Maintain proper water balance
- pH in the 7.2 to 7.6 range
- Total alkalinity at 80 to 100 ppm
- Calcium hardness: 200 ppm minimum
Maintain free chlorine residual between 1.5 and 2.5 ppm. If free chlorine drifts below 1.5 ppm, algae and bacterial growth can take hold more easily and may cause staining of the vinyl liner.
A low pH of less than 7.0 should be especially avoided, since it can cause liner to form wrinkles and with a greater probability if the water is not stabilized for extended periods. For this reason it is recommended that all vinyl lined swimming pools be routinely stabilized so that a minimum of 50 ppm be maintained.
Pre-dissolve slow dissolving sanitizers in a bucket of pool water and add the solution to the pool by filtering through a sieve to prevent non-dissolved particles from settling on the bottom, otherwise spot bleaching of the liner could occur. Always read and follow manufacturer’s instructions given on product labels and containers.
Test for the presence of dissolved metals in pool water. Dissolved metals may cause staining of the vinyl liner directly or may combine with calcium hardness and form discoloured deposits on vinyl liner. Follow manufacturer’s recommendation concerning the use of chelating materials to inactivate dissolved metals.
Chemicals should never be mixed together and added to the pool water at the same time. Certain combinations of the chemicals that individually will have no effect can cause bleaching of the liner if concentration is allowed to remain high in the vicinity of the liner. Always allow a chemical to disperse throughout the pool by means of water recirculation, before adding a second chemical.
Do not drain the pool completely for any reason without consulting a pool professional for advice. The older the liner, the higher the risk that the liner will shrink and not stretch back into it’s original shape without ripping. Sites with a high water table may also carry the additional risk of structural damage.
Never close a pool without circulating the pool water for several hours after the final addition of chemicals. Even liquid chlorine can concentrate in the deep end and cause liner bleaching, if not sufficiently blended with the rest of the pool water.
Use a well fitting winter pool cover that is tightly sealed around the entire perimeter of the pool to prevent accumulation of debris such as leaves, worms, etc. during the winter period. Organic matter has the potential to cause staining and/or bleaching of the vinyl liner.
Avoid the use of abrasive cleaning agents or cleaning aids (such as steel wool, sharp bristled brushes, scouring pads, etc.)
Use only manufacturer’s recommended vinyl liner cleaner for removing accumulated soil at water line or other soiled areas.