Transforming your backyard into a summer sanctuary is a dream for many homeowners. An above ground pool offers a refreshing escape from the heat, a gathering place for family and friends, and a stunning visual centerpiece for your outdoor space—often at a fraction of the cost of an inground model. However, the journey from purchasing to swimming involves more than just picking a model off a shelf. To truly enjoy your investment, you need to know what to look for when buying an above ground swimming pools and understand the ins and outs of above ground pool maintenance.
Whether you are a first-time buyer or a seasoned pool owner looking to upgrade, this guide will walk you through every critical step. We will explore the different pool types, the “golden rules” of placement, and the specific maintenance routines that ensure your water stays sparkling clean for years to come.
Part 1: What to Look for When Buying an Above Ground Swimming Pools
When you start shopping, the options can be overwhelming. Steel vs. resin? Round vs. oval? The choices you make now will determine the longevity of your pool and how much effort you’ll spend on above ground swimming pools maintenance later. Here is what you need to evaluate.
1. The Materials: Steel, Resin, or Hybrid?
The frame and wall materials are the backbone of your pool.
- Steel Pools: Traditionally the most common and affordable option. Steel is incredibly strong, but it has one arch-nemesis: rust. Modern steel pools are often galvanized or coated to resist corrosion, but they still require vigilance, especially if you use a saltwater system.
- Resin Pools: These are made from high-quality plastics that are completely rust-proof. They stay cooler to the touch in the summer and are generally more resistant to dents and dings. If you plan on using a salt chlorinator, a resin pool is highly recommended to avoid corrosion issues.
- Hybrid Pools: These combine the best of both worlds, typically featuring steel walls for strength and resin uprights/rims for durability and comfort.
2. Shape and Size Matters
Your yard’s layout will dictate the best shape for you.
- Round Pools: These are structurally superior because the water pressure is distributed evenly around the pool walls. They are generally easier to install, cost less, and offer more swimming area for your dollar.
- Oval Pools: If you have a narrow backyard, an oval pool might be your only option. However, be aware that oval pools require a buttress system (side supports) to hold the straight walls up against the water pressure. This makes installation more complex and the price tag higher.
3. Liner Quality
The liner is the waterproof barrier that holds the water inside the pool. When buying, look at the gauge (thickness) and the attachment method.
- Overlap Liners: These fold over the top wall and are clamped down. They are economical but can be tricky to install smoothly.
- Unibead/J-Hook Liners: These hook onto the top of the pool wall, providing a cleaner, more professional look.
- Thickness: A thicker liner (25 gauge vs. 20 gauge) will be more resistant to punctures from dog claws, stray branches, or enthusiastic play.
4. The Pump and Filter System
This is the heart of your pool. Many kits come with undersized pumps that make above ground pool maintenance a nightmare. Always check if the included pump is powerful enough to turn over all the water in your pool in 8 hours or less.
- Sand Filters: Easy to clean (just backwash) and affordable.
- Cartridge Filters: Filter finer particles but require you to manually remove and spray down the cartridge.
- DE Filters: Provide the clearest water but require more complex maintenance.
Part 2: Location and Installation
Before you swipe your credit card, you must evaluate where the pool will go. The success of your above ground swimming pools experience depends heavily on the ground it sits on.
- Level Ground is Non-Negotiable: An above ground pool cannot be installed on a slope. The water will always be level, but if the pool structure isn’t, you risk wall collapse. You may need to excavate to create a flat pad.
- Sun vs. Shade: While shade sounds nice, trees are the enemy of a clean pool. Overhanging branches drop leaves, bugs, and pollen, drastically increasing your above ground pools maintenance workload. Aim for a sunny spot to keep the water warm and reduce debris.
- Permits and Safety: Always check local zoning laws. You may need a permit to install the pool, and most municipalities require safety fencing or self-latching gates to prevent accidental access by children.
Part 3: Mastering Above Ground Pool Maintenance
Once your pool is installed and filled, the focus shifts. Many new owners are intimidated by chemistry and cleaning, but above ground swimming pools maintenance is actually quite logical once you establish a routine.
The Three Pillars of Pool Care
- Circulation: Move the water.
- Filtration: Remove the debris.
- Chemistry: Balance the water.
1. Circulation and Filtration
Stagnant water is a breeding ground for algae. Your pump should run at least 8–12 hours a day during the swimming season. The more the water moves, the harder it is for bacteria and algae to take hold.
- Daily Check: Ensure the skimmer basket is free of leaves. If the basket is clogged, the pump has to work harder, which can shorten its lifespan.
- Filter Pressure: Watch your filter’s pressure gauge. When it reads 8–10 PSI higher than its “clean” starting pressure, it’s time to backwash (for sand filters) or clean the cartridge.
2. The Cleaning Routine
Even with a great filter, you need to put in some elbow grease.
- Skimming: Do this daily. Floating debris eventually sinks, where it stains the liner and consumes your sanitizer.
- Brushing: This is the most skipped step in above ground pools maintenance. Algae loves to grow in the micro-textures of your liner, especially in corners or near the ladder. Brush the walls and floor at least once a week to knock potential algae loose so the filter can catch it.
- Vacuuming: Whether you use a manual vacuum head attached to a pole or invest in an automatic robotic cleaner, keeping the floor clean is essential.
3. Water Chemistry 101
You don’t need a degree in chemistry, but you do need a good test kit. Test strips are convenient, but a liquid drop kit is more accurate.
- pH (7.4 – 7.6): This is the measure of acidity. If pH is too high, your chlorine becomes inactive and won’t kill germs. If it’s too low, the water becomes acidic and can damage your pool liner and equipment.
- Alkalinity (80 – 120 ppm): Alkalinity acts as a “buffer” for your pH. If alkalinity is off, your pH levels will bounce around wildly. Always balance alkalinity before adjusting pH.
- Sanitizer (Chlorine): You generally want your Free Chlorine levels between 1.0 and 3.0 ppm. Chlorine kills bacteria and oxidizes organic matter.
- Stabilizer (Cyanuric Acid): This protects your chlorine from being burned off by the sun. In above ground swimming pools, which are often in direct sunlight, maintaining proper stabilizer levels is critical to avoid wasting money on chlorine.
Part 4: Advanced Maintenance Tips
To truly master above ground pool maintenance, you should look beyond the basics.
The Role of Clarifiers
Sometimes, despite your best efforts, the water looks dull. This is often caused by microscopic particles that are too small for your filter to catch. This is where a pool clarifier comes in. Clarifiers coagulate these tiny particles into larger clumps that the filter can trap.
- Pro Tip: Look for modern, multi-functional products. Some newer solutions on the market (often called “2-in-1” clarifiers) offer self-dosing technology. These sit in your skimmer and continuously release clarifying agents, reducing the need for weekly manual dosing. This can be a game-changer for busy pool owners who want crystal-clear water with less hassle.
Managing “Dead Spots”
Above ground pools, especially round ones, can have “dead spots” where water circulation is poor—usually directly opposite the return jet.
- The Fix: Aim your return jet eyeball down and to the side (away from the skimmer) to create a circular vortex motion. This ensures sanitizer reaches every corner of the pool.
Shocking the Pool
“Shocking” means adding a high dose of oxidizer to the water. You should do this:
- Once a week during peak summer.
- After a heavy rainstorm (rain changes pH and introduces contaminants).
- After a heavy bather load (like a pool party). Shocking burns off “combined chlorine” (chlorine that has already done its job) and refreshes the water.
Part 5: Troubleshooting Common Issues
Even with the best above ground pools maintenance, issues can arise.
Problem: Cloudy Water
- Cause: Poor filtration, low chlorine, or early algae growth.
- Solution: Check your filter pressure. If it’s high, clean the filter. Test your chemistry and adjust pH/Chlorine. If chemistry is perfect and the filter is clean, try a water clarifier to polish the water.
Problem: Green Water
- Cause: Algae bloom.
- Solution: This requires a “SLAM” (Shock Level and Maintain) approach. Brush the walls vigorously, balance the pH, and add a heavy dose of shock. Run the filter 24/7 until the water clears. Do not use the pool until chlorine levels drop back to normal range.
Problem: Slime on Walls
- Cause: Biofilm or early algae.
- Solution: Brush! Brushing breaks the protective layer of the slime, allowing the chlorine to kill the bacteria underneath.
Conclusion
Buying an above ground pool is an exciting investment in your family’s quality of life. By knowing what to look for when buying an above ground swimming pool—from durable resin frames to the right shape for your yard—you set the stage for success.
However, the joy of swimming depends on the quality of the water. Adopting a consistent routine for above ground swimming pools maintenance is the key. It doesn’t have to be a chore. With the right tools, a solid understanding of water chemistry, and perhaps the help of modern clarifiers to keep things sparkling, you can spend less time scrubbing and more time floating.
Ready to enjoy the perfect summer? Grab your test strips, fire up the pump, and dive in!