How to Care for Your Pool Liner: Protect Your Pool Membrane for the Long Term
A high-quality reinforced pool membrane does more than define the appearance of your swimming pool. It is also the surface that is constantly exposed to pool water, disinfectants, heat, UV radiation and various types of contamination. Proper care is therefore essential.
Pool maintenance always includes caring for your pool membrane. Unbalanced water values, unsuitable cleaning products, excessive heat or contact with certain materials can affect the surface. Possible consequences include discolouration, fading, wrinkles, scratches or accelerated ageing of the pool membrane.
If you want to care for your pool liner properly, do not wait until stains or visible changes appear. Regular, membrane-friendly maintenance is the key to protecting its appearance and condition.
Pool Liner Care at a Glance:
Parameter
Recommendation for ELBE pool membranes
pH value
7.0 to 7.6
Alkalinity
80 to 120 ppm
Stabilised chlorine
1 to 3 ppm (mg/l)
Non-stabilised chlorine
0.3 to 1.5 ppm (mg/l)
Cleaning
Non-abrasive cleaners designed and approved for swimming pools
Comprehensive information on caring for your reinforced pool membrane can be found in our maintenance instructions, available here to view or download.
Would you like a printed copy, or are you a pool installer who would like to provide your customers with printed maintenance instructions when handing over their pool?
Please contact us at sales@elbtal-plastics.de or directly via our contact form.
The most important factors are controlled water values, gentle cleaning, regular cleaning of the waterline, avoiding unsuitable materials and protecting the membrane from excessive heat and unsuitable water treatment methods. For ELBE pool membranes, always observe the values and recommendations in the relevant maintenance instructions and data sheets (request data sheet).
Wrinkles in a pool membrane can have several causes. These include a consistently low pH value, excessive levels of free chlorine and excessive water temperatures. Incorrect pH values may also cause expansion due to increased water absorption. Regularly checking the pH value, alkalinity, chlorine level and water temperature helps protect the membrane from unnecessary stress.
Discolouration can be caused by metals such as iron, copper or manganese in the pool water. Along the waterline, sunscreens, lotions and tanning oils may also react with iron or copper ions and cause visible discolouration or staining. Copper or silver ionizers can also cause discolouration of the membrane.
Clean the waterline regularly and as gently as possible. Use products specifically designed for cleaning vinyl pool linings together with soft cloths, brushes or sponges. Do not use standard household cleaners or abrasive cleaning tools, as they can damage the membrane surface.
Fading or bleaching can be associated with incorrect water values or excessively high chlorine levels. High water temperatures can also contribute indirectly because disinfectants become less effective, which may result in the need for higher chlorine levels. This in turn increases the risk of the membrane bleaching.
The recommended pH value is between 7.0 and 7.6. A pH value below 7.0 can accelerate ageing and contribute to wrinkles, while a pH value above 7.6 can reduce disinfectant effectiveness and lead to calcium deposits on the membrane.
Recommended chlorine levels depend on the type of chlorination used. For ELBE pool membranes, stabilised chlorine should be maintained between 1 and 3 ppm (mg/l). For non-stabilised chlorine, such as a salt chlorinator or liquid chlorine, the recommended range is 0.3 to 1.5 ppm (mg/l). Excessively high levels may contribute to wrinkles, fading, bleaching and premature ageing, while insufficient chlorine may encourage biofilm growth and subsequent discolouration.
No. Standard household or industrial cleaning products, such as multi-purpose cleaners or liquid grease removers, may damage the swimming pool membrane. Only use non-abrasive cleaners designed and approved specifically for swimming pools. Scouring powders, wire brushes and high-pressure cleaners should also not be used.
A pool cover can cause problems if excessive heat develops underneath it or the pool water is not sufficiently circulated. Heat and chemicals can accumulate in areas with stagnant water. When the pool is covered, the water should therefore not be left without circulation for more than one hour. Water temperature and chlorine levels should also be monitored.
In regions where winter water temperatures fall below 15 °C, lower the water level to just below the skimmer, winterise the return-line inlets, empty the plumbing lines, drain the filter and use floats to protect the membrane from ice damage. If the system is shut down, the pool should be covered with a UV-resistant cover. In warmer climates, active winter maintenance with regular water testing, balanced water treatment and reduced filtration is recommended.
In areas where the water temperature generally remains above 15 °C, active maintenance during the winter is recommended. Check the water every 20 days and, if necessary, adjust the chlorine level, pH and alkalinity. Use a winterising product specifically designed for lined pools, free from copper sulphate, in accordance with the recommendations of the water treatment system supplier. Also, keep the filtration system running for around 3 hours a day, or 2 hours if the temperature drops below 15 °C. Regularly remove leaves, dirt and organic matter, and empty the skimmer baskets.
Questions About Caring for Your Pool Liner?
Do you have further questions about pool liner care? Please contact us.
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