1.     Maintain good water balance. When your water is properly balanced, and a sanitizing agent such as chlorine is added to control bacteria and other contaminants, the result is ideal swimming pool water. Quality Pools & Spas and Quality Water Services, working from considerable knowledge of pool chemistry and backed by the instructions of the various chemical manufacturers, is a valuable resource in attaining this goal. Water balance is a very complex subject. Total alkalinity and calcium hardness, for instance, will vary from area to area depending on the local water supply.

Parameter pH Total Alkalinity Calcium Hardness Free Chlorine	Recommended Range 7.4 to 7.6 80 to 125 ppm 150 to 250 ppm 1.0 to 3.0 ppm	Test Frequency Daily Weekly Monthly Daily
ppm = parts per million

2.     The most important factor in the control of water chemistry is pH. The pH is the measure of the acidity and alkalinity of the water, with 7.0 being neutral. Never allow the pH to fall below 7.0 into the acid range. Below 7.0 complex interactions occur which are very harmful to the liner. In this range the liner actually “grows” and develops unsightly wrinkles that cannot be removed, and the liner ages prematurely.

 

3.     Chlorine abuse is a major cause of liner degradation. A high concentration of chlorine will attack the liner, bleach it, cause it to “alligator,” and make the vinyl deteriorate rapidly. Therefore, you must never allow chlorine to come into contact with the liner before it has been fully dissolved and thoroughly dispersed in the water.

 

4.     If you use granular chlorine, dissolve it in a bucket of water, pour the liquid around the pool perimeter, and thoroughly agitate the water to ensure that the chlorine is thoroughly dispersed. Never just throw the granules into the pool, as they can collect on the bottom and attack the vinyl.

 

5.     If you use tablet chlorine, add it into the skimmer(s) or to a properly functioning feeder. Never add them directly to the pool, because they will certainly attack the vinyl. If you use calcium hypochlorite tablets, you should not add them to the skimmer, as the chlorine can migrate back into the pool when the filter is turned off and attack the liner wall in the area of the skimmer.

 

6.     If you use liquid chlorine, pour it around the pool perimeter and agitate the water to thoroughly disperse it. Liquid chlorine is NOT household bleach.

 

7.     To make sure the chlorine is thoroughly dispersed, it is a good idea in all cases to have the circulating pump running for a minimum of four hours after addition of chemicals.

 

8.     In adding chemicals to your pool water, remember that “more” is not “better.” Too much may actually be very harmful to your liner, and is certainly a waste of money.

 

9.     For the sake of safety, never mix chemicals together. Add them one at a time. And always add chemicals to water, never the other way around.

 

10.   Never drain the pool to where you would have less than about one foot of water in the shallow end. If the water pressure is removed from the liner, even for a short time, the liner may shrink. In addition to being unsightly, this can cause the liner to tear in the corners or around fittings or steps. GOOD ADVICE: DO NOT DRAIN YOUR POOL UNLESS YOU KNOW WHAT YOU ARE DOING.

 

11.   Most liners will eventually get a “bathtub ring” at the waterline from the accumulation of body oils, suntan lotions, etc. These can usually be removed by Off The Wall®. Avoid the use of abrasive cleaning agents like steel wool, sharp bristled brushes, scouring pads, etc., as these can damage your liner. Never use gasoline, kerosene, or other petroleum based products, as these can cause your liner to deteriorate rapidly.

 

12.   Keep your filtration system in good working order so it can remove impurities and help in the dispersal of pool chemicals.

 

13.   If you should ever develop a leak in your liner, special patching glues that allow you to repair the liner underwater, without having to drain the water.

I hope this was helpful. If you have any other questions concerning a NEW liner or the current one contact our office.