Vinyl pool liners are more affordable than concrete or tile, making them an attractive choice for homeowners on a budget. While they may not offer the durability of other options, they can last 20 years or more with the right care and maintenance. If you’re choosing vinyl to line your pool, the following tips will help you get the most out of your investment.

4 Tips for Maintaining Vinyl Pool Liners

Clean Properly

Vacuums designed for concrete or other tough materials can gouge or scratch vinyl liners, so choose a device designed to work with vinyl. Pool poles have sharp metal ends that can easily pierce a vinyl membrane, so never put it in the pool without the proper attachment. Even using it to retrieve a pool toy can result in tiny punctures and take years off the life of your liner.

Keep It Wet

Draining the pool to clean the bottom might sound like a good idea, but the vinyl will almost immediately start to shrink without water. The cracks and other damage caused by dried-out vinyl usually can’t be fixed, so always leave six to 12 feet of water in the pool.

Protect the Waterline

Water will protect most of your liner from the sun, but the portion above the waterline is vulnerable to harsh UV rays, which can rapidly destroy vinyl. If your pool gets a lot of direct sunlight, a thicker liner will stand up to the sun better. You should also regularly treat the surface with a special vinyl cleaner that provides some protection against the sun.

Keep an Eye on the Chlorine

Chlorine is strong enough to keep your water crystal clear, but it will also stain or eat away a vinyl pool liner. Never let granules of chlorine or tablets come into contact with the liner, and avoid putting it in the skimmer.

Instead, dissolve chlorine in a bucket before adding it directly to the pool, and ensure the chlorinator is installed by the filter. Ideally, you’ll want to keep chlorine levels between 1–2 ppm, which should be enough to keep away algae without damaging your valuable liner.

Whether you’re finally ready to install the pool of your dreams or need to replace a vinyl liner, the experts at Aquarian Pools & Spas have the expertise and high-quality materials you’re looking for. For nearly 40 years, they’ve created custom pool designs for homeowners throughout Loveland, OH, delivering results your family will enjoy for years to come. Visit their website for more details on their vinyl pool liners, or call (513) 576-9771 to discuss your project with a member of their team.