There are many different ways to clean out an above-ground pool, as there are more vacuums on the market today than ever before to make this process as smooth as possible. Regular cleaning is important not only for the state of the water and its pH balance, but also for your pool’s lining, pump, filter, etc. So, whether you’re going to be a new pool owner come Spring time, or you’ll be helping with the cleaning process of one moving forward, here’s what you need to know.
Using a Manual Vacuum
When vacuuming an above-ground pool for the first time of a season or when there is a lot of dirt and debris, a manual vacuum will likely give you the best results. Owning this type of vacuum will also come in handy if, say, you deal with algae or any other water issues down the line. Although manual vacuums require more work, they also allow you to focus on every inch of the pool to ensure the entire surface is clean. Manual vacuums consist of a long fibreglass or metal pole attached to a hose on one end and a head with rollers and brushes on the other. Many will have adjustable poles so that you can extend to reach each side of the pool comfortably.
When using a manual vacuum, you can remove any bugs, dirt, leaves, etc., with ease. Start by attaching all pieces, including the pole, head, and hose. Put your vacuum into the pool until it’s touching the bottom, and then insert the hose end of this device. Put this end to your pool’s water-return outlet and fill your vacuum with water until it’s fully primed. When doing so, ensure you’re keeping one hand on the pole so that the head of the vacuum does not float up. You will know your vacuum has been fully primed when there aren’t any signs of bubbles coming from your vacuum head. To clean your pool, the end of your hose will need to be placed into the skimmer, and some vacuums will even require you to put it right into the suction port. These specific steps depend on your particular vacuum.
Using an Automatic Pool Cleaner
When it comes to maintaining the cleanliness of your pool, an automatic vacuum might be the perfect addition. Once put in, these vacuums go around and clean your pool without you needing to do anything and are great for day-to-day use. Although manual vacuums are incredible tools for deep cleaning, automatic pool cleaners can be used regularly to clean up dirt, insects, leaves, etc. Each automatic pool vacuum will be different, so it’s best to follow the instructions of the one you choose. Typically, though, they will either have a top and lower attachment to clean the surface and bottom of your pool or will run just at the bottom of the pool. Regardless of what you get, these are perfect to put in before using your pool, or at the end of a long day of swimming.
The Importance of Maintaining Clean Water
You should regularly test your water to ensure the levels are where they should be, maintaining a pH between 7.2 and 7.6 is key. It’s important to maintain appropriate levels to prevent algae growth or pH levels that are either too high or too low. Anything that affects the health of the water will also directly affect the state of your pool’s mechanisms, like your pump, jets, filter, etc., as well as your liner/surface.
To ensure your water is kept clean, you can also regularly be cleaning any toys, floaties, bathing suits, and so on. Since water pH levels are pretty delicate, something as simple as deodorant, body creams, perfumes, etc., can change the stability of the water’s pH. Therefore, it’s good to ensure that regular checking is done and cleaning measures are upheld.
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