Special additives are added to vinyl liners (membranes) for swimming pools. The purpose of these additives is to increase the resistance of the membrane to various external influences: UV sun rays, high and low ambient temperature, the impact of various chemicals introduced into the pool water to obtain the required pH level. Despite all measures taken, stains still form on the surface of the liner. They may have these origins:
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The spots come in a variety of colors:
The color of the stain can tell you the cause of the stain. And knowing the cause, it is easier to find a way to prevent the stain from occurring in the future.
How To Identify Liner Stains by Color
In some cases, the cause of the stain is indicated by a nearby source of contamination. This could be windblown leaves that have already started to rot. Or rust from a metal ladder lowered into the pool. In such cases, the cause of the stain is obvious. It is enough to remove it to avoid further staining. But it’s always that simple. There are plenty of other reasons that cause liner stains. And the color of these stains helps to establish the cause of the stains.
Black spots can turn out to be black algae. In this case, they are small and look like dots. They have a regular shape. They form in the water on the outer surface of the liner. Black algae can get into the pool through objects that have previously been in a natural body of water: toys, air mattresses, bathing suits.
Black algae likes warm water, but can also multiply in cold water. If the water source from which the pool is filled has excessive manganese ions, this can also cause black spots.
Stains On The Waterline
Waterline stains are caused by a mixture of anything that may be on the surface of the water. It is a mixture of sunscreen and various cosmetics applied to the skin, dust, plant pollen, oils, and dirt.
Despite this complex mixture, waterline stains are relatively easy to remove. It is sufficient to lower the water level in the pool and use a sponge and a special vinyl cleaner to treat the stains. It is not recommended to rub the liner hard with the sponge to avoid damaging the liner pattern.
Chemical Stains
Chemical stains can lead to discoloration of the coating. They are caused by an imbalance in the water balance: high chlorine levels or low pH levels. Prolonged exposure to direct sunlight also causes fading of the liner.
Granular chemicals should not be allowed to be introduced into the pool. They must be pre-diluted in a bucket of water.
How To Get Rid of Pool Membrane Stains
The first step to getting rid of pool stains is to clean the pool. The pool needs to be brushed and vacuumed. You also need to clean or change the filter.
The second step is to balance the pool water chemistry. In some cases, this helps to get rid of stains completely. Pool test kits or test strips are suitable for adjusting pH, alkalinity and hardness levels.
The third and final step is to shock clean the pool. For this purpose, a chlorine or non-chlorine shock cleaner is suitable. Before adding it to the pool, it must be pre-diluted in a bucket of water.
The easiest stains to get rid of are organic stains that react to chlorine. Sometimes shocking the pool is enough to remove these stains from the surface of the liner. To determine the origin of the stain, you can use a chlorine tablet. If the stain is lightened at the point of contact after contacting it for a minute, it is organic.
Mineral stains require a different approach. They are best removed with acids. However, only products for vinyl-coated pools should be used. To prevent further stains from minerals and metals, it is necessary to add a binding agent twice a year. It will hold the minerals in an isolated solution. There are agents that are simply placed in the skimmer basket, and they will remove the minerals from the pool.Many types of stains can be avoided by using a liner with a special lacquer coating, such as Cefil pool liner. The lacquer layer protects against fading from UV sunlight and chemicals, and provides resistance to various types of fungi. The service life of reinforced 60 mil Cefil membrane is approximately 20 years, though it can extend beyond that. Its longevity depends on adherence to proper usage guidelines and maintaining the water’s chemical composition in line with the manufacturer’s recommendations. Find more information about Cefil liners on the collection pages:
How To Prevent The Appearance of Stains
Of course, it is better to prevent the appearance of stains, than then to deal with their removal. For this purpose it is necessary to:
A pool cover will be useful. It will protect it from dirt and debris, exposure to ultraviolet rays.
If you have difficulties in determining the nature of the stain and how to remove it, Sakko Pool specialists will help you. You will receive a comprehensive consultation on all questions.