especially on a concrete surface like the pool deck, it can scratch or warp the discs. Lift the lane lines carefully and keep them on a Stor Reel for the ultimate protection.
How to Know It Is Time to Replace Your Lane Lines
Even when you meticulously care for your lane lines, you’ll start to notice wear after several years. Some signs that it is time to replace your lane lines include:
- Frays or breaks in the cable
- Disc discoloration
- Disc brittleness
- Poor performance in quelling waves
- Troubles reeling or deploying the lane lines
If just a few discs or components appear worn, it might be possible to get replacement parts for the lane lines instead of replacing them outright. Talk to the team at Competitor Swim to find out whether your lane lines are repairable.
Shop our collection of competitor swim racing lanes for the ultimate addition to your pool. Meet competitive standards and host world-class events when you purchase our high-quality lane lines. Find a dealer now to start shopping.
