One of the sticking points for those considering buying a new swimming pool is the amount of work it takes to keep them running properly. The question of “Are above ground pools easy to maintain?” often comes up. And while swimming pools definitely require a certain level of responsibility, for the amount of enjoyment they provide, we find the maintenance procedures to be quite reasonable. To help give you an idea of what’s required to maintain a swimming pool we’ve outlined the major steps.
Water Pump
Although your water pump will do most of its work independently, you still need to make sure it’s running smoothly and for the correct amount of time each day. The water pump ensures that water is circulated from the pool and through the water filters. The circulation makes it harder for algae and bacteria to grow and keeps your water heated and fresh. Your water pump should run for at least eight to twelve hours a day so that all the water in your pool eventually runs through the pump.
Water Filters
Water filters help keep your water clean by capturing the tiny particles that can cause it to go cloudy. Eventually, water filters need to be cleaned and/or replaced. Gauges on your water filters will tell you when they need to be cleaned. If cleaning doesn’t rectify the situation, you’ll need to get new ones.
Skimming, Scrubbing and Vacuuming
The most physical aspect of taking care of your pool is skimming, scrubbing and vacuuming. But if these are done in a relaxed manner on a nice day, they can actually be enjoyable, zen-like activities. Skimming the pool means removing all the large debris off the water’s surface using a skimming net. You’ll also have to scrub down the inner walls and floor of the pool every week. And nowadays, to make things even easier, there are robotic vacuums that can suck up all the excess dirt for you.
Water Testing
You need to test your water a few times a week to ensure the water chemistry is properly balanced. Imbalanced water chemistry can lead to algae and bacteria growth and, ultimately, dirty water. The results of your water tests will let you know the quantities and kinds of chemicals you need to add.
Chlorine
Chlorine will keep your water fresh, clean and free of algae and bacteria. Chlorine tablets are usually the easiest to use as you add them to a floating basket that slowly releases the chlorine over time. It can also be added in powder or liquid form directly to the water.
Shocking
Shocking the pool water refers to using high concentrations of chlorine to quickly remove contaminants when the pool water is overly dirty. That said, you’ll want to do it every other week or so to make sure the water chemistry remains stable.
To learn more about above ground pools, download a brochure.