Its true – relaxing in the pool is always going to be more fun than cleaning and maintaining it. However, pool maintenance is an unavoidable fact of pool ownership, and the vinyl pool liner’s condition really matters in the long run. Here are some tips to hopefully keep the cleaning process as pain-free as possible, and help keep long term issues at bay!
1. Never drain your vinyl liner pool for cleaning.
This point is the first, and for good reason. The pool should never be drained because the water content helps keep the pool liner secure. If you drain the pool, you might damage the vinyl liner. You can still get your pool clean even if you don’t drain it!
2. Clean your pool at least once a week.
Making sure that your pool is regularly cleaned will prevent major issues like big stains and maintenance problems. This includes stuff like brushing your vinyl pool liner, vacuuming, and clearing away debris. If you need a hand remembering when to clean your pool, you can check out an array of apps that will remind you when to clean. And remember – a pool that is used more often means a pool that will need more frequent cleaning.
3. Use a tennis ball to absorb oils.
Even if you’re diligent about showering before you get in the pool, the water is going to come into contact with oils from sunscreen, sweat, hair products, etc. Something you can do to offset this is just tossing a tennis ball into your pool! Tennis balls have fibers that are capable of absorbing oils, which will help maintain the water cleanliness in your pool. This will help with slowing down staining and fading.
4. Try using natural cleaners.
Are you conscious of the chemicals in your pool cleaning solutions? Fear not; You can look through many options that are natural and free of harsh ingredients, even when it comes to strong stain removal products. Using something like organic dish soap or vinegar (white, not balsamic or apple cider) will give you the antimicrobial properties you want, especially for issues like mildew. However, you’ll be avoiding the environmental and health side effects. Another benefit of something like vinegar is that you’ll be saving money!
Pro tip: Before using a new cleaner, you should make sure to do a spot test and observe the instructions carefully to avoid causing any unexpected damage.
5. Always brush toward the floor.
Brushing from a high starting point and moving downwards will encourage debris downwards. You can then use a vacuum to remove it form the floor, instead of leaving it to free float about.
6. Don’t forget to pay attention to hard-to-reach areas.
Equipment such as brushes and vacuums can be difficult to move about when your pool comes with unexpected obstacles. These include things like gaskets, skimmers, ladders, and stairs. These areas need some care as well! You can try giving them a scrub before hand using smaller manual helpers, such as cleaning mitts or brushes. These areas can still harbor bacteria and dirt, which might be bad for your liner if left to fester.
7. Invest in a robotic pool cleaner.
Yes, they’re pricey, but the investment can really be worth it for all the convenience that robot pool cleaners can offer. Some of these models can probably do a better job with cleaning than a human. In the long run, consistently clean pool liners will mean preventing a lot of future hassle.
8. Test your water chemistry regularly.
Keeping your water chemistry at a good level is important for pool maintenance. Stuff like debris can actually change it over time, so making sure the levels are proper is an extra line of defense. Otherwise, stuff like algae might build up and cause liner stains or damage.
9. Get the pool cleaned professionally at least once a year.
The easiest way to keep your liner clean with minimal effort is probably hiring someone to do it for you. Professionals have access to a variety of tools and products than might not be available to everyone else. Professionals can also make routine inspections and ensure that your pool and all its components, an important preventative measure that can save you big bucks. Ideally, a yearly checkup – at minimum – is a good idea to keep things under control.
Hopefully, our tips have been helpful in keeping your pool in good shape.