Pool liners are built to last for multiple seasons, but that doesn’t mean they're impervious to regular wear and tear. An improperly cared for liner can break down quickly, leading to the tedious task of repairing or even replacing your liner.
Proper care can drastically extend the life of your liner. Whether you're a first-time pool owner or a pool pro, caring for your liner can be easily adapted to your current maintenance routine.
Here are 7 easy steps for maintaining your vinyl pool liner:
Keeping your pool properly balanced is imperative, not just to keep you safe during swimming season, but also to protect a pool’s vinyl liner. Your liner is in constant contact with pool chemicals and, even though liners are chemical-resistant, high chlorine levels still can break down a vinyl liner faster.
It’s critical to be attentive when shocking your pool. Make sure to add your shock to a bucket of water first, diluting it before adding it to your pool. This method helps protect your liner and ensure equal distribution of chemicals in your pool.
When adding chemicals to your pool, avoid adding multiple chemicals at the same time. Instead, add your chemicals one by one, allowing each chemical to circulate in your pool before mixing in the next chemical. This will help you avoid improperly mixing chemicals or having a chemical mix that is too strong in one area.
While this may seem obvious, keeping sharp or hazardous objects away from your pool is paramount in extending the life of your liner. Branches, rocks, and other natural backyard debris can be dangerous to your liner under certain conditions. Keep your pool area as clean as possible and remove any debris from inside your pool as soon as possible.
As much as we love to swim with our furry friends, pets can cause significant damage to a pool liner. A panicked pooch can accidentally puncture or tear a liner with their claws, no matter how long or short they are.
Pet dander will also add additional phosphates and organics to your pool, causing your pool chemical levels to become imbalanced. To avoid this, it’s best to leave your pet out of your pool altogether. But if you want to take a swim with a pet, make sure to do so safely.
Properly cleaning and maintaining your pool doesn’t just make it look better and more inviting. Removing dirt and debris from your pool can also prevent staining and discoloration of the liner, and can help you spot potential liner issues before they become real problems.
Skimming to remove large debris, vacuuming dirt from your pool floor, and regularly emptying your pool’s filter basket are all ways you can keep your pool both cleaned and well-maintained.
If you live in a climate where you need to winterize your pool, using a winter cover is a must. Winter covers protect your liner for several months out of the year, preventing exposure to the cold, snow, and ice. Using a winter cover can dramatically extend the life of your liner.
If you see a drastic change in your water levels that aren’t caused by splashing or regular use, you may need to check for leaks. Stop and treat leaks using a patch kit or liquid leak sealer as early as possible to prevent them from becoming bigger issues.
