Frequently Asked Questions

Vinyl pool liners are a waterproof membrane typically less than a mm thick or about as thick a dime. Measured in "mil" they come in 20 mil and 27 mil. They made of three main layers of specially treated vinyl plastic, designed to withstand the challenging pool environment. 

These layers are:

• A clear, protective top layer: This shields the printed pattern from chemicals and sun.
• The middle layer: This is where the color and pattern are printed.
• The base layer: This is the main vinyl plastic layer.

 Our custom-fit vinyl liners are custom measured for your pool, made with care in the USA. We understand every pool is different, and we're here to make the process easy and enjoyable.  Our pricing is transparent, based on square footage, generally between $12 and $15 per square foot, with options to personalize further. While average replacements in our area start at $5,000, your pool's unique size and shape will determine the final cost.  A smaller plunge pool, for example, will be a much more budget-friendly project than a large lap pool. 

Initially, the clear protective layer prevents fading. Under normal conditions, this layer lasts about 5 years.

After this, the printed pattern begins to fade from sun and chemical exposure, gradually revealing the base vinyl color. This typically happens between 8 and 10 years.

While the liner can still hold water, many people choose to replace it for aesthetic reasons at this point.

The liner can continue to hold water for 12 or more years. Eventually, the vinyl will harden, become brittle, and prone to cracking or splitting, especially from impacts or weak points.

Improper pool chemical balance can accelerate the breakdown of the clear protective layer, causing the pattern to fade faster.

 Good news! Many small pool liner leaks are easily fixed with a simple patch kit, available at most pool and hardware stores. For larger tears, over 2 inches, repairs become more challenging, and anything exceeding 6 inches may require professional attention.

Now, those tears you see above the waterline? They're a bit different. Often, these aren't from cuts, but from the vinyl naturally breaking down due to oils that accumulate on the surface. Since vinyl is petroleum-based, these oils can cause it to deteriorate over time, a bit like dry rot. While we can patch these areas, the adhesive used can sometimes soften the already weakened vinyl, potentially leading to further tearing. But don't worry, with proper maintenance and prompt attention, we can often find a solution to keep your pool looking its best and if it is time to 

 WARNING: Draining your pool is extremely hazardous and should be avoided under all circumstances.

 Unless you're simply removing excess rainwater, never drain more than a few inches of water from your pool. The water in your pool is the only force securing your liner. Draining it will inevitably lead to liner shifting and severe wrinkling.

Furthermore, the pool water counteracts groundwater pressure. Draining your pool allows groundwater to flood in, causing:

• Liner shifting and "pillowing" (floating).
• In catastrophic instances, rupture of the concrete or gunite floor.
• Collapse of the pool walls due to imbalanced pressure from surrounding earth.

The consequences of draining your pool are severe and potentially irreversible. Do not drain your pool.

 Chemicals to use are as follows:

• Balanced Chlorine: 
  • While chlorine is essential for sanitation, it's crucial to maintain proper levels. 
  • Liquid chlorine can bleach vinyl liners if it is allowed to come into direct contact with the liner in its concentrated form. It is very important to make sure it is evenly distributed throughout the pool by running the pump a minimum of 4 hours after it is added. 
• Non-Chlorine Shock: 
  • Potassium monopersulfate is a gentler option for shocking your pool, oxidizing contaminants without drastically increasing chlorine levels. 
• Algaecides: 
  • Many algaecides are safe for vinyl liners, but always check the product label. Look for those specifically designed for vinyl pools.
• pH and Alkalinity Adjusters: 
  • Products designed to raise or lower pH and total alkalinity are generally safe, but follow the manufacturer's instructions carefully.
• Enzyme cleaners: 
  • Enzyme cleaners are great for breaking down organic materials in the pool, and are typically very safe for vinyl liners.

Chemicals to Avoid or Use with Extreme Caution:

• Calcium Hypochlorite (Cal Hypo): 
  • This type of chlorine can be very strong and may bleach or damage vinyl liners if not used correctly. If used, it must be pre-dissolved and distributed very carefully. 
• Shock (powder chlorine)
  • It's very important to dissolve any granular chlorine products fully before adding them to the pool. Also make sure the pool is circulating well when adding chemicals.  I don't recommend it because it settles and leaves white streaks with no pattern
• Trichlor Tablets: 
  • While commonly used, trichlor tablets can be acidic and may damage liners, especially if they rest in one spot. Avoid using floating trichlor dispensers.
• Harsh or Abrasive Cleaners: 
  • Never use abrasive cleaners or those containing petroleum-based products on vinyl liners. These can degrade the vinyl. 
• Chlorine Gas: 
  • Chlorine gas is very strong and can damage vinyl liners. It is not recommended for vinyl liner pools.

A significant number of vinyl pool liner leaks result from cleaning equipment. To minimize this risk, consider these recommendations:

• Brushes: 
  • Avoid standard pool brushes. Instead, opt for a soft-cloth window cleaning brush from a hardware store. Their broad surface area and lack of exposed plastic or metal parts make them ideal for gentle cleaning.
• Leaf Nets: 
  • When using a leaf net, even those with rounded edges, avoid forceful contact with the pool floor. Employ a swooping motion, utilizing the currents generated by the net to lift leaves into the water column to catch them.
• Skimmer Nets: 
  • Skimmer nets pose minimal risk to liners, but regularly inspect them for cracks or damage.
• Vacuum Cleaners: 
  • Choose vacuums with brushes rather than wheels, as they are less abrasive. For automatic vacuums, the Hayward Navigator or similar models are preferred due to their gentler movement compared to impact-style cleaners like the Barracuda.
• General Cleaning Practices: 
  • Regardless of the equipment used, limit cleaning to essential sessions. Excessive cleaning accelerates the wear of the liner's protective layer.

 To ensure safe swimming and prolong the life of your vinyl liner, adhere to these chemical guidelines:

• Chlorine: 
  • Before each swim, use a rapid test strip to check chlorine levels.
  • Do not swim if chlorine levels exceed 5.0 ppm or fall below 1.0 ppm. (Note: 0.5 ppm is generally considered too low for effective sanitation.)
• Alkalinity and Stabilizer: 
  • Monthly testing is sufficient for alkalinity and stabilizer levels.
• Phosphates: 
  • If algae appear despite proper chlorine and alkalinity levels, have your pool water tested for phosphates at a pool supply store. Home test kits typically do not measure phosphate levels.
• Ideal Chemical Ranges for Liner Longevity: 
  • Chlorine: 2.0 ppm - 3.0 ppm
  • Total Alkalinity: 100 ppm - 130 ppm
  • Stabilizer (Cyanuric Acid): 40 ppm - 80 ppm
  • Calcium Hardness: 100 ppm minimum