It’s time to clean your above ground pool. For many people, it’s not a favorite household task. Some pool owners hire a professional pool maintenance company, while others pass the chore off to their teens. But with good, easy habits and a nose for a constructive, satisfying, and even fun routine, cleaning your above ground pool doesn’t need to be daunting.
It might seem obvious and intuitive: everyone knows how to clean an above ground pool… It’s just hard work and a little elbow grease until the dirty parts are clean, right? Well, kind of, but there are nuances. There are dos and don’ts and easy missteps to make. And timing is everything.
Keeping your above ground pool clean is essential for ensuring a safe and enjoyable swimming experience. At Leisure King, the Kayak® Pool Guys, we’ve cleaned a few above ground pools in our day and learned a lot about best practices and best results. Here are our top seven tips on how to clean an above ground pool so that it doesn’t take up your whole day… or your teen’s whole day.
Skim Your Above Ground Pool Regularly
Start by skimming the surface of your pool daily. Use a hand skimmer or leaf net to remove leaves, insects, and other debris. This prevents them from sinking and making the pool harder to clean. Daily skimming also makes overall maintenance easier. Before you know it, skimming is a breeze: a leaf here, a bug there, and you’re done.
Vacuum and Brush Your Pool
Vacuum your pool weekly to keep the water clear and reduce the amount of chemicals you need to add. Use a manual or automatic pool vacuum to clean the floor and walls of the pool.
If your robotic cleaner does not have wall-cleaning capabilities or you are using a manual vacuum, use a pool brush to scrub the walls and floor of your pool weekly. This helps prevent algae buildup and removes dirt that the vacuum might miss. Pay special attention to corners and areas with low water circulation.
Check and Clean the Filter
Your pool’s filter plays an important role in keeping your pool water clean. Check the filter regularly and backwash or change the cartridge or filter medium according to the manufacturer’s instructions. A clean filter is more efficient at trapping debris and contaminants. Implement some light rules about tracking debris into your pool—foot baths or showers—to keep your equipment free of potentially damaging debris.
There are many variables that influence how often you should clean out your filter—the size of the pool, how it’s used and how often, etc.—but at the very least you should backwash your filter when it reaches 8-10 psi above normal levels.
Balance Your Water Chemistry and Your Water!
Test your pool water regularly —two to three times per week—and adjust the chemical levels as needed. Maintaining proper pH, alkalinity, and sanitizer levels is key for preventing algae growth and ensuring the water is safe for swimming.
Ensure the water level in your pool is consistent. Too much or too little water can affect the efficiency of your skimmer and filter. An over-filled pool can also place unnecessary stress on pool walls. Add or remove water as needed to maintain the correct level.
Shock the Pool
Shocking your pool involves adding a large dose of chlorine or other sanitizer to kill bacteria and algae.
How often you should shock your pool also varies. In some cases, shocking your pool every two or three weeks is the best practice while other pools will need to be shocked once per week. Always be sure to shock your pool after heavy use or a rainstorm.
Use a Pool Cover
When your pool is not in use, cover it with a pool cover. This reduces evaporation, keeps out debris, and helps maintain water temperature.
Use Algaecide
Algae can be a persistent problem for above ground pools. Use an algaecide as part of your regular maintenance routine to prevent algae growth. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for the correct dosage and application. In general, you should add algaecide once per week or as needed.
Pro Tips from Leisure King Make Your Pool Beautiful
In addition to cleaning your above ground pool, inspect it regularly for signs of wear and tear. Check for cracks, leaks, or damage to the pool liner, walls, and other components. Addressing these issues early can prevent more significant problems down the line. Careful observation and due diligence are all that is necessary for effective regular inspections.
By following these seven pro tips, you can keep your above ground pool clean and inviting all season long and make maintenance much easier. To learn more about the care and cleaning of your above ground pool, reach out to Leisure King, the Kayak Pool Guys, today.