Cleaning & Care of Pool Furniture
Dealing with pool and patio furniture in this Mid- Atlantic region can be very aggravating. Environmental affects such as sun, acid rain and wind along with the chemical impacts of chlorine and suntan lotion eventually destroy the once beautiful furniture. Fading and discoloration is inevitable. However, with a little know-how, you can prolong (sometimes even double) the usable life of the chairs, chaises, tables and umbrellas.
In a commercial setting, standard retail furniture is not strong enough. No matter how upscale the clientele, they still do not treat them as their own. The furniture is abused. This is why it is extremely important to have frames that are built like tanks. The most durable and cost effective furniture to have pool-side is constructed of welded aluminum that is powder-coated. Structurally they should be “beefed up” by having extra support bars in the “stress” areas. The most trouble free seating employs 2" virgin vinyl strapping that is double wrapped.
Both the powder paint and vinyl strapping are specifically manufactured for outdoor use. These products are formulated using ultra-violet stabilizers and mildew inhibitors. If treated and stored properly you should experience almost a decade of them looking good.. HOWEVER, in my experience, I have found that the longevity of the furniture is more a factor of what you don’t do, rather than what is done. Below you will find my primer of do’s and don’ts.
DO
- Recommend that towels always be used on chaise lounges.
- Have the lifeguards clean a select amount of pieces every morning. Clean only with warm soapy water (light dish detergent such as Dawn) or vinyl cleaners using sponge or soft brush. Top with a vinyl protectant..
- Protect the painted frames using an automotive liquid or paste wax.
- Fiberglass table tops should be periodically cleaned and waxed as above.
- Acrylic table tops are best cleaned with special cleaner designed for acrylic. If not available, use warm soapy water.
- Clean umbrellas as the manufacturers recommend for the type of fabric used. Always allow to dry in the open position.
- At the end of the season, clean the furniture, then store a covered, dry area.. Cold will not affect the paint or vinyl, moisture will.
DON’T
- Use cleaners that are comprised of harsh solvents or abrasives. This is the number one cause for premature aging & discoloration of vinyl strappping. If at all questionable, don’t use it.
- Use abrasive pads or brushes
- Powerwash the frames & vinyl. Although a very low pressure will not harm the surfaces, medium to high pressure will kill them. I have seen this many, many times. It’s too tempting for the operator to “turn it up a notch”.
- Throw the furniture in the pool when a storm in imminent. The chlorine will not only destroy the paint & vinyl but will also get inside the frames.. Chlorine is very nasty stuff.
- Clean umbrellas then put them away in the closed position while wet.
- Use a glass cleaner on an acrylic table-top.
Most manufacturers offer very “limited” warranties, if any at all, on the fading and discoloration of the paint and vinyl on strapped furniture. . Their reasoning is straightforward. If cleaned improperly, the colors WILL fade, the vinyl WILL become brittle and the paint WILL chalk.
Do not be afraid. If treated right, the furniture will reciprocate and treat you to many trouble free years. After 10 or so years give us a call and we can extend the life even further by restrapping and repainting.
John P. McCrudden
Owner: The Southern Company
Contract outdoor furniture refurbishing & sales for over 20 years.
