Robot cleaners on vinyl liner pools

A vinyl liner is a flexible sheet that hangs inside the pool and holds the water. It's softer than plaster or tile, so the question for a robot is how firmly it touches. That's where the makers' advice starts.

What makers say about the liner itself

One maker says the liner is softer than concrete or tile, so aggressive brushes or an unsuitable cleaning mechanism may cause unnecessary wear over time.¹ A second maker warns about sharp edges and heavy brush pressure on liners.² A pool builder says liners are susceptible to punctures.³

Notice the wording. These are cautions about the wrong kind of machine, not a ban on robots.

Where the risk sits

A second maker names the main risk as repeated hard contact with seams and fittings.⁴ So two things are worth knowing about your robot:

• How firm are its brushes and tracks, and does the manual say they suit vinyl?
• What does the manual say about seams and fittings?

The manual should answer both. If it doesn't mention vinyl at all, ask the maker before you run it.

Grip on a smooth liner

One maker says vinyl is smooth enough to challenge traction on walls.² The manual for your own robot is the place to read how its maker handles walls on a liner. If it says nothing about walls and vinyl together, ask the maker in writing and keep the reply with your pool papers.

Ageing and marks

Liners also change with time. A pool builder says they show discoloration as they age.³ That's worth keeping in mind before you blame a new robot for a faded patch. If you're unsure about a mark, a pool professional or the liner maker can look at it.

What to check before the first run

• Find the manual's list of suitable surfaces and look for vinyl by name.
• Check the brush type the maker pairs with vinyl liners.
• Look at the liner for sharp edges nearby, such as loose fittings or a snagged seam.
• Follow the manual for your own model, including how to lower it into the pool.

One maker's own advice is to confirm a robot suits vinyl before you buy it.¹ If you already own one, the same idea applies. Read what the maker says about liners before the first run. Write down anything the manual leaves out, and ask the maker about it. Keep the answers somewhere you can find them again later.

Not sure it's vinyl? Check the signs here. The wider picture is in why the surface matters.

Keep swimmers out of the water whenever the robot is running, and follow the manual on power supplies near water.