Ever wondered about those hideous stains and scum you noticed on your otherwise squeaky-clean pool liners? Do you want to know how to remove these unsightly and unhygienic stains? Why is awful discoloration making your lovely pool dirty? Where do they come from, and how to get rid of them once and for all? This article will hopefully give insight into stubborn stains on your pool liners and how to clean them.
Reasons behind Stains on Pool Liners
- Toys that have sunk to the bottom of the water.
- Debris from trees and leaves.
- Metallic items left in the water, i.e., black stains, are caused by the liner coming in contact with metals like manganese.
- Copper stains (teal or blue-green) could be due to pool heaters or pipes.
- Iron stains (reddish-brown or yellow) come from corroded iron pipes, handrails, ladders, etc.
- Green or brown stains originate from algae, leaves, mud, bugs, and other organic matter.
- A bacterial build-up can cause light pink stains.
Steps to Clean Pool Liner
- Use a pool brush: A pool brush with plastic or nylon bristles helps remove dirt from the pool liner. These brushes usually come with an extendable handle which makes cleaning the liner easier. Before using them, the brushes themselves need to be cleaned thoroughly.
- Use a clean cloth: Clean clothes or towels can be used to clean any thick marks.
- Use a pool vacuum: Pool vacuums have vacuum heads made explicitly for vinyl pool liners. Any algae and debris can be removed by running the vacuum against the pool liners, directing all the dirt through the hose to the pump basket and filter.
- Apply bleach cleaner: Bleach cleaners come in handy when removing dark stains on liners caused by bacteria and fungi. Spray the bleach cleaner on the liner surface, let it dry, and then clean the liner. Be careful not to touch or ingest any bleach, and always wear gloves while using the bleach cleaner.
- Apply alkaline-based cleaner: Alkaline-based cleaners are preferable to acid-based ones as they are gentler on the liner and more effective in removing discoloration and stains. Spray the cleaner on the liner, remove the stains and discoloration, and rinse the liner carefully with water.
- Use stain remover: Stain removers explicitly made for vinyl pool liners are available to purchase and can be used to remove stains and scum. Use clean water to rinse the liner after applying the stain remover and let it dry outside.
- Ascorbic acid: Ascorbic acid can be convenient for cleaning stains caused by metals being left in the pool and coming in contact with the pool liner for a prolonged time.
Pro Tips
- Always read the manufacturer’s instructions written on the packaging on the type of cleaner you choose, and test any new products on a small patch of your liner first.
- Never drain a pool with a vinyl liner during your routine cleaning, as the water helps secure the pool liner.
- Throwing a tennis ball in the water and leaving it there can help absorb oils and save your pool liner extra damage.
- If you do not want to use harsh chemicals to clean your pool liner, natural and organic cleaners like white vinegar or organic dish soap can be an alternative.
- When brushing the pool walls, brush the dirt towards the floor. This will make it easier to suck up the debris while vacuuming.
- Even if you use brushes and vacuums to clean the liner, give the hard-to-clean areas extra care by scrubbing them with a smaller tool using your hands.
Conclusion
As the saying goes, “Prevention is better than cure.” Regular checking and maintenance are essential in keeping your pool healthy, especially during the peak of the summer swimming season. Clean and emerging stain before it gets the chance to settle and scoop up any leaves, toys, or debris that drop in your pool daily.
Keep the overall pool chemistry balanced, use metal sequesters to prevent metal build-up, vacuum to remove algae, and get the pool professionally cleaned if you use it extensively. Apply a pool cover when you are not using the collection, and if you are not planning to use the pool for a while, lift the edge of the lid every few weeks to ensure no debris has fallen into the pool. Pool maintenance is no walk-in-the-park, but keeping your pool safe, healthy, and fun is all worth it.
