For the best results, run the pump during the day. To ensure that you never forget to turn the pump on or off, use a pool pump timer that can automatically turn it on and off depending on the schedule that you choose.
You should backwash your pool when you notice that the pressure gauge is 8 to 10 lbs above normal. Consult the manufacturer’s instructions for your filter system if you’re unsure what the normal setting is. Make sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions regarding the backwashing procedures for the pool. In most cases, you’ll need to turn a valve to the proper setting.
Check the manufacturer’s instructions for your cartridge filter system to determine what the normal pressure setting should be so you know when to clean the cartridge. Cartridge filters need to be replaced periodically to keep the system running properly.
Consult your filter system’s manufacturer’s instructions to determine how to remove and clean the pump basket. Make sure that you reposition the basket correctly and secure the lid after cleaning it so the filter system will run properly. It’s a good idea to clean the pump basket each week after you vacuum the pool.
If you find that your skimmer basket becomes full fairly easily, you may want to empty it more than once or twice a day.
Even with a skimmer basket attached, it’s a good idea to skim your pool at least once a day. If your above ground pool doesn’t have a skimmer basket, you should skim it manually at least three or four times a day.
A leaf bag is also handy for removing large debris from the bottom of the pool.
To avoid damaging your above ground pool’s walls, use a brush with nylon bristles. Depending on the dimensions and setup of your pool, you may prefer to do some of the brushing with a handheld brush from inside the pool.
For the cleanest pool, try to brush it at least once a week.
You may find it easier to brush the ladder with a handheld brush. If you have a set of stairs in your pool, make sure to brush those as well.
Make sure to choose an automatic pool vacuum designed specifically for above ground pools so you know that it will work best for your pool’s materials and dimensions. If you have an automatic pool cleaner, you can run it daily or every other day so you can be sure that the pool is always clean.
Before you plan to vacuum your pool, you should skim the surface of any leaves or other debris. If you vacuum your pool manually, make sure to do it at least once or twice a week.
Lean the pole against the side of the pool as you’re readying the vacuum in a secure position so it won’t fall into the water.
To ensure that you pick up all of the debris, try to overlap your strokes as you move the vacuum to go over each area twice.
A digital test strip reader is usually the easiest way to test the pool’s chemicals levels. Dip a testing strip in the water, and insert into the reader to determine the levels. Other strips change color and provide a chart to help you determine whether the levels are correct. It’s crucial that the water’s pH is at the right level to ensure that the sanitizers work properly to keep the water clean. It should be between 7. 2 and 7. 6 to maintain clean pool water. The chlorine level in your pool should be between 1 and 3 parts per million (ppm).
If the pH is too high, add a pH reducer to the water according to the manufacturer’s instructions. If the pH is too low, add a pH increaser to the water according to the manufacturer’s instructions. If your pool’s chlorine levels are too low, you should add chlorine to the water. If the chlorine levels are too high, stop adding chlorine to the water and leave the water alone for a day or so to help lower the level.
Make sure to refill the floater on a weekly basis to ensure that there is always a steady supply of chlorine for the water. If you prefer, you can install an automatic chlorine feeder for your above ground pool. It attaches to the filter system and uses tablets that dissolve even more slowly so you don’t need to refill it as often as a conventional floater.
Follow the manufacturer’s instructions regarding how to how add the shock to the water. Even if your chemical levels are balanced, you may want to shock the pool after heavy use or a storm to keep the water clean. In most cases, you shouldn’t need to shock your pool more than once every or every other week. After shocking the pool, you can’t swim it in for a while. In most cases, you need to wait until the chlorine levels fall back to 3 to 4 ppm but consult the shock’s instructions to be sure.
