Any swimming pool, regardless of the type of lining, requires constant attention and care. It can be compared to a pet, which requires feeding, care of appearance and your love. Then it will please you with its neat appearance, cleanliness and “health”. The process is mutual. You give the pool your attention and regular care, and the pool in return gives good mood, comfortable rest and joy to all your loved ones.
What Can Damage a Vinyl Pool Liner
Vinyl pool liner can be compared to human skin. And just like skin, it can suffer from mechanical impacts, chemical or sunburn damage, and bacterial or fungal infections. It is possible to distinguish such problems:
- Damage to the shell by sharp, stabbing, cutting objects during bathing
- Discoloration due to violation of the chemical balance in the water
- The appearance of stains of fungal or bacterial origin of various colors, algae
While damage to the liner by stabbing and cutting objects is quite rare, staining and discoloration due to an imbalance in the chemical balance of the water is quite common. Discoloration is especially noticeable on dark or black pool liners, but it’s not a reason to limit yourself to only light tones. Simply pay close attention to maintaining the proper chemical balance.
How Water Chemistry Affects the Pool Liner
Chlorine is added to the pool to sanitize the water. It destroys various pathogenic bacteria and microorganisms that can get into the pool from the outside environment. At the same time, excessive concentration of chlorine causes irritation of mucous membranes and skin. And its prolonged exposure to vinyl liner leads to fading and discoloration. As a result, the appearance of the liner above the waterline and underwater is significantly different. And it spoils the appearance of the pool. A pungent odor of chlorine is also present. Therefore, it is necessary to respect the level of chlorine in the water.
The pH level plays an important role in the “health” of the pool.
At high pH levels, the water becomes calcareous and the effectiveness of disinfectants is reduced.
At low pH levels, the water becomes acidic. This causes eye irritation and dry skin in bathers. Metal parts of the pool and equipment undergo increased corrosion. The water eventually turns brown or black.
The pH level can be measured either with special instruments or with test strips. Depending on the reading, appropriate chemicals are added to the pool water. Please note that granular chemicals should not be thrown directly into the pool. They must be dissolved in a bucket of water beforehand.
Why Stains Appear on the Pool Liner
All stains, depending on the cause of their origin, can be divided into three groups:
- Mineral
- Organic
- Chemical
The cause of chemical stains was mentioned above. They can occur as a result of improper addition of various chemicals, such as chlorine, to the pool water.
Mineral stains occur as a result of excessive salt content of salts of various minerals in the water: manganese, iron, copper. To combat them, special binding reagents are added to the skimmer.
Organic stains are the result of various debris entering the pool: leaves, twigs, insects, algae. On leaves and insects, as a rule, there are various microorganisms, bacteria, and fungi. Once on the wall or bottom of the pool, they begin to multiply, which leads to the appearance of stains.
Green or black algae usually get into the pool from bathing suits, in which before it was bathed in open natural waters. Once in the pool, this algae attaches itself to the walls and multiplies to form stains.
How to Make Your Pool Liner Last Over 20 Years
There are only two ways to get that long of a service life.
- Choose a thick, reinforced Cefil 60 mil pool membrane as the liner. This membrane consists of three layers. The middle layer is a reinforcing mesh made of polyester. Thanks to it, the membrane has high tensile and tear resistance. Also, the outer layer of the membrane is covered with a special acrylic varnish with antibacterial additives. These additives significantly reduce the risk of organic stains.
- Clean regularly, once a week, and maintain the chemical balance of the water at the required level. Clean only with a soft brush and special cleaning agents for vinyl liners.
Compliance with these conditions is not impossible. Everything is realistic and depends only on you.
You can purchase a reinforced thick liner and order its installation in full compliance with technology and building regulations at SAKKO POOL. This is also a guarantee of a long and trouble-free service for your pool. Should you ever require pool resurfacing, remodeling, or repairs, our team is always ready to help.