Vinyl Swimming Pool Maintenance Tips

Swimmers' use of vinyl-lined pools naturally leads to low ph levels, especially since there is no plaster to neutralize the acidity. This problem needs to be monitored by doing ph test and should be corrected on a regular basis since acidic water can cause wrinkling and premature failure of vinyl liners.

Chlorine concentrations of above 1.5 ppm are considered high, and should be avoided as they can weaken vinyl. To avoid this problem, test and adjust sanitizer levels frequently, rather than adding heavy doses at one time.

Granular or tablet sanitizers should never come into direct contact with vinyl liners as they will weaken the vinyl and may cause staining. To add these products to your pool, you should dissolve them in a large amount of water before adding them to the pool, or use a floater which you can purchase at your pool supply store.

Do not let “bathtub ring” grime accumulate around the waterline of your pool as it not only looks unhygienic, but also weakens the liner material. Use vinyl safe cleansers to keep the water line clean. Also, after cleaning this area, protect it from the sun by applying vinyl “sunblock” –a special non petroleum liquid, available at your pool supply store, that prevents damage to exposed areas of the liner from harmful ultraviolet rays. This will ensure that your vinyl pool has a longer lifespan and is worth the extra effort.

Do not empty your vinyl pool, or lower the water level to less than half of its capacity. Excessive emptying of vinyl pools will cause their liners to shrink and wrinkle. This can result in structural damage to the pool, and tears at stress points when refilled.

Be careful when cleaning the pool. Use only brush bottom vacuums and automatic cleaners.

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