Congratulations on deciding to join the community of pool owners! An inground vinyl liner pool is a fantastic choice for its cost-effectiveness, flexibility, and comfort. If you are a first-time pool owner, there is a lot to learn about maintaining and enjoying your new addition. Metropolitan Pools would like to share a guide to help first-time pool owners understand and how to manage your inground vinyl liner pool.

Basic of Vinyl Liner Pools

Inground vinyl liner pools have a custom-made sheet of vinyl between the water and the pool structure. Vinyl liners are fast to install, relatively affordable, and come in a variety of designs and colors. The benefits of vinyl liner pools:
• Customization: Vinyl liners can be designed to fit any pool shape or size.
• Comfort: The surface is smooth, which is gentle on the feet and great for kids.
• Cost-Effective: Generally, vinyl pools are less expensive to install and maintain compared to concrete or fiberglass pools.

Vinyl Pool Installation Process

Installing a vinyl liner pool involves several key steps:
• Excavation: The first step involves excavating the desired shape of your pool.
• Frame Construction: A frame is built to support the liner, typically made from steel or polymer.
• Lining: The vinyl liner is installed over the frame.
• Filling: The pool is filled with water, and finishing touches are added around the pool.
The entire process can usually be completed in a few weeks, depending on the weather conditions.

Maintenance Tips for Vinyl Liner Pools

Owning a pool will involve a lot of maintenance. There are different steps when maintaining a pool that occur all year long and not just during the swimming season. A lot of the ongoing maintenance includes:
• Skimming and Vacuuming: Remove leaves and other debris daily to keep the water clean.
• Brushing: Brush the liner weekly to prevent algae buildup and remove dirt from the surface.
• pH Levels: Keep the pH level between 7.2 and 7.8 to protect the liner and ensure effective chlorine use.
• Chlorine: Maintain chlorine levels to keep the water sanitized without damaging the liner.
• Alkalinity: Aim for a total alkalinity between 80 and 120 ppm to stabilize the pH.
• Winterizing: In colder climates, it’s important to winterize your pool to protect it from damage due to freezing temperatures and to ensure it’s ready for use when warm weather returns.

Common Vinyl Liner Pool Issues & Solutions

• Wrinkles: Often due to poor installation, ground movement, or water chemistry issues. Adjust water chemistry or have a professional smooth out or replace the liner if necessary.
• Fading and Staining: Chemical imbalance or prolonged exposure to sunlight. Regularly check chemical levels and consider using a pool cover to protect against UV rays.
• Leaks: Tears or punctures in the liner. Patch small tears with a vinyl patch kit or call a professional for larger issues.

Vinyl Liner Pool Safety Measures

• Fencing: Install a fence around your pool to prevent unsupervised access, especially by children and pets.
• Pool Cover: Use a safety cover to prevent accidents and keep the pool clean.
• Rules: Establish and enforce pool rules such as no diving in shallow water, no running, and no glass containers.

Vinyl Pool Installation, Repair, Maintenance & More in Sandusky, Lorain, Elyria, Medina, Parma, Mentor, Akron & Greater Cleveland, Ohio

Owning an inground vinyl liner pool is a rewarding experience that offers a great way to relax, entertain, and stay active. With the right knowledge and regular maintenance, your pool can provide years of enjoyment. If you need help maintaining your inground vinyl liner pool, contact Metropolitan Pools today.