There’s no better way to beat the summer heat than by soaking into an above ground pool. Set it up in your backyard, make some drinks, invite your friends in and just relax, of course for this, having some privacy in your garden is essential, and is when getting a fence could be useful, so contacting a fencing company can be great for this.
This maintenance will help to keep the water clean. Also, with regular maintenance, you can enjoy your above-ground pool well beyond just the summer.
Fortunately, we’re here for you to help make that dream come true. We’re giving you some great tips to help you maintain your above-ground pool.
So, let’s get right to it!
The Pump is the Heart
The pump is the most important part of your swimming pool. It is critical because the pump keeps the water in your pool clean and circulating.
So, having a strong pump is pretty much essential. It should be able to circulate the water every 7-8 hours. This means every drop of water in the pool has been circulated through the pump during that time.
Keeping the water moving and circulating keeps your pool clean, too. Water that is moving constantly has less chance of growing algae. Instead, the debris is directed towards the filter and into your skimmer. Getting the Best Pool Skimmer Basket is so worth it.
Moreover, the filter will collect all small and large debris, including the microscopic particles. Keeping debris and any tiny particles away and out of your pool water will help the pump prevent the water from becoming cloudy.
The Role of the Filter
If you think of the pump as the heart of the pool, then consider the filter as its liver and kidneys.
We’ve already established that keeping the water moving is the first step, but the filter does the main work by keeping it clean. There are usually three types of filters you can choose from for your use. Let’s find out more about them!
Sand Filters
Sand filters use a very particular type of sand to remove particles and debris when it passes through the water. The sand manages to trap any impurities like biological waste as well as oil.
In due course, the sand will be filled with junk and will need to be cleaned. This can be done by backwashing the filter. Sounds pretty straightforward, right?
D.E Filters
The D.E filter is a great filter, it uses a very special type of powder called Diatomaceous Earth. It’s made up of microscopic skeletons of Diatoms, which is an old subaquatic creature.
The D.E powder sticks to a grid that’s made with synthetic fibers. This acts as a filter and traps even the minuscule particles in water as it passes through the filter.
As the filter becomes full by successfully removing all the debris from the pool water all you have to do is backwash the filter and that’s it.
Sometimes you might need to remove the filter and clean it manually. This means you’ll also be removing all the D.E in the filter. However, you can just add more using the skimmer.
Cartridge Filters
A cartridge filter is a fairly simple one, which filters the water through a cartridge. This cartridge captures the particles and debris. To clean it you’ll have to rinse the cartridge by using a hose. You will also have to replace the cartridge eventually as it gets older with use.
Brushing and Vacuuming Your Pool
Yes, we know what you’re thinking – Vacuuming? A pool?
That’s right. No matter how powerful a pump you use to keep your water moving there will always be some areas where the water doesn’t move freely. These areas will attract algae super fast.
You’ll have to vacuum the floor and walls of your above ground pool to keep it free from both large and small debris. Of course, you can use automatic vacuums too. These vacuums will move around the floor of your pool collecting stray garbage.
Fortunately, an automatic vacuum will be enough for this. Your pool walls and the floor will need to be brushed once a week. You can do this yourself and either buy or hire the equipment, or you can, of course, contract with a company like Lazy Day Pools for weekly pool services, including brushing, vacuuming, and water testing, to ensure your pool is always ready for you to take a dip.
Brushing The Pool
You’ll need an extension pole to brush your pool. You can get them at any swimming pool or home improvement stores.
You can fit the pole with a brush, a skimmer, or even a vacuum. It’s a great tool that helps to extend your reach. This way you can clean your above ground pool very easily and without breaking much of a sweat.
Keep in mind, above ground pools require brushes with nylon bristles unless the pool manufacturer instructs otherwise. Remember to brush the full surface of your pool’s floors and walls.
Any spot you miss can attract algae. They will regrow very quickly if not brushed loose. Always brush first before you vacuum. Brushing first will loosen up the algae or dirt buildup that’s stuck to the walls and floors. The vacuum can just suck them up.
Maintaining pH and Chlorine Levels
Any pool owner will know that the most obvious type of maintenance on a pool is to check and balance the chemical levels present in the water. The two important factors you need to check are the amount of sanitizer in the water and the pH levels.
You should either test the pool water every other day or three times a week. This will give you an idea of all the factors like the amount of sunlight, temperature, and rainfall that affect your pool’s sanitizer and the pH levels.
Another easy way is to use a digital reader and a test strip. The digital reader will give you a swift indication of the amount of chlorine left in the pool as well as the pH level.
Not only that, but you can also even adjust the pH with either basic pH reducers or with acidic pH reducers.
Maintaining Chlorine Levels
The chlorine in your pool will break down when exposed to the sun’s UV rays. Another way the levels might decrease is through interacting with other chemicals like hair lotions, uric acid from sweat or urine, sunscreen, etc.
You can have a regular supply of chlorine in your pool with the help of chlorine tablets. The tablets give off chlorine slowly over time and are highly compressed. They also help maintain the chlorine level in your pool at all times.
Another option you can go for is a special floater that carries chlorine in your skimmer. Whatever option you choose, always remember that chlorine is very important in your pool water! Also, ensure you have a pool fence especially when you have kids to avoid accidents. Contact East Bay Wood – Brentwood Ca Fencing Compnay to get their advice on what is the best type of fence for your home.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, we’d like to say that we hope the tips we’ve provided will help you maintain your above ground pool well into the autumn season. We completely understand the need to have a pool during the summertime. If there are signs that you need a pool equipment repair, don’t wait until the problem gets worse.
Those who don’t have a swimming pool can still have fun using an above ground pool. All you need to do is maintain and look after it diligently and you should be able to make use of it whenever you want.
You can share these tips with your family and friends too, just let them know where you got them from!
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