Pool Care Cheat Sheet: 10+ Above Ground Pool Maintenance Tips

Published October 16, 2023

If you’re an owner of an above ground pool, you already know the advantages of having one from enjoying the crystal-clear waters to fun-filled moments with family and friends. However these advantages come with a responsibility – proper above ground pool maintenance.

In this guide, we’ve created an above ground pool care cheat sheet to help you keep your pool in pristine condition. From chemical balance to equipment upkeep, winterization to seasonal covering, this list covers it all.

Dive into our proven-and-tested recommendations to ensure that your above ground pool remains a source of endless enjoyment, season after season.

Above Ground Pool Maintenance Tips

1. Follow a Schedule

The first step in how to clean an above ground pool is religiously following a schedule. Consistency is key when it comes to pool maintenance and there are things that you have to do daily, weekly, or monthly. Following a strict schedule can help ensure that your pool stays clear and safe to swim in.

Some tasks that you have to do daily are testing the pH and chlorine level, running your pumps, and checking the water level. While weekly tasks include shocking the pool and checking the skimmer baskets.

We’ll discuss these tasks in detail in the other tips on how to take care of a pool below.

2. Check Water Circulation

There is nothing more prone to bacterial and algae growth than a stagnant pool of water. That is why tips on pool maintenance for beginners always put emphasis on the importance of checking your water circulation daily. 

Water circulation is highly dependent on the pump and filter. Here is how your water circulates through the pumps, filter and back to your pool so you know which parts to check in case there’s a problem with circulation:

1. Pump sucks water from the pool through the skimmer.
2. Water then travels through the pump into the filter.
3. Filter cleans out particles that make your pool water dirty.
4. Water is pushed back into the pool through pool jets.

3. Test the Pool Pump and Filter

The heart of your pool’s maintenance system is the pool pump, including the filter, as it keeps your water running. Aside from regularly inspecting the pump and filter, one of the best practices when it comes to above ground pool cleaning is to keep your pump open even if you won’t be using the pool.

Regularly opening your pump can help you maintain a cleaner pool and save you from cleaning a larger amount of dirt from your pool water. 

4. Clean the Skimmer Basket

Checking the skimmer basket once or twice a week should always be included when we’re talking about how to maintain a pool. Emptying the skimmer basket should be done to prevent potential problems as it can make it harder for the pump to circulate the water.

Additionally, critters like frogs can get stuck in your skimmer, so you will want to make sure those are removed immediately. 

To clean the skimmer basket, turn off your pool pump and empty the removable basket under the skimmer lid, then replace.

5. Take Note of Above Ground Pool Chemicals

Taking note of the above ground pool chemicals is crucial to prevent algae growth or skin irritation. Properly balanced chemicals will ensure that your pool water remains safe and comfortable for swimming. 

Some of the above ground pool chemicals you must check are the following:

• pH level: The ideal pH level for an above ground pool is between 7.4 to 7.6. Maintaining the correct pH level is important because a pH too high or too low can lead to various pool problems. Such problems include cloudy water and irritated eyes. 

You can add sodium carbonate as a pH level increaser while sodium bisulfate is used as a pH level reducer.

• Alkalinity: The level of alkalinity goes hand in hand with the pH level. Low alkaline levels in above ground pools can cause the pH level to easily fluctuate and affect the physical appearance of pools. For above ground pools maintenance, the ideal alkalinity is between 80 and 120 ppm.
  
• Chlorine: The ideal chlorine level is between 2.0 and 4.0 ppm. This keeps the water clean by eliminating bacteria, microorganisms, and algae. However, it tends to decrease with exposure to the sun, swimmers, and chemicals from sunscreens.

6. Always Shock the Pool

Aside from the chemicals mentioned above, shocking the pool is also an important part of above ground pool cleaning. “Shocking” is the process of adding a highly-concentrated dose of chlorine to eliminate bacteria and other organisms. Although this should be done weekly, it is also highly-recommended to be done after a storm, unexpected contaminations, or an algae breakout.

For increased safety, take note in your pool care cheat sheet that this should be done during the night to prevent the sunlight from dissolving the chlorine. It is also advised to refrain from swimming until the following day and keep the pump open to ensure proper water circulation.

7. Vacuum and Brush Your Pool Regularly

Having an outdoor above ground pool exposes it to debris such as leaves and twigs. One of the best practices when it comes to above ground pool maintenance is to vacuum and brush your pool once or twice a week. But if you’re using your pool pretty often, it’s best to do this more regularly.

Your pool filter won’t be able to remove all dirt from the floor and walls of your pool, manually removing them by vacuuming and brushing can help you avoid bigger clean ups. This practice also prevents algae build ups and helps chlorine be more effective.