Seasonal Care for PVC-Lined Swimming Pools

PVC liner swimming pools on a concrete base combine a solid foundation with a flexible polyvinyl chloride (PVC) membrane. These pools offer an economical and low-maintenance alternative to plastered, tiled or fiberglass pools. With proper maintenance, PVC membrane, especially if it is a 60 mil pool liner, can last over 20 years, making it a cost-effective choice.

Unlike plastered pools, which require extensive surface treatment, or fiberglass pools with pre-cast liners, PVC-lined pools use a concrete base for structural integrity and a PVC membrane as a waterproof layer. This hybrid design reduces the complexity of maintenance and the cost remains lower than the alternatives. The ability to easily replace the PVC liner is a key advantage over fixed coatings: plaster or tile. In addition, another advantage of this coating is a wide range of textures and colors. For example, one of the most popular is black pool liner.

Caring for a PVC membrane pool involves certain seasonal tasks. Here is a detailed guide:

• Inspect the Liner: Inspect the PVC membrane for various mechanical damages
• Clean the Surface: Remove debris, vacuum the liner and brush gently with a soft brush
• Fill and Balance: Fill the pool with water and adjust the pH (7.2-7.6), alkalinity (80-120 ppm) and chlorine (1-3 ppm)

Spring preparation is easier than for plastered pools, which need an acid wash to remove scale.

• Daily Skimming: Remove floating debris to prevent stains
• Weekly Cleaning: Vacuum the liner and lightly brush the walls to control algae that can cause stains
• Water Chemistry: Check and adjust chemical levels twice a week to prevent discoloration of the liner
• Cover the Pool When not in Use: Solar sheeting spread over the surface of the water will protect the pool from debris, and will also keep the water from cooling down at night

The smooth surface of the PVC membrane cleans faster and easier than the textured surface of plaster or tile in grout areas, which is a significant time saver.

• Deep Clean: Remove all debris, vacuum and clean the liner before closing the pool
• Lower the Water Level: Drain the water below the skimmer. If you live in a warm climate area, it is not necessary to drain the water
• Install a Pool Cover: Use a thick cover to protect the pool from debris buildup

• Protect Equipment: Drain water from pumps and filters. This will prevent damage to pool systems in cold temperatures (optional if you live in warm climate areas)

Winter preparation is less intensive than for plastered pools, which require sealing the surface to prevent cracking.

• Inspect the Pool Cover: Clear it of snow and debris to avoid damage to the PVC membrane

A concrete base adds durability and PVC liner makes winter maintenance easier than plastered pools, since PVC liner is not afraid of sudden temperature changes and tolerates freezing temperatures well.

Concrete pools with PVC liner are simple and affordable:

• Lower Costs: Installing or replacing the liner is less expensive than plastered pools
• Easy to Clean: The smooth surface of PVC liner resists algae better than porous plaster, reducing effort and cost. And the coating with a special acrylic varnish with antibacterial additives, such as those used in Cefil 60 mil reinforced membranes, significantly reduces the risk of organic stains
• Ease of Repair: Patching PVC liner tears caused by mechanical impact is quick and easy compared to repairing plaster or repairing fiberglass cracks

Plastered pools require professional repairs and ongoing maintenance, while fiberglass pools, while requiring little maintenance, are more expensive. The ability to easily and inexpensively replace a PVC liner can reduce long-term costs.

To increase convenience and economy:

• Clean the pool regularly. Avoid abrasive tools. Use a soft brush and special PVC liner care products
• Check water chemistry weekly and perform balancing if necessary

These steps minimize cost and effort year round.

Seasonal maintenance of PVC membrane pools focuses on maintaining water clarity and chemistry. Compared to plastered or fiberglass pools, PVC liner provides easier maintenance and lower costs. This makes PVC membrane pools an attractive and affordable option for long-term use.