Looking for a complete guide to above ground pool maintenance? We've got you covered. Above ground pools have many benefits. They are more affordable, versatile, and easier to install than inground pools. Keeping your above ground pool in good condition comes down to regular maintenance.
Prioritizing pool maintenance provides clean and safe swimming conditions while extending the pool’s lifespan and enhancing enjoyment. Let’s break down above ground pool maintenance, from daily to seasonal tasks.
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Daily Maintenance Tasks
Several above-ground pool maintenance tasks should be performed daily:
- Skim debris off the water’s surface with a skimmer to keep the pool clean and free of debris.
- Check and balance the water’s chemistry with a testing kit and chemicals so pH, chlorine, and alkalinity levels are where they should be.
- The pool’s filter should also be run daily to keep water circulating, as this helps prevent algae growth and keep the pool clean.
- Lastly, inspect the pool for leaks or damage. The sooner a leak or other damage is detected, the less likely the issue will worsen.
Weekly Maintenance Routine
Weekly above ground pool maintenance tasks are more in-depth than daily tasks:
- The pool should be vacuumed with a pool cleaner to remove dirt and debris and prevent buildups.
- Brush the pool’s walls to prevent algae-based buildups.
- The skimmer and pump basket should be checked and emptied if they’re full, and the pool filter should be cleaned or backwashed.
- Test pool water and adjust chemicals, such as the chlorine, pH, alkalinity, and calcium hardness to create a proper balance.
Monthly & Seasonal Maintenance
Monthly and seasonal above ground pool maintenance tasks are the most in-depth:
- Deep clean and shock treat your pool to kill bacteria and algae for a clean and safe swimming experience.
- Inspect equipment like the pool’s pumps, filters, and ladders on a monthly basis for signs of wear and tear. If wear and tear is present, you’ll know if repairs or replacements are needed. The same goes for the liner; check it for damage or leaks.
- If you live in a colder climate, you’ll need to winterize the pool. This keeps the pool in good condition throughout the winter and free of weather-based complications.
- Ensure you’re correctly preparing your pool for swimming and pleasant weather in the summer.
Essential Above Ground Pool Supplies & Equipment
Inground and above ground pools differ in capacity, design, and materials. Because of these differences, they also require different pool supplies and equipment. Let’s look at the most essential pool supplies and equipment for above ground pools.
Pool Chemicals
The chemicals you’ll need for your above ground pool include:
Chlorine
Adding chlorine kills any present bacteria, viruses, and algae within the pool, acting as a disinfectant to keep the pool safe.
Shock Treatments
Shock treatments kill bacteria, viruses, and algae but also raise free chlorine levels.
Algaecides
Algaecides are a specific type of pool chemical strictly responsible for killing algae and inhibiting future growth.
pH balancers
pH balancers help keep the pool’s pH balance between 7.4 and 7.6. By staying within this range, the water won’t be too acidic and corrode equipment, nor will it be too alkaline, which can cause skin irritation and cloudiness.
Cleaning Tools
When learning how to keep an above ground pool clean, you’ll need the following tools:
- Skimmers: Used to skim the surface of the water to remove debris.
- Brushes: Made with bristles to scrub the pool’s walls and floors free of debris, dirt, and other buildups.
- Vacuums: These suck up and clean pool surfaces of debris, dirt, and buildups, keeping it clean from algae growth.
Filtration and Circulation Equipment
Filtration and circulation equipment maintain a healthy and safe swimming environment by removing debris, preventing algae growth, and evenly distributing cleaning chemicals.
Types of filtration and circulation equipment include:
- Pumps
- Filters
- Hoses
Accessories
Accessories such as pool covers are pivotal in keeping debris out of the pool and winterizing it. Other accessories like automatic cleaners make above ground pool maintenance much easier, allowing more time spent in the water. Water testing kits must also be checked and balanced to maintain chemical levels.
Above Ground Pool Maintenance Tips
Now that we’ve covered above ground pool maintenance for beginners, let’s review some additional tips.
Cloudy Water
If the pool water is too alkaline, it will become cloudy. To correct this, you’ll need to increase the pH balance of the water.
Algae Growth
Proper chemical balance, fully functional filtration and circulation equipment, and regular pool cleaning can actively prevent algae growth in your pool. Shock treatments and algaecides can also help treat and kill current growth.
Low Chlorine Levels
If your pool’s chlorine levels are low, add a chlorine tab or resort to shock treatment to obtain optimal free chlorine levels. In the future, you’ll need to make sure your chemical balance is aligned correctly.
Filter Issues
If your above ground pool is experiencing filter issues, there are a couple of troubleshooting steps you can take. First, make sure the water level is where it should be. Then, check the pump and skimmer baskets for damage, leaks, or excess debris. Last, check the system's pressure for any air. Repairs or replacements could be necessary if these common troubleshooting steps don’t yield the desired results.
Leaks or Liner Damage
If your above-ground pool has leaks or liner damage, there will be telltale signs. Drops in water level, soft spots on the ground, and fluctuations in chemical levels are all common signs of a leak or liner damage. You can find the leak by adding a safe dye to the water and following its path to the exit point.
Fixing these leaks or liner damage requires specialized pool tape. Once you’ve obtained some, apply it to the area.
FAQ
How often should I test my pool water?
You should test your pool water daily for chlorine and pH levels, and weekly for alkalinity, calcium hardness, and stabilizer.
Can I use household bleach instead of pool chlorine?
It’s best not to. Household bleach isn’t stabilized for pool use, and it can create chemistry imbalances in the water. Even though household bleach contains some chlorine, you should always use pool-grade chlorine.
How long should I run my pool filter each day?
Run your pool filter for at least 8–12 hours per day. This keeps water circulating and helps prevent algae growth.
Do I need to cover my above ground pool?
It’s highly recommended because a pool cover removes debris, reduces water evaporation, maintains water temperature, and helps make maintenance easier.
What’s the best way to prevent algae in my above ground pool?
You can take several measures to prevent algae in your above ground pool. Make sure to maintain proper chlorine levels, brush walls regularly, run the filter consistently, and use an algaecide.
How do I winterize my above ground pool?
Lower the water level, add winterizing chemicals, balance chemicals, remove accessories, and use a winter pool cover to winterize your above-ground pool.