Leaves can cause unsightly stains on vinyl pool liners, which can quickly turn your brand-new pool liners into unsightly pieces of vinyl. Luckily, you can remove leaf stains quickly and easily with just a few simple steps.
To remove leaf stains from a vinyl pool liner, you will need a pool brush, a soft cloth, and a vinyl pool liner cleaner. You may also need a pumice stone or a mild abrasive cleanser if the stains are particularly stubborn.
In this article, we’ll go into the different types of stains you might struggle with, the steps for how to remove some of the toughest stains from your vinyl pool liner, and how to prevent stains from appearing on your pool liner in the first place. Let’s dive in!
What Causes Stains on Vinyl Pool Liners?
There are several different things that can cause stains on your vinyl pool liner.
The most common culprit is leaves. When leaves fall into the pool, they can stain the liner if they sit there for too long. Other things that can cause stains on pool liners include:
- Suntan lotion
- Pollen
- Dirt
- Debris
This happens because these substances can interact with the chemicals in your pool water, causing them to bond to the liner. This is why it’s so important to brush and vacuum your pool regularly to prevent stains from happening in the first place.
But, not to worry. If you find that your pool liner does have stains, you can try a few different things to get rid of them.
Another problem with vinyl pool liners is that they sometimes turn white. Find out what causes the change in color and whether you can do something about it. [XX Reasons Why Vinyl Pool Liners Turn White]
6 Ways To Remove Leaf Stains From Vinyl Pool Liners
1. Use a Pumice Stone
One popular method is to use a pumice stone. Pumice stones are great for removing stubborn stains, but be careful not to damage the liner in the process.
To use the pumice stone:
- Wet the stone.
- Gently scrub the stained area in a circular motion. You may need to apply some pressure, but be careful not to scratch the liner.
- Rinse when you’re finished to remove any dirt.
2. Use Vinegar or Lemon Juice
If you don’t have a pumice stone, you can use vinegar or lemon juice.
- Apply the vinegar or lemon juice to the stained area.
- Scrub it with a brush.
- Rinse when finished to get rid of any leftover vinegar or lemon juice.
3. Use Baking Soda
Another option is to use baking soda. Baking soda is a gentle cleanser that can be used on most surfaces, including vinyl pool liners.
To use baking soda:
- Wet the stained area.
- Sprinkle baking soda over it.
- Rub the area with a brush to work the baking soda into the stain.
- Rinse when finished to get rid of any leftover baking soda.
4. Use a Commercial Cleaner
If you want an easy way to remove leaf stains from your vinyl pool liner, you can use a commercial cleaner. There are many different brands of cleaners available, so be sure to read the label carefully to make sure it’s safe for use on vinyl.
I recommend the Bon Ami Powder Cleanser (available on Amazon), as it is made using a gentle formula that can help clear some of the toughest stains.
To use the cleaner:
- Follow the instructions on the label. Most cleaners will require you to apply the solution to the stained area and then scrub it with a brush.
- Rinse when finished to get rid of any leftover vinegar or lemon juice
5. Use a Pool Brush
If the stains are not too bad, you can see if a pool brush will be enough to scrub them away. Be sure to use a soft-bristled brush, so you don’t damage the liner.
To use a pool brush to clear stains, simply:
- Wet the area with some water.
- Gently scrub at the stain with the brush.
6. Use a Soft Cloth
If the stains are really light, try using a soft cloth to rub them away. Start by doing the following:
- Wet the cloth with some water.
- Gently rub at the stain.
- If the stain is stubborn, you can add a little bit of vinegar or lemon juice to the cloth before rubbing.
Preventing Stains on Vinyl Pool Liners
The best way to deal with stains is to prevent them from happening in the first place. There are several different things you can do to help keep your pool liner clean and stain-free.
- Brush and Vacuum Regularly. One of the most important things you can do is to brush and vacuum your pool regularly. This will remove any leaves, dirt, or debris that could stain the liner. Be sure to brush the walls and floor of the pool, as well as the steps and ladder.
- Use a Pool Cover. Another great way to prevent stains is to use a pool cover. Pool covers help keep debris out of the pool and make it easier to brush and vacuum.
- Use a Filter Bag. If you have a leaf vacuum, be sure to use a filter bag. This will prevent leaves and dirt from getting into the pool water and staining the liner.
- Use Strainers. If you have a skimmer, be sure to use strainers. Strainers help keep leaves and other debris out of the skimmer basket. This can prevent them from getting into the pool and staining the liner.
- Use a Treatment for Your Liner. Finally, you can use a treatment for your liner. There are many different treatments available, but some of the most popular options include vinyl conditioners and UV blockers. These treatments help protect the liner from the sun and prevent stains.
The Bottom Line
Overall, there are several methods you can use to remove leaf stains from vinyl pool liners. The best method for you will depend on the severity of the stains and the type of liner you have. Be sure to try a few different methods until you find one that works best for you.
Preventing stains is always the best option, so be sure to brush and vacuum your pool regularly. You can also use a pool cover to help keep debris out of the water.