How to Replace an Above Ground Pool Liner

Above ground pools are increasing in popularity – and with good reason. They are easy to install, can be moved from home to home, and will provide hours of enjoyment for you and your family. But like an inground pool, there are some maintenance steps you must take to keep your pool in tip-top shape.

Here are the basic above ground pool maintenance tips you need to know.

Keeping your pool clean is the key to that inviting, sparkling blue water you love so much. Here is a 5-step process that will have your pool looking so inviting that you may come up with just about any excuse to throw another pool party!

Step 1: Scoop Out the Big Stuff

Start by taking off the pool cover and then using the pool skimmer to remove large debris such as leaves from the surface of the water. You can also use the skimmer to scoop out any large debris that has settled in the bottom of the pool.

Step 2: Clean the Pool Filter

Next, clean the pool filter to prevent it from clogging and keep it working properly. To do this, start by removing it from the casing. Use a garden hose to clean it inside and out, saturating it completely. If the filter is still dirty, replace it with a new one.

Place the filter back in the canister of the pool pump, and seal the cover. Connect the pump and filter, allowing the water to run through the filter system. Once it's flowed through it, turn on the pump.

Step 3: Learn How to Vacuum an Above Ground Pool

Many people use a pool brush for the next step, but if you want your pool as clean as possible, learning how to vacuum an above ground pool is the way to go.

Start by assembling the vacuum pole and attaching the vacuum head to it. Next, flood the vacuum hose with water to remove any air, and attach it to the vacuum. Submerge the vacuum head, and clean the sides and bottom of your pool. As you clean each area, use a soft pool brush to scrub away any stains you see.

If there is excess debris and crud, the pool's filter may fill up during this process. If it does, simply clean it out, and begin again. Repeat this process until the debris is gone and the filter stays clean. Remove the vacuum and hose, and put them away for the next use.

Step 4: Add Some Chemicals

Now it's time to balance the pool water by adding chemicals. Using test strips, add the proper amount of chemicals to the water, replace the pool cover, and allow the filter to run overnight.

Step 5: Check Your Levels

The next day, the pool filter should have distributed the pool chemicals throughout the water. Using test strips, remove the pool cover and test the water. Adjust the chemicals according to what they show.

How to Clear a Cloudy Above Ground Pool

If you walk outside to find that your pool water has gone cloudy, it's time to take action. After all, one of the things you look forward to is diving into that crystal clear water. Chlorine is the best way to combat cloudy water in above ground pools.

As debris builds up in the water – from perspiration, suntan oil, hair spray, or other pollutants – it can cause cloudy water. When this happens, you should use shock, which is a concentrated chemical treatment (usually chlorine). Shocking your above ground pool once a week will oxidize contaminants, free up the chlorine, and keep your water crystal clear.

How to Clear a Green Above Ground Pool

There is nothing more disheartening for a pool owner than seeing green algae overtaking your pool. And since algae is visible, it tends to be the pool problem that is most disturbing to pool owners. This is not surprising: No one wants to see black, green, or yellow fuzz growing in their pool.

In reality, it's not the algae that are harmful but the waste they produce by converting sunlight into food. This waste then feeds bacteria, which is the real problem. Algae spores travel through the air and enter the pool water. With just a few hours of sunlight on a warm day, algae can colonize your entire pool if your chlorine level is too low.

The best way to combat algae is to never let them get started. Regularly checking to make sure your chemical levels are adequate and your pool water is balanced is vital. Adding algaecide is another preventative measure that will help prevent all types of algae from getting a foothold in your pool. You can use algaecide weekly to discourage algae growth.

If algae have already taken hold in your pool, there are some basic steps to follow. First, shock your pool, and keep your water circulating 24 hours a day if possible. You are looking to achieve 10 ppm of chlorine. After shocking, you will need to brush and vacuum the entire pool. Follow up with an algaecide designed for your particular algae problem (most common are black, green, and mustard algae). Brush and vacuum again, and try to repeat this each day. Check the chlorine level, and add more if it's below 5 ppm. It is also recommended that you regularly clean your filter during this process.