Do Robotic Pool Vacuums Cause Pool Liners to Wrinkle?

If you have a pool, you may use a robotic pool vacuum to clean it. These smart cleaners move by themselves and pick up dirt from the water. They help your pool stay fresh and fun. But some people ask, "Can robotic pool vacuums cause wrinkles in pool liners?"

A pool liner is a soft layer that covers the inside of many pools. It makes the pool look nice and keeps water from leaking. Wrinkles in the liner can make your pool look messy or feel weird under your feet.

In this blog, we’ll find out if robotic vacuums are the problem. We’ll also show you how to stop wrinkles from happening and how to fix them if they do.

Understanding Robotic Pool Vacuums and Vinyl Liners 

A robotic pool vacuum is a really neat machine that cleans itself and does cleaning in your pool. All you do is plug it into an electric supply, drop it into the water, and then it cleans the floor and walls. It has soft brushes that aid cleaning and wheels that facilitate movement. It also has a small sucking motor inside, and then pushes clean water back out. 

A vinyl liner is a smooth, soft sheet that covers the inside of your pool. It comes in different colours and patterns. Many people use vinyl liners because they are not too expensive and look nice.

But vinyl is soft. If something pulls or pushes on it too much, it can get wrinkles. That’s why people worry about robotic vacuums. But don’t worry, we’ll explain everything below. 

Can Robotic Pool Vacuums Cause Wrinkling? 

The short answer is no; most robotic vacuums do not cause wrinkles.

Newer vacuums are made to be safe. They have soft rubber tracks or rollers. They don’t press hard on the liner. They just glide gently across the floor and walls.

You might think the vacuum climbs walls because of strong wheels, but that’s not true! Here’s how it works:

You might assume the vacuum’s ability to climb walls comes from aggressive wheels digging into the liner, but that’s a misconception. Here’s how it works: the vacuum’s internal pump, similar to the dual-jet system in the Aiper Scuba X1 Pro Max, boasts a powerful 8,500 GPH suction pressure, pulling in water and expelling it to create propulsion, allowing the cleaner to adhere to walls like a magnet. This design minimizes direct pressure on the liner, reducing friction and the risk of damage. The Scuba X1 Pro Max’s FlexiPath™ 2.0 navigation further ensures smooth, adaptive movement, avoiding prolonged contact that could disturb the liner.

This smart design keeps the liner safe and secure. Robotic vacuums are usually not the reason for wrinkles. There are other things that cause problems.

Factors That Contribute to Pool Liner Wrinkles

Here are some common reasons why liners get wrinkles:

• Bad pool water. Research by pool liner manufacturers indicates that low pH levels can cause vinyl liners to absorb water, leading to stretching and the formation of wrinkles.
• Wrong liner setup. If the liner is installed improperly, it may slip and bunch up over time.
• Water loss. If your pool drains water or you drain it quickly, the liner can come out of place.
• Ground movement. The liner might wrinkle if the ground under the pool shifts or sinks.

Robotic vacuums might tumble over a wrinkle, but they do not typically leave traces. They can, however, exacerbate a very small wrinkle if left sitting on it for too long. That's why it's good to check your vacuum periodically.

How to Choose a Vinyl-Safe Robotic Pool Vacuum 

Want a cleaner that’s safe for your pool liner? Here are four easy tips:

1. Soft brushes or tracks. Avoid hard wheels or sharp brushes.
2. Adjustable suction. This helps control how strong it pulls.
3. Read reviews. Some vacuums are known to be good with vinyl. One example is the Aiper Scuba X1 Pro Max. It works well even on pools with small wrinkles.
4. Check the box. Make sure it says “safe for vinyl” before you buy it.

Tips to Prevent Pool Liner Wrinkles When Using a Robotic Vacuum 

Here’s how to prevent pool liner wrinkles before they start:

1. Keep pool water balanced. The pH should be between 7.2 and 7.6. Don’t use too much chlorine.
2. Look at your liner often. Catch small wrinkles before they get big.
3. Watch the vacuum. Make sure it’s not stuck in one spot.
4. Don’t overuse it. Let the vacuum clean a little at a time.
5. Call a pool pro every few years. They can check the liner to make sure it’s okay.

These simple steps can help your liner stay smooth and last longer. 

What to Do If Your Pool Liner Wrinkles

Uh-oh! Do you see a wrinkle in your liner? Don’t panic. Try this:

• Turn off the vacuum. Give the liner a break.
• Check the water. Ensure the pH and chlorine levels are correct.
• Call a pool expert. They can tell if the wrinkle is big or small.
• Fix it. Small wrinkles might be pushed out by hand underwater. Big wrinkles may need a pro to stretch or fix the liner.

Many wrinkles can be fixed if you act fast!

Conclusion 

So, do robotic pool vacuums cause pool liners to wrinkle? Not really. Most of the time, the problem originates from contaminated water or soil changes, not your cleaner.

If you buy the best pool vacuum for vinyl liners and take care of your pool, your liner will stay smooth and pleasant.

Want to clean your pool without making wrinkles? Try a vinyl-safe robotic vacuum and follow our easy tips to keep your pool happy!