Top 5 Ways to Maintain Your Vinyl Pool Lining

Nothing’s more refreshing than a dip in the pool on a hot summer day. Vinyl pool liners are a more affordable option for homeowners who want the convenience of a swimming pool right in their own backyard, but they require special care. If they are not properly maintained, they may require repairs or even a replacement.

Take care of your vinyl liner and keep your pool in top shape all summer long with these five tips:

1. Check your chemicals

Ensuring proper water balance in your pool is critical to maintaining your pool liner. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, water should be tested twice daily using a DPD test kit when the pool is being used frequently. Keeping your pool’s pH level between 7.2 and 7.6 will allow chlorine to effectively kill germs and prevent growth of bacteria. Free chlorine levels should be between 1.5 and 2.5 ppm. If they are too low, bacteria and algae may grow, staining your liner. If they are too high, the liner may wrinkle.

2. Don’t drain your pool

You should never drain your pool without consulting a specialist. Doing so lowers water levels and pressure, which can cause your pool liner to shrink or change shape.

3. Prevent unnecessary weathering and buildup

The sun can age your pool liner prematurely. If you’re not using your pool, keep it covered to prevent weathering. Additionally, dirt and grime can build up around the liner. This is known as a “water line” and should be cleaned with a sponge or specialty vinyl wipes. Some pool companies also sell vinyl protective liquid to clean grime and buildup.

4. Keep your pool clean

Vacuum your pool regularly to keep it free of debris. Keep in mind, though, that you will need to use a vacuum that is specially designed for vinyl pool liners. Pool cleaners designed for other surfaces, such as concrete, will damage the liner.

5. Avoid sharp objects

This should go without saying, but avoid using sharp objects in or around your pool. These can cause punctures or tears in the liner.

Vinyl pool liner repair

Fortunately, most minor tears in vinyl pool liners can be repaired with special kits and products available from pool professionals. In order to determine whether or not a tear can be repaired, you should consider the location of the damage. Rips near return jets or skimmers are less likely to be successfully repaired because water often leaks behind the liner in these locations. Other issues, such as wrinkling or discoloration can also be difficult to address. In these cases, a replacement may be a more costly, but advantageous, decision.

Another factor to consider when dealing with vinyl pool liner repairs is the age of your liner. Liners older than three years may need to be replaced depending on the condition of the vinyl.

Are pool liners covered under a home warranty?

If you have a home warranty, it may cover certain components of your swimming pool. Unfortunately, parts like liners, lights and jets are usually excluded from coverage. However, mechanical equipment that can be costly to replace, such as pump motors, plumbing and electrical, is usually covered by a home warranty.

American Home Shield® offers home warranties with additional in-ground swimming pool equipment coverage to help you avoid expensive repairs and keep your pool in working order.

AHS assumes no responsibility, and specifically disclaims all liability, for your use of any and all information contained herein.