How to Maintain Your Above Ground Swimming Pool

How to Maintain Your Above Ground Swimming Pool

Keeping your above ground swimming pool in New Jersey safe and looking crystal clear takes a bit of maintenance on your part. Although you may not have the commitment that an inground pool owner may have, you still have to give your pool some TLC. For superior above ground pool care, heed the following tips:

1. Brush the pool walls. This will remove any buildup of algae and bacteria. Do this once a week if you have a manual vacuum, or run your automatic vacuum every day if you can.

2. Run the pump at least 12 hours a day. When you keep your pool water in constant motion, you reduce the chances of bacteria and algae growth. The main pump can run 24/7.

3. Backwash the filter every week and add a chemical cleaner once per season. The filter’s job is an important one, as it helps remove both visible and microscopic matter that could be harmful if not removed.

4. Add chemicals in the right doses as part of a safe, sanitary experience in the pool for the entire family. Too much and you may experience red, itchy eyes and irritated skin from elevated chlorine exposure.

5. Check the area around the pool. Every week, inspect the decking around the pool to look for loose boards, splinters, and protruding nails. Make repairs as you see fit or hire someone to do it. Check if any of the ladders or railings are loose and tighten them if needed.

6. Add sanitizer chlorine or mineral sanitizer systems to kill off bacteria and prevent the growth of algae from getting out of control. Purchase them in tablet or granular forms.

7. Test the water to ensure a proper balance of chemicals in the pool. Measure and adjust on a regular basis for the following: active sanitizer, chlorine, pH, and total alkalinity. Test strips are available at your local pool store, and you can use them weekly to keep track of readings and make any adjustments if called for.

8. Clean the pool and check the liner. Use a skimmer to get out all the leaves, twigs, dead bugs and other debris from the surface of the water before getting in. Inspect the liner regularly and be on the lookout for rips or tears, patching them or repairing as needed. If your water line keeps going down no matter how much water you add, you may have a leak. Contact a professional like Central Jersey Pools to troubleshoot and fix the problem.

Call Central Jersey Pools to schedule regular above ground swimming pool maintenance at 732-462-5005. We look forward to servicing your above ground pool needs this summer!