The first step when cleaning an above-ground pool is to remove the filter and wash it with a garden hose, followed by a thorough brushing and vacuuming of the pool's interior walls. Weekly treatments with concentrated chlorine help to remove built-up debris and keep the water clear. Compressed chlorine tablets should also be kept in the pool's automatic feeder or skimmer to ensure consistent sanitizing.
Above-ground pools are prone to algae colonization. To remove algae, the first steps are to treat the pool with concentrated chlorine and set the pump to circulate water 24 hours a day. After the chlorine treatment sets in, the next step is to thoroughly brush and vacuum the pool. Repeating the process daily until the algae has dissipated helps to prevent recurrence. One can also prevent algae with weekly algaecide treatments.
The pump is the most important aspect in any above-ground pool, as it filters bacteria and minimizes the formation of algae. It is important for pool owners to run the pool filter between 8 and 12 hours each day to ensure proper water circulation. Water that is overly acidic or overly alkaline can cause skin and eye irritation as well as equipment corrosion. Testing the water with test strips twice a week helps to keep the pool water balanced and safe.
