Tips for Waterbed Maintenance and Care

Flotation furniture, like a waterbed, assists with reducing muscle fatigue because the buoyant weightless feeling allows the body to relax more easily. Waterbeds offer customizable support for hips and joints and help to reduce allergies in the bedroom. In this article, we’ll discuss tips for waterbed maintenance and care so that you can maximize waterbed durability and useful life. 

Tips for waterbed maintenance include: keep sharp objects and pets away from the bed and don’t allow children to jump on it. To protect the waterbed frame and mattress, place a safety liner inside the frame, and if using a waterbed heater place it beneath the liner. Air the waterbed regularly, clean the vinyl mattress with a vinyl cleaner and place a heavy-duty mattress pad over the waterbed mattress to protect it. To prolong the lifespan of a waterbed, add a conditioner to the water, don’t overfill the bladder, and release air bubbles that get trapped inside the mattress. 

With its many benefits, it only makes sense to take extra care of your waterbed so it can be enjoyed for longer. Waterbed maintenance is not expensive as we explain in our comprehensive waterbed cost guide which provides a detailed overview of all the essential waterbed information you will need. 

A waterbed like this needs extra care and maintenance to ensure that it lasts for as long as possible. Image Source: Pinterest.com.

Tip 1. Avoid Sharp Objects 

Any bed that has a rubber or vinyl bladder that is filled with either water or air can be accidentally punctured if sharp objects pierce the membrane. Our article about how to repair an airbed leak explains some repairing methods that could work with a waterbed. As we discuss in our step-by-step instructions for draining a waterbed, draining a waterbed to fix a leak can be quite laborious so it is better to keep all objects that could puncture it—like car keys, hairpins, belt buckles, brooches, or any other sharp objects—away from the waterbed surface. 

Tip 2. Prevent Pets from Climbing onto a Waterbed

The vinyl used in waterbed manufacturing is strong and thick but that doesn’t mean that a boisterous dog or cat couldn’t tear or damage its surface. It is better to prevent accidental leaks caused by claws by not allowing pets on a waterbed. 

Tip 3. Prevent Kids from Jumping on a Waterbed

Excessive bouncing and jumping can cause direct pressure on certain areas of a waterbed mattress that could weaken the vinyl and cause tears and ruptures, so children should be dissuaded from bouncing and playing on a waterbed. Waterbeds are not safe for young children or babies to sleep on because there is a risk of suffocation and entrapment, which this brochure about child safety, published by the American Legion, explains. 

Tip 4. Place a Safety Liner Under the Mattress

A waterbed safety liner like this will protect the waterbed frame from moisture damage due to accidental leaks or natural condensation. Our article about waterbed temperature control discusses how to reduce condensation so that your waterbed and frame remain in good condition. 

A waterbed safety liner will protect the waterbed frame from moisture. Image Source: Amazon.

Tip 5. Place the Waterbed Heater Under the Safety Liner

A waterbed heater like this must be placed under the waterbed liner to properly heat the water without being in contact with moisture. A thermostat in the waterbed heater regulates the temperature so that it doesn’t overheat. If the heater is incorrectly placed above the safety liner then it could get wet from condensation on the vinyl, and there is a risk that the heater may have an electrical short. This video shows the step-by-step process of installing a waterbed heater with a safety liner. 

Tip 6. Clean the Mattress with Vinyl Cleaner

The vinyl mattress must be wiped down every time you change the bedding, to remove any skin oils or moisture from condensation. Never use bleach or ammonia-based cleaners to clean a waterbed mattress because they are too harsh and will cause the vinyl to perish. Instead, use a soft microfiber cloth like this, and this vinyl cleaner to wipe down your waterbed mattress. Doing so will keep its surface supple and strong.  

Tip 7. Use a Heavy-Duty Mattress Pad

According to this article from Boyd Waterbeds, oils and moisture from human skin can ruin the vinyl component of a waterbed mattress, so installing a mattress pad like this as a protective barrier will help maintain the longevity of the vinyl bladder. Our article comparing mattress pads to mattress covers will help you choose one to use on your waterbed. 

A mattress pad will help protect your waterbed by reducing condensation and by acting as a barrier against accidental spills. Image Source: Amazon.

Tip 8. Air the Bed Frequently

Waterbeds can sometimes have moisture droplets form on the surface due to condensation, which can lead to the growth of mildew. It is a good idea to regularly air your waterbed by leaving all bedding off for a few hours a week. 

Tip 9. Place Waterbed Conditioner in the Water

Waterbed conditioning solution must be placed in the water when the bed is first filled, and once or twice a year thereafter. This waterbed conditioner will prevent the growth of algae or bacteria inside the water, as well as protect the interior of the vinyl mattress to prevent it from deteriorating. 

Tip 10. Don’t Overfill the Waterbed

Though there are many waterbed myths, it is quite difficult to burst a waterbed. Our article on why waterbeds were discontinued disproves many waterbed horror stories. But you do need to pay careful attention to not over-or under-fill a waterbed mattress because this will affect the comfort level and cause continuous strain on the mattress. You can fill a waterbed until it reaches the desired firmness, but noticeable bulges and leaking are a good indication that it is too full. 

Tip 11. Remove Air Bubbles 

Waterbeds can sometimes develop bubbles inside when the water evaporates. These pockets of air can make the waterbed mattress feel uncomfortable. They can be forced out with a broomstick or air pump as demonstrated in this video tutorial.

For more information, be sure to take a look at some common waterbed issues and how to fix them. You may also be interested in learning if you should use a waterbed on the second floor. Be sure to read our related article to find out.

How Often Should You Change the Water in a Waterbed?

If a waterbed starts to develop a strange odor then the water has probably become contaminated with bacteria or algae and will need to be thoroughly drained. 

When a good-quality waterbed conditioner is added to the water as the bed is being filled, the water won’t need changing. The water inside a waterbed only has to be drained if the waterbed needs to be moved, or if the water becomes contaminated and develops an odor.

If the water in a waterbed has become contaminated it will have to be drained and replaced with new water along with this waterbed water shock treatment. The only other time that you may need to drain your waterbed would be to move or dispose of it. We go into more detail about this in our article that discusses waterbed removal services. 

The water in a waterbed must be drained and replaced if algae start growing in the mattress. Image Source: Amazon.

You may have a lot of other questions about your waterbed. Be sure to read our related article that answers common questions such as do you need a mattress for a waterbed? And many more.

When to Use Waterbed Conditioner

The water conditioner for waterbeds helps to prolong the life of your waterbed.

Waterbed conditioning solution or tablets must be added to the waterbed mattress when it is first filled. Thereafter conditioner should be added again every 6 months, or whenever the water level is topped up.  If the waterbed is drained and moved then the conditioner will need to be added into the new water again. 

Waterbed conditioners like these tablets or this solution help to prevent bacteria growth in the water and odors from developing and also assist in keeping the vinyl inside the mattress bladder supple and flexible so that it lasts longer. 

Summary of Waterbed Care Essentials

Waterbed Care Item	Amazon Product	Price
Waterbed Safety Liner	Innomax Premium Stand-Up Waterbed Safety Liner, King	~$55
Waterbed Heater	Waterbed Heater for Hardside Waterbeds	~$70
Vinyl Cleaner	Rejuvenate Leather & Vinyl Cleaner	~$15
Mattress Pad	Queen Size Waterproof Bamboo Quilted Mattress Pad	~$30
Waterbed Conditioner	Blue Magic All Purpose Conditioner	~$35

Key Takeaways

1. Protect the Waterbed

   Keep sharp objects, pets, and playful children away from the waterbed to prevent punctures and damage to the vinyl mattress.

2. Utilize a Safety Liner and Waterbed Heater Correctly

   Place a safety liner inside the frame to protect against moisture damage and ensure the waterbed heater is positioned beneath the liner to effectively heat the water without contact with moisture.

3. Clean and Air the Mattress Regularly

   Use a vinyl cleaner to wipe down the mattress every time the bedding is changed and air the bed frequently to prevent the growth of mildew.

4. Employ a Heavy-Duty Mattress Pad

   Utilize a mattress pad as a protective barrier against skin oils, moisture, and accidental spills to maintain the longevity of the vinyl bladder.

5. Condition the Water

   Add a waterbed conditioner to the water initially and periodically thereafter to prevent algae or bacterial growth and to keep the interior of the vinyl mattress in good condition.

6. Maintain Appropriate Water Level

   Ensure the waterbed is neither overfilled nor underfilled to maintain comfort and prevent continuous strain on the mattress.

7. Remove Air Bubbles

   Eliminate any developed air bubbles inside the waterbed as they can cause discomfort.

8. Change Water as Necessary

   Change the water in the waterbed if it becomes contaminated or develops an odor. Utilize a good-quality waterbed conditioner to avoid the necessity of changing the water.

9. Regular Use of Waterbed Conditioner

   Apply waterbed conditioner when the bed is first filled, every 6 months thereafter, or whenever the water level is topped up to prolong the life of the waterbed and prevent bacterial growth.