After dreaming of floating peacefully on a raft in the comfort of your own backyard, you’re now the proud new owner of an above ground pool. While initially your new addition may be all set, above ground pools do require constant maintenance and care to last. Assuming you don’t want injuries, dirty water, or damaged equipment, some easy, routine maintenance tasks can spare you from headaches and an empty wallet down the line.

Pool Liner - The pool liner is important because it holds the water inside the pool while protecting the ground and surrounding areas. It needs to be checked every so often because damage can occur from everyday use.

Winter Maintenance - If you live in an area where winters are cold, it is highly recommended that you drain the pool once the temperatures drop to the point where you no longer feel warm going outside in your bathing suit. If water is left in the pool over the winter, it may freeze and damage the liner.

Pool Cover - A pool cover is important so the structure is covered during winter months and when the pool is not in use. This prevents animals and children alike from getting inside.

Pool Access - While most pools come with a ladder to get in and out, that may not be your preferred method. Decks and patios are common and can also provide a place to relax outside of the pool.

Fresh Water - The pool should be filled with fresh water and the water level itself should be checked constantly. Evaporation can cause shallow water levels that can be dangerous for anyone jumping in.

Pool Cleaning - No one wants to step outside and jump in a pool filled with algae and murky water. Chemical levels must be checked often and other measures must be taken to ensure the water is clean and safe to be in.

Chlorine tablets or a cartridge filtration system can be used to help keep the pool water clear of bacteria.

A bottom cleaner, such as a pool vacuum, is recommended to keep the floor of the pool clean.

Surface skimmers remove floating debris such as dirt and leaves. These can be both handheld and automatic.

When oils, lotions, and other organic contaminants enter the water, they can bond to chlorine and create compounds that are detrimental to pool water purity. Regular shock treatments are recommended to break down the compounds, which are called chloramines.

Pool walls and tile should be cleaned based on the manufacturer’s suggestions. This often includes using a brush to scrub the walls to prevent buildup.

Chemical Levels: The Big Three - There are three main chemical levels in your pool that should be constantly checked: alkalinity, pH, and calcium hardness. Alkalinity and pH should be tested at least once a week while calcium hardness should be tested monthly. There are a number of ways to do this, but testing strips and other methodsare available to check these properties.

The best alkalinity range is from 80 – 150 ppm

The best pH range is from 7.4 to 7.8

The best calcium hardness range is from 200 – 400 ppm

If the levels in your pool are not within those desired ranges, there are products available at any pool specialty store to bring things back to balance.

Above ground pool maintenance sounds tiring, but adjusting to the cleaning routine will ensure your water remains as clean as it was when your new pool was unveiled. However, one final task remains – treating yourself to a raft, float, or other assorted fun pool item. What’s the point of putting all the hard work into pool maintenance if you don’t kick back and relax?