If you have an above-ground pool, you’re probably familiar with the benefits that come with owning this type of pool. For instance, having an above ground pool helps you save money because above ground pools have a more affordable installation. The installation is also fast and easy, and the end result typically uses less land.
On the other hand, an in-ground pool takes more than one day to install, and it’s typically larger since it requires a surrounding deck or concrete. Another benefit of an above ground pool is that it’s portable, which can be handy if you’re relocating. Most importantly, an above ground pool requires simple upkeep and is also less expensive to maintain.
But the question is, ‘How to care for your above ground pool?’ Here’s what you need to know.
Take Care of the Pool’s Walls and Decking
When it comes to how to care for your above ground pool, it’s crucial to take good care of the pool’s walls to prevent damage. Some above ground pool owners also decide to hire pool deck building services and install a deck for their pool as this allows them to lounge and relax and have a convenient walkway around the pool. If your above ground pool also comes with a deck, then you also have to invest some time into pool deck washing and periodic deck inspections to ensure that everything is in order. If you have hired concrete patio builders or a patio builder, this structure will also need upkeep. Your concrete patio builders can serve as a good sounding board and a source of professional information. A good idea is to also install outdoor patio lighting to increase visibility.
When cleaning your above ground pool, the first thing you have to do is drain the pool water and then remove any accumulated dirt or debris that’s settled at the bottom. You’ll need to gently scrub the surface of your above ground pool using a specialized pool cleaning solution. You can also use a chlorine solution as this will help disinfect the pool’s surfaces. Try to be as gentle as possible when cleaning to avoid damaging the liner. Once the pool is clean, you can refill it with clean water. While you’re cleaning the pool’s walls, you also need to watch out for any signs of damage, such as rust or corrosion that need to be fixed. Timely repairs are needed because a well-maintained pool can have a longer lifespan with minimal investment from you.
Test the Water Regularly
One of the things you shouldn’t overlook when figuring out how to care for your above ground pool is to know what’s going on with the water in your pool. This can only be done by testing the water regularly. For starters, it’s important to test the chlorine level using chlorine strips because you want to ensure that all the harmful algae, bacteria, and microorganisms in the water are killed. When you add chlorine to the water, the levels can become depleted since it breaks down when exposed to the sun. Therefore, you need to keep your chlorine level high enough (usually between two and four parts per million).
In addition, you also need to give your pool a weekly shock treatment, which involves adding chlorine in its powdered form to kill harmful microorganisms and contaminants so that your water remains as clean as possible. Another way to ensure that the chemicals you put into your pool are effective is to test the pH levels. Ideally, the pH should be somewhere between 7.2 and 7.6, which is slightly alkaline for maximum performance and the cleanest water. When the pH is too high or alkaline, this reduces the effectiveness of the chlorine, so the pH is definitely something you want to keep a close eye on.
Give the Pool Pump Daily Exercise
Your pool’s pump is there to ensure that the water keeps circulating. You can think of it as a water agitator that helps prevent algae from forming. When the water in your pool keeps moving, this generally helps to keep it cleaner compared to stagnant water. The rule of thumb is to keep your pool pump running for at least eight hours a day, though this varies based on the type of pool and pool pump you have. If you want to be more precise about how long you should keep your pool pump running, you can also consult the manual that came with the pump.
If you no longer have the manual and still want to know the optimal run-time, you’ll need to consider several factors, such as the volume of the pool, so you know exactly how much water your pool holds. Once you have this answer, the next thing is to determine how fast your pump is so you can know how long it takes to run the volume of water in your pool through the filter. This answer will give you a good idea of how long your pump will need each day to process all of the water in the pool. Doing this is all part of how to care for your above ground pool.
Winterize the Pool When Needed
When the weather outside gets colder, you have several options regarding how to care for your above ground pool. You can heat your above ground pool with a solar heater and keep the water safely heated by adding a solar cover. In that case, you’ll need to focus on water heater maintenance. That said, most above ground pool owners prefer to winterize the pool as this helps prevent damage from snow and frozen water. If you’re prepared to put your pool water supplies away, there are several steps you need to take before your above ground pool is fully winterized.
First, you need to check the chemical levels to ensure they are within range – this means testing for pH, alkalinity, calcium hardness, and calcium hardness. The water chemistry in your pool needs to be balanced for the best results. The next step is to shock the pool by adding the right amount of granular chlorine to eliminate any contaminants or algae that might linger around during winter. When you’re ready to close the pool, be sure to clean it thoroughly so that the pool is in its cleanest possible state.
Don’t forget to remove accessory items, such as solar blankets, pool alarms, and pool cleaners, and store them away safely. Other steps to take include lowering the water level, draining and plugging the pipes, draining the equipment, adding winter closing chemicals like algaecides and chemical floaters, and last but not least, covering your pool.
Keep the Liner In Good Condition
At one point or another, it may be necessary to replace the liner of your above ground pool even if you know how to care for your above ground pool. Fortunately, there are several things you can do to make your pool’s liner last longer. One of the first things you need to do is maintain a proper water balance. For instance, if the water chemistry is not properly balanced – either the pH levels are too high or too low, that can cause damage to the liner. That’s why it’s important to check your water’s alkalinity to minimize extreme pH fluctuations. This isn’t too difficult since you can always use convenient pH testing equipment that provides quick readouts.
Another way to maintain the quality of your product is to monitor the water line. If there’s a noticeable drop in the water line, this could signal the presence of a water leak. The leak needs to be patched up as soon as possible to extend the lifespan of your liner. Besides watching out for leaks, be sure to wipe the water line regularly and make sure that you never drain your pool completely. Draining the pool completely may cause the liner to shrink, which can lead to the formation of wrinkles and tears. Still, another great tip is to use equipment specifically designed for liner pools to prevent unnecessary damage.
Vacuum Regularly
If you’re wondering how to care for your above ground pool the easy way, then consider getting an above ground pool vacuum cleaner to get rid of dirt and debris that can accumulate in your pool throughout the season. A vacuum pool cleaner will ensure that you can keep the water cleaner with minimal effort from you. One of the best cleaners to get is an automatic cleaner which eliminates the need for spot vacuuming. With an automatic cleaner, your pool can get cleaner in a short period of time with little to no effort. All you have to do is attach the cleaner and let it take care of the leaves and other debris in your pool.
This is important because sometimes you can get busy and start neglecting your pool. When you have an automatic cleaner doing the work for you in the background, you can have clean water and a pool that you’re proud to show off. If you have guests over, they won’t mind taking a dip in the pool when it looks crystal clear and clean. Even during times when you’re away from your swimming pool and spending time with your family, you can be sure that you have the best quality filtration possible to ensure your swimming pool is always in tip-top condition.
Watch Out for Bad Circulation
As mentioned, water circulation in your above ground swimming pool is pretty important. When there’s no circulation in your pool, the water gets dirty, and the pool becomes the perfect home for algae and bacteria. The last thing you want is for your water to become dirty, cloudy, and unfit for use. To avoid this, an important part of how to care for your above ground pool is watching out for any bad circulation.
Even when you keep the pump running for at least eight hours a day, you should check if the size of the pump is enough to handle the total volume of the pool. Besides checking the pump’s output, you also need to clean the pump and filtration system as clogs in these components can affect water circulation. If your pool has a cartridge filler, this needs to be sprayed to clean it and replaced to avoid frequent clogs.
Create a Maintenance Checklist
Admittedly, there are a lot of items you need to put on your list as you determine how to care for your above ground pool. The investment is well worth it because it protects you from having to spend more money down the line. If your pool maintenance routine is off-target, your pool can develop issues that can be expensive to fix. To avoid water problems and damage to the pool, it’s essential to perform certain regular tasks, whether on a daily, weekly, or monthly basis. Beginning with things you have to do on a daily basis, it’s important to run the water filter every day for at least 12 hours. You should also test the pH level and chlorine level to ensure they’re within the correct limits (7.4 – 7.6 and 2.0-4.0 ppm).
You also need to inspect the filter pressure and ensure that everything is in working order. When it comes to weekly maintenance tasks, tasks that need to be performed include vacuuming the pool, testing total alkalinity, cleaning the pool deck, and cleaning the filter. Monthly maintenance tasks for your above-ground pool include testing calcium hardness, shocking the pool, and cleaning the water line. When you make your own pool maintenance checklist, you can easily keep track of what needs to be done, allowing you to save time and money in the long run.
If you’re wondering how to care for your above ground pool, these are the simple steps you can take. Remember, caring for an above-ground pool is just as important as caring for an in-ground pool. These tips will help you get the most from your above ground pool, whether you have an economical model or a more luxurious pool. As one of the tips suggests, having a checklist will ensure that you stay on track with all the tasks you need to do.
