How to Clean a Vinyl Pool Liner Safely

Every pool will need to be cleaned from time to time – this is not unique to vinyl-lined pools. However, the tools / cleaners used will vary depending on the construction material of the pool.

Here are some guidelines for cleaning vinyl pool liners:

Types of Cleaners:

Two types of cleaners that should never be used on vinyl liners are organic solvents (e.g. paint thinner, nail polish remover, lubricants) and strongly acidic cleaners (e.g. muriatic acid, mineral acids, other cleaners with low pH). Water-based neutral or alkaline cleaners are the safest bet for direct contact with a vinyl liner. When trying a new cleaner, it is good practice to find an inconspicuous spot to test the cleaner before going ‘all-in.’ After a cleaner has done its job, the area should be rinsed with water from the pool to ensure no residue is left behind.

Types of Brushes:

Brushes are a useful tool for removing some tougher dirt on a pool liner. Care should be taken when scrubbing a liner, as small scratches left behind by particularly firm bristles may cause an inconsistent or unappealing look on the liner. For this reason, having several brushes available is recommended. Starting with a microfiber cloth, or the softest brush available – like what one might use to clean their car – is best. Try a few cycles of applying cleaner and using a soft brush before moving to a firmer bristled brush. Plastic bristled brushes marketed as pool brushes are a good, heavier-duty option.

Other Cleaning Tools:

Highly abrasive cleaning tools like steel wool, scouring pads, scourers, ‘magic erasers,’ and pumice stones should not be used to clean a vinyl liner. For highly persistent liner dirt, consult your pool dealer or a professional pool service person.

Steps for Preventing Hard-to-Remove Dirt:

“An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure” applies not only to modern medicine, but also to your pool liner. Perhaps the best thing that can be done to prevent dirt from building up around the border or on the bottom of the pool is to maintain a program of brushing and vacuuming the pool regularly. Frequency will vary with bather load, falling leaves, etc., but sticking to it will be worthwhile. In addition to the above-mentioned cleaning techniques, consider using a rag to wipe the water line of the pool once or twice per week. This area is troublesome for ‘scum’ buildup from skincare products, etc., which can be unsightly.

Using the correct vinyl pool liner cleaning methods prevents scratches, fading, and damage.