The Ultimate Guide to Above Ground Pool Care

Owning an above-ground pool is a fantastic way to beat the Australian heat. However, maintaining your pool is crucial for both its longevity and your enjoyment. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the essential steps to keep your above-ground pool in top condition.

Daily Maintenance

Run the Filter

• Run the pool filter for 12–18 hours daily to circulate the water and prevent stagnation.

Water Level and Chemistry

• Maintain the water level around mid-skimmer.
• Regularly test and balance the water to ensure it's safe and non-corrosive. Aim for:
  • Total Alkalinity: 80–120 ppm
  • pH: 7.4–7.6
  • Calcium Hardness: 200–400 ppm
  • Cyanuric Acid: 30–50 ppm
  • Free Available Chlorine: 2.0–4.0 ppm

Weekly Maintenance

Skim, Vacuum, and Brush

1. Skim the Surface: Use a skimmer net or leaf rake attached to a telescoping pool pole to remove leaves and debris.
2. Vacuum the Floor: Use a vacuum head and hose made for vinyl pools to clean the pool floor.
3. Fully Brush the Pool: Brush the pool walls and floor to remove films, algae spores, and dust particles.

Clean Surrounding Areas

• Keep the pool deck and surrounding areas clean to prevent dirt and debris from entering the pool.

Chemical Maintenance

• Add maintenance doses of algaecide, clarifier, enzymes, phosphate removers, and stain and scale control (if applicable).

Shock the Pool

• Use non-chlorine shock if Free Available Chlorine levels are at 2.0 ppm or higher and within 0.3 ppm of your Total Available Chlorine reading. Otherwise, use chlorine pool shock.

Chlorine Tablets

• Add chlorine tablets to refill the floater or chlorinator.

Skimmer and Pump Baskets

• Empty your skimmer and pump baskets as needed.

Filter Maintenance

• Backwash or clean the filter when the pressure gauge rises 8–10 psi higher than the "clean" starting pressure, or according to manufacturer recommendations.

Equipment Check

• Inspect filter pressure and pump operation.
• Observe pool cleaner operation, if you have one.

Monthly Maintenance

Calcium Hardness

• Check levels once a month to ensure they are between 200-400 ppm.

Hidden Algae and Deep Cleaning

• Check for hidden algae behind steps and ladders.
• Perform a deep cleaning, focusing on hard-to-reach areas.

Waterline Cleaning

• Clean the waterline and inside skimmer walls with Tile & Vinyl Cleaner.

Special Considerations for Filterless and Inflatable Pools

Cleaning After Draining

1. Drain the pool water.
2. Scoop out any remaining dirt and debris.
3. Use a specialized pool cleaning solution to scrub down all surfaces.
4. Be gentle to avoid damaging the liner.
5. Refill with clean water or allow the liner to dry out completely before storing.

Keeping Filterless Pools Cleaner Longer

• Use a pool cover to keep out debris.
• Use a leaf skimmer to remove floating debris.
• Consider a robotic pool cleaner for more thorough cleaning.

Clearing a Cloudy Pool

• Cloudiness can be due to dirt, filter issues, or chemical imbalances.
• Use a pool vacuum for settled dirt.
• Use clarifiers or floc for extremely tiny particles.

Conclusion

Maintaining your above-ground pool may seem like a lot of work, but regular care makes the process much easier and extends the life of your pool. So, skim, brush, vacuum, and balance those chemicals to enjoy a sparkling clean pool all summer long!