Quck answer
Cleaning a neglected above-ground pool can be a daunting task, but with the right approach, it can be restored to its former glory. Here are the steps to follow:
1. Remove debris: Use a skimmer net to remove any leaves, insects, or other debris floating on the water’s surface.
2. Scrub the walls and floor: Use a pool brush to scrub the walls and floor of the pool. Pay extra attention to any areas with algae or dirt buildup.
3. Vacuum the pool: Use a pool vacuum to remove any dirt or debris that has settled on the bottom of the pool.
4. Balance the water chemistry: Test the water and adjust the pH and chlorine levels as needed. This will ensure the water is safe and clean for swimming.
5. Shock the pool: Add a pool shock treatment to kill any remaining bacteria or algae in the water.
6. Filter the water: Run the pool filter continuously for at least 24-48 hours to help clear the water.
7. Regular maintenance: Once the pool is clean, maintain it regularly by skimming the surface, brushing the walls, and adjusting the water chemistry as needed.
By following these steps, you can transform a neglected above-ground pool into a sparkling and inviting oasis.
At times, an above-ground pool may seem to be in terrible condition, when in reality it just requires a thorough cleaning. This can be achieved through both mechanical and manual cleaning methods, as well as the use of various pool chemicals, including pool shock, algae guard, water clarifier, and chlorine. These chemicals are essential in defending your pool against common issues like algae, brown slime, and cloudy water. It’s important to regularly check the chemical levels of your pool to ensure the proper balance is maintained.
To keep your pool clean and ready for swimming, your best tools are a pool skimmer, pool hose and brush, and a clean filter. These items effectively remove leaves, bugs, fine sediment, dirt, and other debris that inevitably find their way into your pool. With the necessary time and effort, your swimming pool will be beautifully clean and inviting, and will remain so.
There are also pool vacuums specifically designed for above-ground pools. These self-contained units are often battery powered and do not require connection to a pool filtration system. They do an excellent job of removing sand, sediment, and fine debris from the pool bottom. Some models are even capable of vacuuming the pool sides.
Step 1
If your pool has a cover, start by removing it. If there is any dirty water accumulated on the cover, use a siphon to remove as much water as possible before attempting to remove the cover.
Step 2
Utilize a pool skimmer to eliminate large debris from the pool water. This will help prevent the pool filter from getting clogged. Remove any floating objects from the water surface and then agitate the water to skim as much leaves and other larger debris as you can from the pool bottom.
Step 3
- Take out the pool filter from its canister and thoroughly clean it inside and out using a garden hose and spray nozzle. Completely saturate the filter with water. If the filter is excessively dirty and cannot be cleaned, it will need to be replaced.
- Reinstall the pool filter into the canister of the pool pump, ensuring it is properly installed and the cover is tightly sealed.
- Connect the pump and filter to the pool and allow the pool water to flow through the filtering system. Once ready, turn on the pool pump.
Step 4
Clean the pool bottom gradually and in sections using a pool brush or vacuum. If using a brush, the goal is to agitate the water so that the filtration system can remove some of the particulate debris. However, it is recommended to use a pool vacuum for better results:
Step 5
- Join the vacuum pole and attach it to the vacuum head, following the instructions provided by the manufacturer.
- Connect the hose to the device, ensuring that all air is removed from the hose by filling it with water.
- Immerse the vacuum head and follow the manufacturer’s recommended method for cleaning the bottom and sides of your pool. While removing debris from the pool floor, scrub stained areas thoroughly, but be careful to avoid damaging the liner. It is not possible to remove all stains; some may remain.
- When cleaning a neglected pool, the vacuum’s filters are likely to fill up multiple times during the cleaning process. Pause to clean the vacuum’s filter whenever it becomes full. On some vacuums, this is a simple removable basket filter, while on others it is a cartridge filter that needs to be removed for cleaning. Regardless of the type of filter used, take it out of the canister and clean it thoroughly with fresh water.
- Repeat the process until the pool bottom is clean and the vacuum filter collects very little debris. Remove the vacuum and hose from the pool.
Step 6
Now, add twice the amount of pool shock, algae guard, and water clarifier that is normally required for the gallon capacity of your pool. Read the instructions on the package to determine the exact measurements. By doubling up, you will be treating the water in a way that kills accumulated bacteria and algae. This should quickly clear up cloudy water.
- Start by slowly sprinkling a package or scoop of powdered shock around the pool edges. Pouring the shock too quickly may cause it to accumulate at the bottom, so take your time. If it does accumulate, use a pool brush to stir it up and distribute it in the water. Leaving the powder in one place can bleach the bottom of the pool liner.
- Next, distribute the water clarifier around the pool’s edge. Use a pool brush to stir the water if needed, ensuring that the clarifier mixes well with the pool water.
- Finally, add the algae guard in the same way as the clarifier. Keep an eye on the pool for 15 minutes to ensure that no chemicals sink to the bottom. If they do, use the pool brush to stir them up.
Step 7
If it is windy outside, cover the pool with a solar blanket or another type of cover to prevent debris from entering the pool. Allow the pool filter to run overnight.
Step 8
After the pool filter has run overnight, remove the pool cover. Use a pool chemical test strip to test the water, following the instructions provided by the manufacturer. After the thorough chemical treatment from the previous day, the chemical levels should be at the higher end of the scale when comparing the test strip to the color chart on the test kit’s container. If necessary, add additional chemicals to balance the pH and alkalinity levels.
If the pool was in very bad condition and did not respond to the chemical treatment, it may be necessary to add more chemicals, again using double doses. It is important to refrain from swimming in the water until it appears clean and the water chemicals test at stable levels.
Step 9
Continue the process of cleaning the pool by using both mechanical cleaning methods and chemical testing and treatment every day until the water in the pool becomes completely clear. The time it takes to clean the pool will vary depending on the amount of debris and dirt present initially. If the pool is in very bad condition, it may take three or more days to complete this treatment.
Step 10
After the pool water has become clear and the chemical levels have stabilized, place a chlorine tablet in the floating chlorine dispenser and fill it with water. This will slowly release a consistent amount of chlorine into the pool to help maintain its cleanliness. Make sure to keep the dispenser filled throughout the swimming season. In hot weather or when the pool is used frequently, the tablets in the dispenser may dissolve more quickly.
