Once you own a backyard oasis, one of the best things in summer are laps after work, spending lazy afternoons by the poolside to perfect your tan and weekend parties with friends and neighbours. Despite joyous days ahead, unfortunately, one crucial element of pool ownership is often forgotten: the maintenance. To keep your pool crystal clear, inviting and ready for everyday use, there are some maintenance chores for you to stick to during the warm months. Routine above ground swimming pool maintenance prevents frustration and will save a lot of money as it minimizes the need for emergencies. All you need to do is make following chores a habit to enjoy the summer season at its best.
- Make sure there is no debris in the pool. You can use a leaf skimmer to collect debris fallen off nearby trees and bushes to make the pool look nice and clean before anyone gets in. Skimming debris should be done at least once a week to prevent having to use a huge amount of chemicals to keep the pool clean but also increase to the water circulation.
- Another way to decrease the number of chemicals in use is to vacuum the pool regularly to get rid of the debris. The vacuum cleans the surface of your pool and usually takes about half an hour to make your pool nice and inviting again. On windy days, strainer baskets can fill up quickly with leaves, sticks and other clutter, hence making it a daily task to check the baskets and remove debris.
- Unfortunately, algae photosynthesize and multiply rapidly on sunny days. Algae or mineral build-up that sticks to the pool walls and tiles should be scrubbed off with a thick-bristled nylon brush and in hard cases with a chemical pool cleaner. Like sunscreen such films can leave stains around your pool, thus make sure you pay special attention to corners and shady areas where algae are usually worst.
- No matter which type of above ground pool filter you have, whether it is sand, cartridges or diatomaceous earth, each one requires regular cleaning, as without a functioning filter system your pool will soon be cloudy and polluted. Use a hose to clean your filter of dirt and in severe case follow the filters manual, as the flow of your water will change and soon look murky and discoloured.
- Test your chlorine levels at least once a week using pH-testing strips to ensure your pool water is safe and clean. Chlorine kills dangerous bacteria and algae but high levels can lead to irritation of eyes and skin and premature wear of swim gear. It would be ideal for your pool water to range between 7.2 and 7.8 on the pH scale to be ready for swimming. If you are unsure about how to maintain proper chemical levels, call your pool builder to do the work for you.
- Pools are meant to be watertight and it is important to repair leaks as quickly as possible not only to save water and chemicals but also to protect the undermining pool structure, which supports pool walls and deck. To avoid leaks and other problems, check your pool’s tile walls and vinyl liner regularly for cracks and tears. Cracks between pool deck and tiles can easily be caulked with a small bead of silicone.
- Keep in mind that the area that surrounds your pool is just as important as the pool itself. Therefore it is advisable to power wash the deck regularly to keep debris from falling into your pool and help get rid of unsightly stains caused by food remains and weather.