Most of us want a spot in our house where we can relax and have fun at the same time, and some people think that a luxurious and lovely in-ground is a very good thing to have at home. However, this is not always a feasible choice in some yards. They may not be easy to install because of cramped space, expensive materials, and the wrong type of soil.

Fortunately, one way that everyone in the family can become cool in the summer is the installation of above ground pools. They can be helpful in the hot months, and everyone can enjoy splashing water and swimming while bonding with their families or friends.

There are expensive and luxurious styles and there are also economic model options for above ground pools. You can get quality above ground pools with the right company, and you can browse through plenty of options in some online shops. They are popular all throughout the year, and they can rival an in-ground model as long as they are correctly installed. Some may even have pre-installed solar panels for heating options and more energy efficiency inside the properties.

You can upgrade to the modern styles where the features are usually common in many in-ground models. The pumps and filtration systems will keep them clean, but you may still need to conduct regular maintenance to ensure they stay in tip-top shape. Some of the things that you can do to your above ground pool are the following:

1. Do Maintenance Regularly

It’s helpful if you have a checklist of the things that you need to do. It can be tempting to do all these things later on, but you may have to pay for more expensive maintenance later on if you’re not careful. Properly taking care of everything may mean that you have to complete these tasks at least 3x a week:

• Testing the pH levels with the use of kits and make sure that they are between 7.4 to 7.6
• Chlorine levels should be between 2.0 and 4.0 parts per million
• Running the filters of the pool for about 12 to 18 hours
• Checking the water level, and it should be around mid-skimmers
• Emptying the pump baskets and skimmers whenever you get the chance
• Checking the operations of the pumps and the filter pressures whenever possible

Do these things at least once a week:

• Testing of the total alkalinity and ensuring that it’s over 80 ppm but below 120 ppm
• Brushing the pool sides, vacuuming, and skimming the surfaces
• Proper doses of metal controls, clarifiers, and algaecide
• Checking the surrounding areas and the pool decks for algae
• Adding chlorine tablets
• Clean the filters or do a backwash if you see the pressure gauge rise to 9 psi.

Do a weekly shock treatment that involves powdered chlorine to kill bacteria, algae, and other contaminants. These shock treatments will oxidize everything, and they can make the chlorine-free to do its work of cleaning up the water. Read more about the oxidation process on this site here. If you’re unsure of what to do, you can also call a professional for help.

2. Make sure there’s Water Circulation

The pools installed above the ground may sometimes have problems with water circulation. When there’s standing water, there can be the growth of algae. This can be seen in dead spots where the circulation is typically bad. Check the areas under the skimmers, around the steps, and behind the ladders for creases, crevices, and cracks.

Installed pumps will circulate the water, but they may not often do an excellent job with the dead spots. Improve the circumstances by adding some return jets that are moving in a multi-directional area. Keep a brush handy at all times so you can do manual circulation of the water whenever there’s a need.

3. The Walls are Important Too

Focusing on the water may be a good thing but don’t forget the walls. They just needed care as much and avoid letting them sit for so long. Guests or family members should never sit at the top rails or edges because they can cause cracks, creases, and damages at the sides.

Other hazardous things that can happen include hitting the pool walls, falling branches from nearby trees, kids who are throwing complex objects everywhere, or riding bikes around the pool area. Know more about different kinds of pools in this link: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Swimming_pool.

4. Winterizing Everything

If you’re not using the above ground pool for the whole year, you should winterize it to prepare for the upcoming summer season. These activities may include:

• Draining and thoroughly cleaning everything. Check out some winter chemical kits from online shops or local stores so the cleaning will be more effective.
• Removal of cleaning supplies, ladders, chemicals, and other stuff inside the pool. Store them in a dry and safe area.
• Running the filters an hour before you do disconnection with the pumps and motors. These devices should also be stored in a dry and safe place.
• Lowering the water level below the skimmers and returns. Some people may choose not to drain all the water as the hydrostatic pressure may damage the surrounding areas.
• Protecting the pool with the right cover.