1. The Water

Water from your city water system – in other words, drinking water – is perfectly fine for filling your pool.

If you use well water you should ensure that it does not contain heavy metals, such as iron, copper and manganese. These metals can cause discoloration of the membrane.

In areas where there is a high concentration of calcium (hard water), you should use chemicals to reduce lime and calcium in the pool water. If not, it is going to damage the surface of the membrane.

2. pH value

RECOMMENDED PH VALUE: from 7.0 to 7.6

If the pH value is less than 7.0:

• metal parts of the pool system may corrode
• the membrane will age faster
• wrinkles may form on the surface of the membrane

If the pH value is more than 7.6:

• the chlorine will break down faster
• disinfectant effectiveness is reduced
• calcium deposits will occur on the membrane

3. chlorine value

From 1 to 3 ppm (mg/l) for stabilized chlorine, such as powder or tablets.

From 0.3 to 1.5 ppm (mg/l) for non-stabilized chlorine, such as a salt chlorinator or liquid chlorine.

Too little chlorine content:

• disinfectants not efficient
• water quality deteriorates
• increased growth of biofilm on the membrane, eventually leading to discoloration

Too much chlorine content:

• wrinkles forming on the surface of the membrane
• fading/bleaching of the membrane
• accelerated aging of the membrane

4. water temperature

Recommended temperature: not to exceed 32˚C for reinforced pool membranes

If the temperature is too high:

• disinfectant effectiveness will be clearly reduced
• need for higher chlorine level will increase the risk of membrane bleaching
• increased risk of bubbles and wrinkles forming

5. water treatment & disinfection

WATER TREATMENT AND DISINFECTANT EQUIPMENT

Do not use copper or silver ionizers, sometimes used to kill algae, to disinfect the water. These systems are not suitable for the pool membrane and can cause discoloration. If copper or silver is present in the water, you need to remove it using a pool balancer.

6. water contamination

Avoid contamination of the water by showering before swimming, if possible, and using approved, mild cleaning agents on the pool edge regularly.

NOTE: Sun screens, lotions, tanning oils unite with the metal ions present in water (e.g. iron and copper) and contribute to discoloration and stains along the water line. It is important to maintain the pool membrane always clean on the water line using a product designed for the cleaning of vinyl lining on the water line. Consult your local pool dealer.

7. cleaning products

Only use non-abrasive cleaners designed specifically and approved for swimming pools. Normal industrial or household cleaning products (for instance detergent powder or liquid chemical to remove oil or grease) are not approved for pools and they should not be used. They will damage the swimming pool membrane.

8. cleaning equipment

Use only soft cloths, brushes and sponges for cleaning. Scouring powders, wire brushes or high-pressure cleaners can potentially scratch or harm the membrane surface.

9. caution when covering the swimming pool

Covering the swimming pool has important effect on the water. Temperature can overpass quickly the maximum level to avoid damage on the pool membrane. Moreover, without any circulation of the pool water, the reactivity (or aggressivity) of chemicals inside the water is increasing very fast and can also reach high levels which will harm the pool membrane.

When the swimming pool is covered, it is important to:

• check the water temperature: it should be under 32˚C
• check the level of chlorine in the water: from 1 to 3 ppm (mg/l) for stabilized chlorine, and from 0.3 to 1.5 ppm (mg/l) maximum level for non-stabilized chlorine.
• do not keep the water without recirculation more than 1 hour in order to avoid stagnant water with accumulation of heat and chemicals in certain areas (around the skimmers, the main drains, the corners, etc.)

10. heat warning

Accumulation of heat in the air and water will damage the membrane.

Insufficient circulation of pool water will cause extreme warmth under the cover and will permanently damage the membrane. The air temperature can exceed 60˚C, and the water temperature can exceed 40˚C.

11. preparing the pool for winter

• lower the water level just below the skimmer
• winterize inlets on return lines by closing them tightly
• empty all plumbing lines and drain the filter
• adds floats to the water to protect the membrane from ice damage
• if your pool system is to be stopped, cover the pool with a UV protected cover

Winterizing the swimming pool means protect the membrane against:

• the pollution and contamination present in the air
• the action of the UV rays

By following these steps, you will avoid damaging the membrane.

12. avoid contact with some materials

Some material can lead to stains or discoloration if they come into contact with the pool membrane. Avoid the direct contact with polystyrene, bitumen, tar, industrial oils and grease, solvents, coating material or paints, or rubber (sole of shoes materials or boots, cables, pipes, etc.)

REINFORCED POOL MEMBRANE

Please consult your swimming pool installer if you have any questions about these maintenance topics. Inadequate maintenance and care of the pool can lead to permanent damage to the pool membrane, such as wrinkling, discoloration, bleaching, fading, scratches or accelerated aging.