Above ground swimming pools are a fantastic addition to any home, offering a budget-friendly alternative to in-ground pools. However, above-ground pools also require regular maintenance to be in top condition.
Issues like cloudy water, algae buildup, and malfunctioning equipment affect the pool’s appearance and can even be a health hazard. Regular pool cleaning and maintenance will help prevent these problems and ensure that your pool remains a refreshing oasis.
If you’re curious about how to clean a Bestway pool or looking to perfect your pool cleaning routine, these steps will guide you through effective above-ground pool care. Read this article for cleaner and healthier above-ground swimming pools.
1. Skim, Vacuum, and Brush Regularly
The best way to clean an above-ground pool is by combining skimming, vacuuming, and brushing. The first step is to keep debris out of the water using a skimmer basket. This will remove leaves and other floating debris. A pool vacuum, on the other hand, will prevent algae growth. Some brands like Bestway offer a complete pool cleaning kit with an interchangeable vacuum and skimmer head as a package. Lastly, a good pool brush will help prevent slimy water. You can use a brush head attached to a telescopic pole or a hand-held brush depending on your pool’s size. Brush the floors and walls at least once a week to prevent grime buildup and improve water circulation. If your pool has a set of stairs or railings, you need to brush them as well.
2. Maintain Your Pump and Filtration System
Your pool’s filtration system and pump are crucial for water quality and cleanliness. A well-maintained filter helps remove contaminants that the skimmer basket and pool vacuum might miss. Regular pool equipment maintenance is also important for these two accessories. For filters, regular backwashing can help keep the water clear, while pool pump maintenance involves cleaning the pump, checking for wear, and ensuring it runs for at least 8 hours daily.
3. Test the Water
Water chemistry is the backbone of above-ground pool care. You don’t need to be a chemist to test if your pool’s water is at sanitary level. You can use commercially available test strips for this. There are even digital ones that can do the job faster. Just dip the strip in the water and insert it into the digital reader to get the numbers. Regular water testing ensures that chlorine levels, pH balance, alkalinity, hardness, and total metal content are within acceptable Australian standards.
Keep the pH balance between 7.2 and 7.6 to avoid damage to the pool and equipment. Alkalinity should be between 80-120 ppm, and calcium hardness between 200-400 ppm. Low pH (acidic) can cause scaling and corrosion of pool parts while higher pH (basic) might lead to unwanted deposits and water cloudiness. Proper balance prevents these and ensures good water quality. Make sure to test your pool water at least thrice a week during summer and at least once a week in winter.
4. Sanitise and Shock Regularly
Sanitisation is key to a clean pool. Regularly check and maintain chlorine levels to kill bacteria and keep the water safe. Aside from that, pool shock treatment is essential for oxidising contaminants that regular pool sanitisation might miss. Shocking the pool, especially after heavy use, helps maintain water quality by boosting chlorine levels. Aside from keeping your pool sparkling clean, these methods also aid in algae prevention.
5. Winterise Your Pool
As the swimming season winds down, proper winterisation is critical for above-ground pool care. Start by performing a thorough pool cleaning—remove all debris, brush the walls, and vacuum the floor. Balance the water chemistry and add winterising chemicals to prevent algae growth and scaling. Disconnect and clean the filtration system, pump, and other equipment, then store them in a dry place. Finally, cover the pool with a durable winter cover to protect it from the elements and keep debris out.
6. Troubleshoot Common Pool Issues
Here’s how to troubleshoot some common problems with your above-ground pool:
- Cloudy Water: Check water chemistry, clean the filtration system, and ensure the pump is functioning correctly
- Algae Growth: Perform a pool shock treatment, brush affected areas, and maintain proper chlorine levels. Regularly add algaecide as part of your algae prevention routine.
- Low Water Pressure: Clean the skimmer basket, filter, and pump to remove clogs. Check for leaks in the system.
- Foamy Water: Shock the pool to eliminate organic contaminants and avoid overusing pool chemicals. Regular water testing also helps maintain the right chemical balance.
7. Save Energy While Maintaining Your Pool
Above-ground pool maintenance doesn’t have to be expensive. Here are some energy-saving tips:
- Use a Pool Cover: This keeps debris out, reducing the need for frequent pool cleaning, saving you time, money, and energy.
- Run Your Pump During Off-Peak Hours: Save on energy costs by running the pump when electricity rates are lower.
- Opt for a Variable-Speed Pump: These pumps use less energy by adjusting their speed according to the pool’s needs, making them an efficient option for ongoing pool equipment maintenance.
Final Thoughts
By following these easy steps for above-ground pool maintenance, you can make sure that your pool stays clean, safe, and enjoyable. Whether it’s regular pool cleaning, balancing water chemistry, or troubleshooting common issues, consistent care will keep your pool ready for summer fun. For more tips on the best way to clean an above-ground pool, head on to our blog for some additional resources.
Looking for a quality above ground pool to beat the summer heat?
Now that you know how to clean a pool that’s above-ground, it’s the perfect time to browse our collection of high-quality Bestway above-ground pools. Our lineup consists of various shapes and sizes that meet your needs. Best of all, our pools come with an attached filter pump so that you'll never have to worry about the upkeep. We also offer replacement filters and other pool cleaning accessories to keep your pool in tiptop shape. Visit our site now and get ready for a swimming party!
