A vinyl liner isn’t just décor; it’s the waterproof skin that keeps every litre where it belongs. Dirt, oils and unbalanced water shorten its life, invite algae and can wrinkle or bleach the material. Weekly brushing and correct chemistry stop those issues before they start, saving you the cost of an early liner replacement.
Here’s everything you need to know about pool liner maintenance, including different considerations based on your type of pool.
Different Needs: Inground vs Above Ground Liners
- Above ground Pool Liners: Thinner vinyl and full-sun exposure mean liners fade and become brittle faster. Expect 10-15 years of service.
- Inground Pool Liners: Custom-cut and usually thicker, inground liners last 15-20 years when water chemistry stays balanced. Ground-water pressure can cause wrinkles if the pool is drained too low, and if pH levels are not balanced being the major cause of dimensional instability resulting in wrinkles.
Routine Maintenance Checklist
Weekly
- Skim leaves and debris, empty skimmer baskets.
- Brush walls and floor with a soft-bristle vinyl brush; vacuum afterwards to remove loosened dirt.
- Test water: pH 7.4–7.6 and free chlorine 1–3 ppm keep bacteria down without bleaching the liner.
- Shock if water is cloudy or after heavy use, then run the pump for eight hours.
Monthly
- Check for stains at the waterline. Treat organic stains with a vinyl-safe cleaner and metal stains with a sequestrant.
- Inspect the liner for small pinholes; patch immediately with a vinyl repair kit before they spread.
Seasonal (Opening/Closing)
- Never drain the pool completely.
- At closing, lower water just below the skimmer and returns, add winter chemicals and fit a winter cover to block UV and debris.
Deep-Cleaning & Life-Extending Tips
- Balance first: Correct alkalinity (80-120 ppm) helps pH stay stable and prevents scale that can etch the liner.
- Be gentle: Use vinyl-specific vacuum heads; metal-edged tools can scratch or puncture.
- Block the sun: A pool cover, solar blanket, and winter cover cuts UV exposure that degrades liners fastest.
- Ban sharp toys: Keep skateboards, hard plastics and street shoes out of the pool to avoid accidental rips.
Why Do It? The Effort Pays Off
Regular cleaning can double a liner’s lifespan, turning a potential five-figure replacement into a once-a-decade task. Premium pigments and quality vinyl (like the ones we sell) retain colour longer and resist chemical fade, stretching your investment even further.
Keeping a liner clean from algae is also healthier for swimmers and looks better, too.
Keep Your Pool Looking Brand-New with Our Products
Whether your liner is due for TLC or replacement, Leisure Industries has expert technicians to help. Chat with us or explore our wide range of above-ground and inground liners today!