Can I Pressure Wash a Vinyl Pool Liner?
Cleaning pool liners is essential for maintaining your pool in sound condition and good looks. Pressure washing vinyl pool liners is one of the most asked pool-related questions. Although a pressure washer may look like a time saver, knowing how it could hurt you is vital. In this article, we will discuss the alternative of cleaning your vinyl pool liner with robot pool cleaners or other pool-cleaning devices.
Is it Safe to Pressure Wash a Vinyl Pool Liner?
Pressure washing is a popular cleaning technique for other surfaces but can damage vinyl pool liners if done improperly. The pressurized water can be too much for the vinyl materials, leading them to tear or warp as they react to water damage. Pressure washing can even drive water behind the liner, causing it to separate from the pool walls. Therefore, although it often feels like a quick solution, pressure washing is not a safe way to clean vinyl pool liners.
More Effective Alternatives to Pressure Washing
1. Robot Pool Cleaners
Cleaning with a pressure washer is not advised for vinyl liners, so try a robot pool cleaner instead. Designed for use on pool surfaces, robotic pool cleaners like the Beatbot AquaSense 2 Pro and Beatbot AquaSense 2 won’t damage the surface of your pool. These swimming pool robot cleaners employ soft but effective brushes and filtration systems to pick up dirt and debris from the vinyl liner without exposing it to damaging cleaning techniques, such as pressure washing.
2. Pool Vacuums
Utilizing a pool vacuum is an equally great way to clean your patio without pressure washing. A pool vacuum cleaner can vacuum the bottom of your pool and remove debris without putting much pressure on your vinyl liner. A pool vacuum for algae can benefit pools with heavy algae buildup. It does not harm the liner and quickly removes stubborn algae.
3. Skimmers for Surface Cleaning
Another gentle trick to keeping your vinyl liner clean is to use a skimmer to regularly scoop up leaves, twigs, and debris on the surface of your pool. Use a skim net—Skimming is a basic yet effective way to ensure dirt doesn’t sink to the bottom, where it’s a chore to remove.
4. Soft Brushing
When addressing stains or mineral buildup on your vinyl liner, use a soft brush made for vinyl. While harsh scrubbing or pressure washing can hurt your liner, a soft-bristled brush will let you scrub it away without harming it. Pair this with the effectiveness of a pool cleaning robot for an even deeper clean.
Will a Robotic Pool Cleaner Remove Algae?
Algae buildup is a big concern for pool owners, especially if they have a unit that uses a robot pool cleaner. The good news is that most robot pool vacuums and swimming pool robot cleaners can tackle algae. Wall-climbing pool cleaners, beatbox iSkim Ultra , and Maytronics pool cleaners remove algae from the floor and walls, which can help keep an environment clean and algae-free.
What is a Pool Booster Pump?
If you want to increase the efficiency of your robotic pool cleaner, you can even opt for a pool booster pump installation. It boosts the water flow for enhanced suction and cleaning activity. With your robotic cleaner, the pool booster pump ensures the removal of even acceptable debris and algae in your pool.
When Is It Right to Acid Wash a Pool?
While using a robot pool cleaner or pool vacuum robot is generally the safest way to clean your vinyl pool liner, sometimes you need to do more intensive cleaning. If you are dealing with stubborn stains or buildup, you might have to acid wash your pool. It should be noted that acid washing should be used sparingly and as a last resort, as it might damage the vinyl liner if not done correctly.
The water in an above-ground pool goes down fast when the wall starts to leak.
When cleaning your pool’s vinyl liner, you might wonder how to drain an inground pool without a pump. You can carefully siphon or use a submersible pump(both of which are covered below) to remove the water. Just clean your drains according to proper guidelines, so you don’t damage your liner or other things.”
Conclusion
Although pressure washing a vinyl pool liner can be an easy cleaning technique, it is discouraged due to the risk of a destructive outcome. Instead, a robot pool cleaner, such as the Beatbot AquaSense 2 Pro or the Beatbot AquaSense 2, is safe and effective. Frequent use of the above pool vacuum, skimmer, and light brushing is sufficient to keep your pool clean and your vinyl liner in good shape. Choosing the right cleaning tools will help you keep your pool sparkling clean and well-maintained without damaging your liner.
