Replacing a Vinyl Pool Liner

No one wants to go through the hassle and expense of replacing their pool liner. And anyone who does, certainly never wants to have to do it again. Here’s an important tip that can help you preserve the life of your pool liner: use the Sustain 3-Part Chlorination System to sanitize your pool. The chemicals that comprise the Sustain System are not acid based making them less abrasive on your liner and can help it look better and last longer. Over time, acid-based chlorine tablets can cause vinyl pool liners to become brittle, pucker or fade. No one wants that.

The Evolution of Vinyl Pool Liners

Vinyl pool liners have changed over the years in terms of design selections, vibrancy, materials of construction and durability. Today’s pool vinyl liners depend even more on the proper application of chemicals and water balance to preserve longevity.

Basic Vinyl Liner Pool Maintenance

  • Keep Non-Pool Toys Out of the Pool If you have kids, make sure they keep their non-pool toys out of the water. Toys not designed for pools (like dolls, action figures, sports equipment, plastic swords, toy guns, etc.) should not go into the pool. They can sink to the bottom and cause tears in your vinyl pool liner, especially with repeated use. Jewelry, shoes, and street clothes should also be kept out of the pool at all times.

 

  • Maintain Balanced Pool Water Properly treated water is always important both for the vinyl pool liner and pool maintenance in general. The pH of your pool water should be around 7.4-7.6. Anything above a pH of 7.8, can cause water to become cloudy with calcium, which can mix with dirt and become embedded in your pool’s vinyl liner. On the other hand, low pool pH is very acidic and corrosive, which may cause your pool liner to wrinkle or warp. Heavy pool use, debris from storms, or acidic plant debris can reduce your pH level. Always be mindful of your pool’s pH.

 

  • Chlorine Can Bleach Pool Vinyl Liners If not properly applied, chlorine can become a harsh chemical that could bleach your liner. One way to help prevent this is to always use the Sustain 3-Part System. Sustain 3” blue tablets are designed to slowly erode, providing a consistent level of chlorine to you pool. Sustain ¾” Energizer tablets makes it easier and safer to shock your pool.

 

  • Clean Your Pool with Care Always use a vacuum that is meant for a vinyl pool liner. If you use a vacuum intended to clean a cement pool, you could end up with major tears and holes in your pool liner. In the same vein, always attach the proper ends to your pool poles and hand skimmers. Using your pool pole without a proper attachment can scratch or puncture the pool liner as well.

 

  • Do NOT Empty a Pool with a Vinyl Liner Pool vinyl can shrink if left dry for a long period of time. As pool vinyl gets older, it weakens and becomes brittle. When doing a deep clean of your pool, empty less than half the water to get rid of or simply to dilute bad pool water, and, in order to keep your vinyl liner from moving out of place, leave 6 to 12 inches of water over the shallow end.

 

  • Maintain Proper Water Levels Wash down the water line near the surface of your vinyl pool liner on a regular basis with a vinyl cleaner that can protect the liner from the sun’s UV rays. Again, sunlight can damage vinyl liners over time. If your pool is under direct sunlight for most of the day, install a thicker vinyl pool liner for more durability against UV rays. When cleaning pool vinyl, DO NOT use household cleaners. Chemicals in household cleaners can be abrasive and can cause the vinyl to weaken especially with repeated use.

Pool Vinyl Maintenance is simple and straightforward. Follow your pool’s vinyl liner manufacturer’s care instructions and each step outlined here as part of your pool maintenance routine, and you’ll be sure to maintain a pool liner that will last you for years to come.