Some people find care and upkeep one of the most challenging aspects of having a pool, making some hesitant to invest in the garden feature. Once you catch on to adjusting the chemicals and keeping them clean, it’s relatively straightforward. Read here for pool maintenance tips.
Before committing to an inground pool, try maintaining an above-ground variety. Whether wooden-clad, concrete, or vinyl, the care is not that unlike maintaining an in-ground pool and is crucial for keeping the water clean and clear and extending the structure’s longevity.
The longer the lifespan, the more you get to cool off from the summer’s extreme heat, have barbecues and other seasonal gatherings with close friends and enjoy relaxing in your outdoor garden space. Consider these suggestions for the routine to follow for exceptional above-ground pool maintenance.
Tips To Maintain Your Above-Ground Pool For Extended Longevity
Above-ground pool maintenance is critical to keep the water clear and clean and extend its lifespan. The process is comparable to that of a spa or hot tub maintenance and similar to in-ground pool care.
Some people are hesitant to attempt working with above ground swimming pool chemicals for fear of getting the levels incorrect. Once you catch on, though, it’s relatively straightforward. Consider the following tips for optimum pool maintenance.
● The chemical balance needs to be tested regularly
Sanitizer is required with above-ground pools in the form of either bromine or chlorine to eliminate bacteria and keep the water clear. The pH and alkalinity need to be tested daily as well to work alongside the sanitizer. In order to check the balance, test strips are used with the chemicals adjusted as necessary.
Calcium hardness should be avoided to protect the structure. The system should also be shocked, which involves a heavier sanitizer level to rid the water of resistant bacteria and other impurities. The water should be tested for safety before using the pool.
Using a chlorine-based product can take roughly 24 hours after the shock before the water will be ready to swim again.
● Circulating the water is a necessity
In the same way in-ground pools have filters and pumps to keep the water and chemicals circulating, an above-ground pool also does. Doing these assists with slowing bacteria and algae growth.
The suggestion during swim season is to keep the pump going for roughly eight hours or longer each day. The filter and the skimmer baskets should be cleaned regularly, once a week.
For filter cleaning, the cartridge can be soaked in a filter cleaner dedicated to the cartridges to ensure the filter is more thoroughly cleansed.
Other types of filters like sand, DE, or glass will require specific filter settings on the pool’s valve to have them “backwashed and rinsed. It’s essential to see manufacturer guidelines for directives on your model.
● Vacuuming the pool to remove dirt and debris
A pool vacuum means eliminating debris from the pool floor, reminiscent of how a house vacuum would do the carpeting. These are fixed to a “telescopic pole” for easy navigation. This needs to be taken care of each week. Robotic vacuums are meant for above-ground pools to provide a lower maintenance option.
● Scrub the sides of the pool
The sides of the pool should be brushed with a dedicated pool brush for scrubbing after heavy use, like a social gathering. It’s meant to keep the structure clean and free of algae. Another tool to invest in is a skimmer to help pull out debris like leaves and twigs that fall into the water before it settles to the floor.
● Professional servicing is important
Tuneups and preventive maintenance are the same for above-ground pools as for in-ground and hot tubs. The technician will check for defects or damage with the filtration system, check the pump and heater for issues, and make the necessary corrections before these issues become major problems.
These checks should happen roughly once each year to keep the pool in top condition for an extended lifespan.
Final Thought
Some people choose to dismantle their pool if winter is exceptionally frigid in their region instead of winterizing it. In that case, it will need to be drained following local regulations on appropriate disposing of the contents.
You’ll then need to refill with fresh water and new chemicals in the warm season. Go to https://www.nsf.org/blog/consumer/safety-tips-opening-swimming-pool/ for safety tips when opening your swimming pool.
Use the necessary test strips daily to ensure the chemicals are adequately balanced, avoid calcium hardness and make sure to shock the pool monthly to keep the water as clear and fresh as possible.
Once you catch on to balancing the chemicals, it becomes relatively straightforward, allowing an immaculate pool with an extended lifespan. That means more fun while cooling off on those hot summer days.
