Easy-to-follow above ground pool cleaning schedule & timelines
Key Takeaways:
• Test chemicals 2-3 times a week
• Clean pool with skimmer, brush and/or vacuum once a week
• Clean inlet and outlet strainer covers and strainer basket once a week
• Clean or replace filter cartridge every 1-2 weeks (*for filter cartridge pumps only*)
• Clean sand using backwash function once a month (*for sand pumps only*)
• Hand wash Polysphere™ Pool Filtration Balls once a month (*if applicable to you*)
• Replace liner as needed (quickly fading, cracking or holes)
***PRO TIP: Print or bookmark this post as a helpful reminder of your maintenance schedule.***
Regular above ground pool cleaning and maintenance are essential for extending the lifespan of your pool and pump – ensuring the fun in the sun continues year after year!
As a new or seasoned above ground pool owner, keeping the cleaning schedules straight can feel time-consuming and like a hassle.
To simplify the process, here’s an easy-to-follow above ground pool cleaning schedule:
How often should I test my pool chemicals?
Imbalanced chemicals can lead to cloudy water or a buildup of bacteria or algae. Keep your water clean and clear by checking your chemical levels 2-3 times a week using 4-in-1 test strips.
Proper pH levels should be 7.3-7.8, and free chlorine levels should be 1-3 ppm (parts per million). If either of these levels is unbalanced, there aren't enough disinfecting agents in the water to keep bacteria and algae from growing.
If your levels are unbalanced, this all-in-one chemical starter kit has everything you need to keep your water sparkling – including test strips, shock, chlorine tablets and more!
How often should I clean my pool?
Show your above ground pool some love by cleaning it once a week. Grab your pool vacuum, skimmer and brush to remove dirt and debris from the floor and surface and any grime that’s started to build along the walls. Or grab an automatic robotic pool vacuum to do the hard part for you!
Keeping above ground pool parts clean doesn’t need to be overcomplicated. You don’t need a million different pool maintenance cleaning tools to keep your above ground swimming pool pristine. Many pool maintenance kits come with interchangeable vacuum and skimmer heads to simplify your tool set. Keep your tools neatly organized with the Bestway® StorePro™ Pool Accessory and Equipment Organizer that also maximizes your storage space.
How often should I clean the inlet/outlet strainer covers and strainer basket?
Remove the inlet and outlet strainer covers (all filter pumps) and strainer basket (sand filter pumps) and clean them once a week with a garden hose to remove any debris to improve pump efficiency. For stubborn buildup, use a small brush to gently scrub away grime.
How often should I clean my filter cartridge?
To make sure your pump is performing at full capacity, your pool filter cartridge should be cleaned or replaced every 1-2 weeks. Follow these simple steps to clean or replace your filter cartridge.
If you find after cleaning or replacing your filter cartridge that your pump still isn’t working efficiently, follow these 4 troubleshooting tips to resolve the issue.
How often should I clean the sand or Polysphere™ Pool Filtration Balls in my sand filter pump?
Keep your pool sand filter pump in prime condition by cleaning the sand, using the backwash function on your pool filter pump, once a month. Do not clean the sand too frequently, or it may not last as long as it should. Follow these simple steps on how to use your sand filter pump.
TIP: When the pressure gauge on your pump reads 6.5 PSI or higher, it's time to clean the sand.
If you’re using lightweight, non-toxic Polysphere pool filtration balls instead of sand, wash them by hand once a month.
These environmentally friendly filtration balls enhance your sand pump’s efficiency by lowering pressure, which allows for a higher flow rate.
How often should I replace my pool liner?
While there’s no required amount of time for replacing your liner since they can last for many seasons with proper care and maintenance, there are signs you should look for to indicate that it’s time to replace the pool liner.
If your pool liner is fading fast, starts to crack or has a hole, you need to fix the issue as quickly as possible.
If you notice your pool liner is starting to fade quickly, here are 3 ways to reduce fading.
If you notice a hole, follow these simple steps to repair the leak.
If there’s simply too much wear and tear and it’s time to replace the liner, these 5 easy-to-follow steps will get you back to splashing in no time!
Note: Maintenance timelines are based on swimming in your above ground pool 2-3 times per week. If you use your pool more often (4-5 times per week or every day), adjust your cleaning schedule to make it more frequent.
Now that you have an easy-to-follow cleaning schedule at hand, you’re all set for summertime splashing!
