Swimming Pool Liner Care

This guide will give you valuable information on how to care for your pool liner so it lasts for years to come.

Water Level

A liner pool should be kept full of water at all times, if the pool is emptied the liner may move out of its original position.

Chemicals

When adding swimming pool chemicals into your pool always make sure that the pump is on and water is being circulated to disperse the chemicals. The time required for total dispersal varies depending on the size of the pool and the pump, so you need to at least leave enough time for the entire volume of the pool to go through the pump at least once. The reason why the chemicals need to be dispersed is that most chemicals are heavier than water and will simply sink to the bottom of the pool and will lie against the liner and in concentrated form this could damage the liner.

Always read the dosing instructions on the chemicals to ensure you are adding the correct amount dosage.

Only add one chemical at a time into your pool and you should never mix different chemicals together. Also you should dilute or completely dissolve chemicals in a bucket before adding them to the pool and always add chemicals to water not water to chemicals.

With chlorine we recommend chlorine tablets are not put into the skimmer as bleaching of the liner may occur when the filter pump is turned off and also dry chlorine should not be scattered directly onto the surface of the pool water as the chlorine may cause bleach spots on the liner floor.

Water Line

On the water line dirt may be collected, it is important you should use a liner tile band cleaner as these do not use abrasive chemicals to clean the scum line. Any acid based cleaners may discolour the pool liner.

pH Levels

Your pH level of your pool needs to be regulated to ensure you don’t damage to your pool liner. The ideal pH level needs to be between 7.4 and 7.6. If you allow the level to rise above 7.8 then calcium deposits on the liner surface may occur. A water test kit will show you the pH level and also the chlorine residual level. Your chlorine residual level needs to be between 1.5 and 2.5 parts per million. If the chlorine residual level drops below 1.5 parts per million than algae and bacteria could cause liner staining or if the level is above 3.0 parts per million than excessive moisture absorption may take place and the liner could wrinkle.

Water Temperature

The water temperature needs to be kept below or at 91°F (33°C), otherwise the liner life expectancy could be reduced, however the with correct chemical balance the liner will still perform satisfactorily above (33°C).

Cleaning Equipment/Debris

Any cleaning equipment used in the pool should not have any sharp edges as this could tear the pool liner and also automatic pool cleaners that remain trapped in one position could damage the liner. Any debris which collect onto the liner may over long periods of time stain the liner.

Winterising

When winterising your pool ensure that any chemicals added are circulated around the pool before closing it as chlorine may settle at the bottom and bleach the liner. Also ensure that all debris is removed from the pool water and use a winter cover to protect your pool.