Protecting Your Pool Liner Is More Important Than You’d Think – Here’s Why
If you own a pool, you should pay a certain level of attention to your pool liner. It covers the floor and sides of your pool, and contains the pool’s water while providing a smooth appearance.
It is necessary to replace your pool liner after several years, as they tend to get worn down over time. However, you can extend the life or your pool liner by taking steps to prevent damage and preserve its well-being for as long as possible. Consider our maintenance tips below to help extend the life of your pool liner.
Average Life Expectancy of Vinyl Pool Liner
Most pool liners are made from vinyl, a material that is smooth and protects against hazards like algae. These nonporous pool liners can vary on how long they last. Most pool liners need to be replaced within a decade, though some can last up to 15 years if they are high quality or well taken care of.
The Most Common Ways Pool Liners Can Face Damage Over the Years
Sun Damage
Unfortunately, sun rays can naturally wear down a vinyl pool liner. However, there are a few steps you can take to limit these effects: adhere to a routine cleaning schedule, keep your pool full to prevent the liner from drying out, and cover your pool in the winter.
Careless Use
Take caution, because your actions might deteriorate the quality of your pool liner. Make sure to keep up with regular maintenance, including chemical balancing and cleaning.
Rips from Foreign Objects
It’s possible that maintenance tools or pool accessories can create tears or cracks in your pool liner. If they are not treated, these cracks will only grow larger over time, so it is smart to deal with them as soon as they are noticed.
READ MORE: Renovation Ideas To Modernize Your Inground Pool
Slipped Liner Beads
Have you noticed that the top edge of your pool liner has become separated from the pool’s wall? It’s not rare for a liner to detach from the liner beads that hold it against the pool. This could happen for many reasons: it could have been installed incorrectly, it could have shrunk, or the sun’s warmth could have changed it.
It’s important to reattach your slipped liner beads as soon as possible to avoid potential damage – even if your pool is not in use.
How to Prevent Liner Damage
Don’t Drain Your Pool
Fluctuations in water can change the shape of your pool liner – even minor ones. For that reason, it’s important to keep an eye on your water levels.
Draining your pool entirely, meanwhile, can drastically affect the well-being of your pool liner. Specifically, it alters the pressure that a vinyl liner will face, which can shrink it or distort its shape. If you need to drain your pool for a repair or any other reason, it’s recommended that you avoid draining all of the water, if possible.
Balance Your Chemicals Regularly
There are plenty of reasons you should keep your pool’s pH and chlorine levels balanced. But did you know that chemical balances can also affect your pool liner? Low chlorine levels can foster algae growth, which can stain your liner, while high chlorine levels can lead to wrinkles.
READ MORE: Balancing Your Pool’s Chemicals
Keep Your Pool Covered To Prevent Fading and Weathering
Placing a cover over your pool is the best way to prevent sun damage. This should be done in the winter, and is also beneficial whenever the pool is not in use.
Avoid Sharp Objects and Pets in the Pool
Sharp claws or pointy corners can create tears in even the most durable liners. If you do notice a tear, it’s important to repair it as soon as possible, as tears can worsen quickly.
Clean Your Pool Often
Use tools that are designed to clean vinyl liners – many vacuums and brushes are specifically made for these surfaces. By doing so, you’ll remove debris that can damage your liner.
Signs It’s Time to Replace Your Liner
Most pool liners last about a decade, but there’s no magic formula to determine the precise time that you should get a replacement. If you notice any of the following issues, it might be time to consult a professional:
- Unexplainable water loss
- Tears, rips, or cracks
- Stains or visible marks
- Stretches, shrinking, or wrinkles
Remember to regularly perform maintenance on your pool, and check your liner for the issues listed above.
In conclusion, a vinyl pool liner covers the concrete floor and sides of your pool to give it a sparkling, smooth finish. Its quality can deteriorate over the years, but with easy maintenance techniques, it can be kept in good health for as long as possible. Remember to consult a pool professional if you have any questions about care for pool liners, or if you wish to install a replacement.
