As said above, PB batteries are quite forgiving. Only two things will quickly ruin them, charging at to high a rate (should be at 0.1C rate or less) and deep discharge. Never let the voltage fall below 11.9 volts under load. Use a good charger, one that is current limited constant voltage. See
www.rcbatteryclinic.com for some good info on care and use of all types of batteries.