EcoSmarte Pool System Manual page 66

Vinyl Pools
Since 1980, the vinyl liner has made substantial inroads on the swimming pool industry and has
become the dominant choice. In the northern markets, some have argued vinyl lined pools are crack
resistant during below freezing weather. The 7 to 15 year window on vinyl replacement is less expen-
sive than a replaster project. Vinyl Liner replacement can be as much as $3000 to $4000 less than
a re-plaster in most North American markets.
90% or more of the northern U.S. pools are lined with vinyl, and these pools have recently begun
showing up in Texas, Florida, and California.
Operating Issues
As with plaster pools, the calcium hardness should be maintained at about 200 ppm minimum and
the pH should be maintained above 6.6 (7.2 if using chlorine or bromine). Sanitizer levels above 5.0
ppm (free chlorine) can bleach the liner, as can improper handling of chlorine or acid. Vinyl pools
are more resistant to stains and less resistant to mold underneath the pool or damage from concen-
trated chemicals. To avoid mold, confirm all drainage flow from the house is directed away from the
pool.
Maintenance Issues
Vinyl pools require little maintenance and have a 6 to 20 year life dependence on water chemistry.
Liners are replaced at a cost of $3000 to $4000 and come in hundreds of colors. If your pool is
built in a clay (vs. sand) soil environment, proper filling and drainage are needed to keep water from
forming under the liner and giving you water mold issues.
Make certain ALL drainpipes are pointed away from the pool. If water is running toward your pool
from the neighbor's higher elevation house, installing a French drain system may be necessary.
Vinyl pools do not require weekly brushing to avoid algae in high season but do have other issues.
Shocking the pool with chlorine must be done with care to avoid bleaching and spotting. Distribute
shock (liquid or solid) around the pool and emphasize the deep end. Dilute liquid acid with water in
five gallon bucket and "pool" it in the deep end of the pool when adjusting pH down. Keep calcium
above 200 ppm and pH above 6.6 to prevent the liner from becoming brittle before its tenth year
after install.
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