The vinyl pool liner is designed to give a nice finish to the bottoms and sides of the pool. It also prevents the growth of algae, bacteria, and mold. Over time, the pool liner can darken or accumulate stains and dirt. You can clean your vinyl siding by brushing, scrubbing, or vacuuming it. You can also apply cleaners to the siding to clean it. Once it has been cleaned, you will need to maintain the coating to keep it looking its best.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Brush, Scrub, and Vacuum the Siding
Step 1. Clean the liner with a pool brush
To remove surface dirt and grime from the liner, use a nylon or plastic-bristled pool brush. Pool brushes are curved and often come with an extendable handle to make cleaning easier. Run the brush over the siding to clean dirt and debris. Make sure to clean the sides and bottoms of the siding.
- You can dip the brush in a bucket of pool water to clean it as you go. The brush will easily remove dirt and debris from the coating surface.
- To reach any dirt from the liner under the pool water line, empty the pool and use the brush to reach all of those points.
Step 2. Rub the liner with a clean cloth
You can also clean any thick marks with a clean cloth or rag. Dip the cloth in pool water and rub the marks. Use pool water to remove marks or dirt more easily.
This option may be best for cleaning hard-to-reach spots on the siding. You can keep a rag handy to rub the dirt spots when they start to appear
Step 3. Vacuum the algae or debris from the liner
Get a pool vacuum that has an extendable handle and a vacuum head. Make sure the vacuum head is made for vinyl pool liners, as it will have a brush that won't scratch the material. The vacuum cleaner can be used to remove debris and algae.
The vacuum cleaner works by hooking the hose of the vacuum cleaner to the filter system or the filter system of the swimming pool. Vacuum against the siding to remove debris and algae. Any dirt or debris will go down the hose to the pump and filter
Method 2 of 3: Apply Cleaner to Siding
Step 1. Apply a bleach-based cleaner to the siding
If you notice that bacteria or fungi have stained the coating, use a bleach-based cleaner. These spots will appear as dark spots. Mix one part chlorine bleach and one part water. Use a spray can or small garden sprayer to apply the bleach-based cleaner to the siding. Let the cleaner dry on the siding so it can remove stains.
- You can clean up any stains on the liner while the pool is full by applying cleaner to the water line. You can also empty the pool to clean the liner completely.
- Rub in any excess bleach-based cleaner once the stains are gone. Rinse the liner with water until no bleach remains.
- Be careful when you use bleach. Wear gloves when you touch the bleach and do not ingest it.
Step 2. Use an alkaline-based cleaner
Look for alkaline-based vinyl pool cleaners at your local hardware store or online. Alkaline-based cleaners will be more gentle on vinyl than acid-based cleaners, and will work on stains and discoloration. Apply the cleaner using a spray or a small garden sprayer.
Once you've applied the cleaner, and the stain or discoloration is gone, be sure to rinse the coating thoroughly with water
Step 3. Try a stain remover
If there are stains and layers of dirt on the siding, you can use a vinyl siding stain remover. Look for stain removers at your local hardware store or online. You will find some that come in the form of an eraser, to which you can add an extendable handle. With it you can rub off debris such as algae, rust, paint and oil.
- You can use a stain remover on a specific spot on the liner with the pool full. You can also empty the pool to remove stains from the entire liner.
- Make sure to rinse off the stain remover after you're done using it. Use clean water and let it air dry outside. This will ensure that the chlorine in the pool will not deteriorate the tool over time.
Method 3 of 3: Maintaining the Pool Liner
Step 1. Use a pool liner
To keep the pool clean, use a pool liner when you are not going to use it for a while. You can do this during the winter to protect the siding. Get a pool liner that fits the measurements well and fits tightly sealing the corners. This will keep dirt and debris out of the pool.
If you are using a floating tarp, be sure to lift the corners of the tarp every few weeks to confirm that no leaves or debris have fallen into the pool
Step 2. Maintain proper pool chemical levels
Most pools clean and maintain themselves properly if they have the proper levels of chemicals. To ensure the coating stays clean, check that the alkalinity, calcium hardness, pH, and chlorine levels are correct. You can use a test set to determine the chemical levels in the pool. Check the levels once a week to make sure they are correct.
- In a standard size pool, pH levels of 7.4 to 7.8 are recommended, an alkalinity level between 100 and 150 ppm (parts per million), and a calcium hardness between 200 and 250 ppm.
- Chlorine levels in an unheated pool should be between 1 and 3 ppm and chlorine levels in a heated pool should be between 2 and 4 ppm.
- If you cover the pool during the winter, it reduces the amount of chemicals in the pool by 60%.
Step 3. Clean the pool regularly
Maintain the liner by cleaning the pool at least once a week. Use a filter to remove any leaves, dirt, and debris from the surface of the pool. Vacuum the pool to remove the algae. Brush the liner with a pool brush to remove dirt before it becomes stains.