Above-ground pools are relatively simple to maintain. But they still require a little bit of work to keep them clean and looking their best. Here are some helpful tips on how to clean above ground pool. Keeping your above-ground pool clean will not only help it last longer but also enhance your enjoyment of it. An above-ground pool is exposed to the elements and can therefore become dirty fairly quickly if left neglected for long periods. Luckily, keeping an above-ground pool clean does not take very much time or effort and only needs to be done once or twice a week depending on usage. If you’re wondering how to clear cloudy pool water, or maybe how to properly mix or store pool cleaning solutions, you’ve come to the right place. Below you will find useful information about how to clean above ground pool.
How To Clean An Above Ground Pool?
- Use a pool cleaner. The best way to clean an above-ground pool is to use a pool cleaner. There are many types of cleaners and the most popular ones are:
- Use the right chemicals. There are many chemicals that can be used in cleaning an above-ground pool but not all of them will work for you. You need to use the right chemicals for your type of above-ground pool and its structure.
- Use chlorine tablets or granular chlorine in a pump filter system. You can only use granular chlorine if you have a pump filter system (also called a skimmer). If you don’t have one, you should not use granular chlorine as it will not work well with your skimmer pump system.
- Do not clean the pool when it is still wet from rain or after heavy rains (you should wait at least 24 hours). This will cause chemical damage to the pool’s surface and leave too much water on the surface which will make it harder for your cleaner to work properly. Also, there is a chance that some chemicals may “fizz” out of the water at this time because they are left undissolved due to too much moisture on the surface and they may get into your lungs and skin if inhaled or absorbed through your skin when exposed directly to sunlight after cleaning with chemicals (this does happen but rarely).
- Always rinse out any chemicals from the skimmer before starting to clean an above-ground pool with more chemicals or before you start to clean the pool again.
- Do not let any chemicals get into the pool’s filter or pump. If any chemicals get into the pump, they may damage it and cause it to stop working properly.
- Follow all safety instructions on the container of chemicals you are using. The instructions should tell you what type of containers and what types of chemicals are safe to use with your above-ground pool and its filter system. Some pools have different types of filters and they may need different types of chemicals than other pools have (i.e., don’t use chlorine tablets if your pool has a diatomaceous earth filter).
- Never combine chlorine tablets with other cleaners or other chemicals that contain chlorine such as bleach, bromine, etc. These will damage your pool’s surface and make it harder for your cleaner to work properly (also see #4 above).
- Never mix different types of cleaners or use them together in one application unless instructed to do so by a professional pool service company that knows about your type of particular above-ground swimming pool and its filtration system (i.e., don’t use a combination cleaner that contains both ammonia and chlorine in one application, follow the instructions carefully). This can damage the surface of your swimming pool more than just using only one type at a time (also see #4 above).
- Never leave any chemical solution in contact with an aluminum part of an above-ground swimming pool for more than a few minutes. The chemicals may stain the aluminum and damage it.
What You Will Need
- A pool cover – if you have an above-ground swimming pool, you will need to use a pool cover.
- A hose and nozzle to attach to your hose reel or spigot (if your above-ground swimming pool is on the ground).
- If you don’t have a hose reel or spigot, then you will need to purchase one that is designed for above-ground pools.
- Pools usually come with a pump and filter system already installed in them, but if yours does not then you will need to either purchase one that is designed specifically for above-ground pools (many brands of these pumps are available) or simply attach an electric cord directly to the pump and filter system in your swimming pool (remember these are all electrical devices so be sure that they are connected properly).
- For the pump that comes with most above-ground swimming pools, make sure it has a float switch attached so it won’t run continuously without water being pumped through it by the filter system (if yours doesn’t have this then disconnect it when not using it).
- For those who don’t have a hose reel or spigot on their above-ground swimming pool, they will need some type of attachment to hang their hoses from such as a clothesline pole (available at hardware stores), an extension cord with a plug on one end for hanging from the ceiling of your garage (also available at hardware stores), etc.
- For those who don’t have a hose reel or spigot on their above-ground swimming pool, they will need some type of attachment to hang their hoses from such as a clothesline pole (available at hardware stores), an extension cord with a plug on one end for hanging from the ceiling of your garage (also available at hardware stores), etc.
- For those who don’t have a hose reel or spigot on their above-ground swimming pool, they will need some type of attachment to hang their hoses from such as a clothesline pole (available at hardware stores), an extension cord with a plug on one end for hanging from the ceiling of your garage (also available at hardware stores), etc.
- A large bucket or container to hold all the chemicals and products used for cleaning your swimming pool that is not small enough to pour into the swimming pool itself.
- A shovel to dig out any excess chemicals and products that might spill out when pouring them into your swimming pool.
Monthly Cleaning
- Weekly cleaning of your above-ground swimming pool is a great way to keep your pool looking its best. However, it’s recommended that you clean your pool at least once every two weeks during the warm season. In addition, you should also keep in mind how much debris is in your pool and how often it gets stirred up by people and pets swimming in the water. If the amount of debris begins to pile up, it’s recommended that you vacuum out your pool at least once a month.
- If you have a filter system, an important part of keeping your above-ground swimming pool clean is to regularly clean out the filter itself with a hose and brush or vacuum attachment. If you don’t have a filter system or an automatic vacuum cleaner then every time you vacuum out the bottom of your swimming pool empty it immediately and wash out any dirt or dust with water before placing it back into the swimming pool.
- Regularly check all joints, cracks, seams, and other places where dirt can collect on the bottom of your above-ground swimming pool to make sure they are free from dirt build-up and debris so that they do not cause problems with algae growth and other problems for which there are no quick fixes for like leaking pipes or cracked tiles
- It’s also important to ensure that there are no leaks at all as this could cause serious damage to any structure around the outside of your Above Ground Pool such as shingles on roofs or even nearby trees.
- Since your above-ground pool is located on the ground you need to be very careful about any type of weather that could cause water to seep into your swimming pool. Even though a lot of people do not think about it, it’s important to ensure that there are no leaks in the ground around your swimming pool and also be careful to watch out for any high winds that could blow water from the street into your pool.
Conclusion
Keeping an above-ground pool clean is an essential part of owning one. An above-ground pool will last longer and be more enjoyable if you keep it clean. The above-ground cleaning tips will help you keep your pool clean and in good condition. It may seem like a lot of work at first, but once you get into a routine it will be easy to maintain your above-ground pool.
