Making Your Vinyl Swimming Pool Liner Last
Vinyl swimming pool liner repairs and replacement pool liners can get expensive, which is why it’s important for pool owners to do everything they can to properly care for their liners. Pool liners usually have an average lifespan in the eight year range. However, that lifespan is only an estimate since each liner is unique and depends on a number of different factors, including how well the pool and liner was maintained, the amount of use and abuse, and just plain luck. We know liner repairs are incredibly frustrating to deal with, so let the industry professionals at LinerWorld help extend the life of your vinyl pool liner.
Protecting the Pool Liner from the Start
There are many different ways swimming pool owners can protect their vinyl liners, but one of the most beneficial ways is choosing to protect the liner from the start. Clean sand is a common base material for above ground pools because it acts as a barrier to prevent rocks, sticks or other hard materials from puncturing the liner, but there are other options. Instead of having sand at the base of the pool, you can choose to have a swimming pool liner pad installed. Liner pads add a layer of cushioning under your pool liner to prevent indents and reduce the risk of leaks due to tears and punctures. The only downside is that some pool owners have found that the pads can cause some trouble when cleaning the pool.
Another precaution pool owners can take from the start is installing pool cove. Flexible and light weight, pool cove adheres to the bottom corners of the pool and helps eliminate dirt, prevent washout and corrosion, and helps protect the pool liner. Corners of pool liners run a higher risk for damage which is why installing pool cove is often a wise choice. Again, pool owners found having pool cove in their swimming pools make cleaning a slightly more difficult.
More Tips for Extending the Life of your Pool Liner
- Keep an eye on water level – It is important to frequently check the water level in your pool to detect any leaks as quickly as possible. If a large amount of water drains from your pool, the liner will be ruined and would need to be replaced regardless of how old it is.
- Never pump water out of your pool – No matter how dirty your pool’s water looks, never pump or drain water from the pool because doing so would increase the chance of having to replace the pool liner. Instead, clean the pool’s water with chemicals and filtration.
- Eliminate any risks – Vinyl pool liners are fairly thin, which means they aren’t resistant to punctures. In order to protect your pool liner, try to eliminate any items or situations that might put your liner at risk of damage such as sticks or stones in the pool.
- High quality maintenance is essential – The quality of swimming pool maintenance directly correlates to how long a vinyl swimming pool liner will last. As a pool owner it is your duty to properly care for your pool, and if you do you will most likely be rewarded with a long lasting pool liner.
There are many techniques and products that can help protect your swimming pool liner. Odds are that punctures, tears and leaks will happen but following these tips can help you extend the life of your vinyl swimming pool liner.