Owning a vinyl liner pool comes with its own set of maintenance challenges and responsibilities. Proper care ensures that your pool remains in excellent condition, safe for users, and visually appealing. However, with various maintenance tips floating around, it can be tricky to discern the best practices from the common pitfalls. Metropolitan Pools will provide a guide to the do’s and don’ts of maintaining your vinyl liner pool.
Do’s of Vinyl Liner Pool Maintenance
Do Test Water Regularly: Regular testing of your pool’s water is important. It helps maintain the right chemical balance, preventing damage to the liner and ensuring the water is safe for swimming. Aim to check the pH, chlorine, and alkalinity levels at least once a week.
Do Maintain Proper Chemical Levels
• pH Levels: Keep the pH between 7.2 and 7.8. This range protects the liner from becoming brittle and cracking.
• Chlorine Levels: Maintain chlorine levels between 1.0 and 3.0 ppm to effectively sanitize the pool without causing damage to the liner.
• Alkalinity: Aim for total alkalinity between 80-120 ppm to help stabilize pH levels.
Do Use a Soft Brush for Cleaning: Vinyl liners are delicate. Use a soft brush to clean the walls and bottom of your pool. Avoid brushes with hard bristles that could tear or damage the liner.
Do Keep the Pool Covered When Not in Use: Using a pool cover reduces debris, minimizes evaporation, and helps maintain temperature. It also protects the liner from unnecessary exposure to sunlight, which can lead to fading.
Do Schedule Professional Inspections: Even with diligent personal care, scheduling an annual inspection with a pool professional can help catch issues that may not be visible to the untrained eye.
Don’ts of Vinyl Liner Pool Maintenance
Don’t Neglect pH and Alkalinity Adjustments: Ignoring the balance of your pool’s pH and alkalinity can lead to a hostile environment that harms the vinyl liner and irritates swimmers’ skin and eyes.
Don’t Drain the Pool Completely: Draining a vinyl liner pool completely can cause the liner to shrink and detach from the walls or floor, leading to wrinkles or tears. Always consult a professional before significantly lowering water levels.
Don’t Use Abrasive Cleaning Tools: Steer clear of stiff brushes, steel wool, or other abrasive tools. These can scratch or tear the liner, leading to leaks and other damages.
Don’t Ignore Small Repairs: Small issues like tiny tears or seam separations can turn into big problems if left unaddressed. Use a vinyl repair kit for small repairs and consult professionals for larger issues.
Don’t Add Shock Directly to the Water: Shock treatments are essential for maintaining clear, sanitized pool water. However, adding them directly into the pool can bleach and weaken the liner. Instead, dilute the shock in a bucket of pool water before distributing it evenly across the surface.
Vinyl Pool Installation, Repair, Maintenance & More in Sandusky, Lorain, Elyria, Medina, Parma, Mentor, Akron & Greater Cleveland, Ohio
Maintaining a vinyl liner pool doesn’t have to be overwhelming. By following these simple do’s and don’ts, you can ensure that your pool remains a healthy, enjoyable, and beautiful part of your home for years to come. Consistent maintenance is the key to extending the life of your pool and getting the best return on your investment. For help maintaining your inground vinyl liner pool, contact Metropolitan Pools today.