Above Ground Pool Maintenance Guide

Just like your car or your roof, you need to perform regular maintenance on your above ground pool. Regular upkeep will ensure a long life for your pool and keep costly unnecessary repairs at bay. If you don’t keep your cleaning, chemistry or circulation in check, you may experience water problems and pool liner issues.

Aboveground pools with inefficient or small filter systems can cost you a lot of money. Make sure you’re running the pump enough each day, and making the proper chemical adjustments or sanitizers. To avoid algae and other issues, certain regular tasks have to be performed.

We have compiled a handy checklist for above ground pool owners to help you stay on track:

General Maintenance Tips

Run the pool filter every day (12-18 hours)
Make sure the water level is mid-skimmer
Test pH level (between 7.4-7.6)
Test chlorine level (2.0-4.0 ppm)
Empty skimmer and pump baskets
Inspect filter pressure and pump operation
Observe pool cleaner operation

Weekly Above Ground Pool Maintenance

Skim the surface, then vacuum and brush the pool
Test total alkalinity (between 80-120 ppm)
Clean the pool deck and surrounding areas
Add algaecide, clarifier, and metal control
Add chlorine tablets to refill the floater or chlorinator
Backwash or clean the filter when pressure gauge rises 7-9 psi

To clean your pool, you will need a tele-pole, skim-net or leaf rake, pool brush, and a vacuum hose and head for vinyl pools. Brushing will remove film and dust from surfaces, where they can be more easily filtered out.

Monthly Above Ground Pool Maintenance

Test calcium hardness level (between 200-400 ppm)
Test cyanuric acid level (between 30-50 ppm)
Shock the pool in the evening (two pounds of pool shock per 10,000 gallons)
Check for hidden algae that forms behind steps and ladders
Using tile and vinyl cleaner, clean the water line and inside skimmer walls

Calcium hardness is a measurement of how hard or soft your pool water is. If your water is too soft, this can stain your vinyl liner or cause foaming.

Cyanuric acid, a chlorine stabilizer, protects your chlorine from the sun. Be sure to add this initially to get to 30 ppm. To shock your above ground pool, pour the shock into a bucket of water and stir to dissolve, then pour it around the edges of the pool.

In Conclusion

It’s important to keep up with an above ground pool maintenance schedule so your water stays clean and clear. If you neglect your pool, this can lead to cloudy, dirty water or unsafe swimming conditions.

Need help with daily, monthly or yearly maintenance? Call Central Jersey Pools today at 732-462-5005.