You most likely had a fun-filled summer of swimming, sunning, pool parties, and barbecues. It is important to protect and preserve the pool liner year-round—from the time you open it until closing time. A pool cover is undoubtedly an important measure of protection for the colder months. However, there are many other steps that can be taken to preserve the pool liner.

It is important to monitor your pool’s water levels. Doing so will give you the ability to detect any leaks. It is vital to fix them as quickly as possible. If a large amount of water is drained from the pool, it will damage the liner. The water line area can also be prone to stains and fading. Use a soft, non-abrasive sponge to wipe the water line down regularly. Routine maintenance is a must. Remove any dirt and debris from the water, skimmer, and basket. Thoroughly brush the sides and bottoms to remove any stains.

You must also maintain proper water balance by maintaining proper pH levels. Too high or too low of a level can potentially damage the liner. Make sure you never drain the pool water. Completely emptying the pool could cause the liner to shrink, which will result in wrinkles and tears. It is also important to never pump water out of the pool, even if the water gets dirty. This can damage the water. Clean the water instead, and keep it clean.

It is also vital to choose the proper chemicals and equipment to clean your pool. All cleaning equipment is not created equal! When selecting pool cleaning equipment, look for cleaners, brushes, and vacuum heads that are designed specifically for vinyl-lined pools. Do not over-chlorinate the pool. Maintain chlorine levels in the range of 1.0 to 2.0 ppm. Levels that are too high may start to bleach the pool liner. Always make sure to dissolve shock in a bucket of water, then slowly pour it around the edge of the pool.

All pool covers are not created equal either! When it comes time to close the pool, choose safety pool covers such as LOOP-LOC that have not only met but exceeded ASTM standards for Safety Swimming Pools Covers F 1346-9. They also underwent extensive outside testing through Underwriters Laboratories (U.L.), earning the U.L. seal of approval. They do not permit gaps that anyone or anything could squeeze through to potentially damage the liner. Our mesh covers are made of super dense mesh to block virtually all sunlight, while still allowing rain and melting snow to easily drain through. This will ensure that the cover does not buckle under the weight of the standing water, which could damage the pool liner. Plus, the sunlight-blocking feature will also preserve the pool liner.

Remember, properly caring for the pool with LOOP-LOC products will not only make it look better longer, it will also preserve the liner for years to come—and save you time and money in the long run.