Vinyl Swimming Pool Liner Maintenance and Care

 

The maintenance and care of vinyl pool liners is very different from that of concrete and fiberglass liners. Neglect is the primary cause of why vinyl pool liners do not last, and without regular maintenance, your liner will need replacing sooner rather than later. By following these simple procedures listed below, you will ensure that your liner will continue to serve you for years to come.

(Please note: All of the following recommended maintenance and care procedures are specific to LOOP-LOC® vinyl pool liners. Please follow the instructions that were provided by the specific manufacturer when tending to your pool liner, if different from LOOP-LOC.)    

 

Water Chemistry:

Water balance maintenance is essential to maximizing the life and appearance of the liner. Proper pH levels, for example, allow chlorine to effectively kill bacteria and algae. If pH levels are too high, the effectiveness of chlorine to kill bacteria decreases. A water testing kit is needed to determine the chemical levels of your pool, and these can be purchased from your Pool Professional. Additionally, the tests can be performed by your Pool Professional to guarantee accuracy, proper testing and safety.

 

Chemical Levels:

Regularly testing your pool water is the key to keeping a pool liner that lasts longer. During the swimming season, you should test on a daily basis. Chlorine and pH Levels change frequently and are often affected by sunlight, dirt, debris and even swimmers' bodies, according to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Chemical levels vary by location as well, so please take that into consideration.

Recommended Chemical Levels for LOOP-LOC Pool Liners:

• pH (between 7.2 and 7.6)

• Total Alkalinity (between 80 and 125 ppm)

• Calcium Hardness (between 175 and 250 ppm minimum)

• Free Chlorine Residual (between 1.0 and 1.5 ppm)

• Cyanuric Acid (between 40 and 75 ppm)

• Never mix chemicals together. Instead, add chemicals to pool water separately and circulate throughout pool before adding second chemical.

• Always allow one chemical to dissolve throughout the pool before adding a second chemical. Combinations of chemicals (which separately would have no effect on your liner) can cause bleaching of the liner color or pattern if you allow the concentration of chemicals to remain high near the pool liner walls or bottom.

 

pH Levels:

Proper pH levels allow other chemicals to work. Keep in mind, however that pH levels that are too low or too high can cause serious damage to the liner. Levels that are too low (below 7.0) can cause unsightly wrinkles in the liner, and levels that are too high (over 7.8) accelerate the "aging process" and thus shorten the life of the liner.

During the swimming season, pH levels should be checked on a daily basis.

 

Chlorine:

A circulation range between 1.0-1.5 ppm of chlorine will kill off bacteria in swimming pool water in most areas of the U.S. High concentrations of chlorine (above 1.5 ppm) will attack the liner and bleach it, thus damaging it. Any level below this range will weaken its ability to kill off bacteria.

The addition of chlorine to your pool water has to be done in a careful manner. Make sure the chlorine dissolves fully, and see that it never comes into direct contact with the liner. The best practice is to dissolve chlorine tablets in a bucket of water, and then pour the solution into your pool. Liquid chlorine can be added immediately, but should be poured out to very specific areas of the pool. Make sure chlorine water is immediately agitated, dispersed and circulated.

During the swimming season, chlorine levels should be checked on a daily basis.

 

Points of what never to do...

• Never place chlorine tablets in skimmer basket. This could result in a high concentration of chlorine to develop around the skimmer and main drain, which will damage the liner.

• Never use floating chlorinators, as these can create uneven levels of chlorine throughout the pool.

 

Total Alkalinity:

Alkalinity levels determine the ability of the pool water to prevent sudden changes in the pH levels of the water chemistry.

During the swimming season, alkalinity levels should be checked on a weekly basis.

 

Calcium Hardness:

Calcium hardness determines the ability of the pool water to prevent changes in the pH levels that could cause corrosive conditions in pool systems.

 

Free Chlorine Residual Level:

The free chlorine residual level determines the amount of chlorine in your pool.

 

Cyanuric Acid:

Cyanuric acid is a conditioner that helps stabilize the chlorine within your pool.

 

Water Line

A water line can form around your pool liner as a result of dirt and grime, shortening the life of the pool liner. In order to prevent this from happening, simply wipe the water line with a sponge. If grime buildup has occurred, be sure to use vinyl wipes recommended by your Pool Professional. Another way to prevent this grime buildup is to apply a vinyl protective liquid to your clean vinyl liner. Ask your Pool Professional for more information.

 

Pool Drainage

DO NOT DRAIN YOUR POOL. Be sure to never lower the water level of the pool less than a foot in the shallow end. When a pool is fully drained, the pool liner can become damaged by the lack of water pressure. First, call your Pool Professional. The draining of the pool may void your warranty.

 

Maintenance Equipment

Vacuum your pool bottom to keep debris and dirt from damaging the liner. Speak with your Pool Professional to determine which type of pool vacuum (manual or automatic) is safe for your pool liner.

 

Vinyl Liner Repair

In the case where a tear or cut occurs in the liner, it normally can be repaired with special pool vinyl repair products available from your Pool Dealer. The adhesives are made to work under water or in the air. Consult your Dealer for the proper repair procedure.

 

Closing and Opening Your Pool

Using the proper procedures to close and open your pool is very important to extending the life and beauty of your pool liner. The proper procedures and chemicals to close out your pool can be determined by your Pool Professional. Improper closing of your pool could result in serious damage to your liner. We strongly recommend a Loop-Loc Pool Cover to protect your pool and liner during the winter months (and most of all – for safety purposes).

 

Dealers and Homeowners

LOOP-LOC is not responsible for designing your pool liner floor in regards to safety or pool type classification. Check with your diving board manufacturer in regards to type classification, and to determine if your pool meets APSP and ANSI standards. To contact APSP: 2111 Eisenhower Ave., Suite 500, Alexandra VA 22314. (703) 838-0083.

 

For more information on vinyl pool liners, please contact your local LOOP-LOC Dealer today.