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Having a pool in your backyard is amazing in the summertime, but not everyone can afford to install one. One viable alternative to a traditional in-ground pool is an above ground pool.
They’re faster, easier, and cheaper to install, but they do still require significant maintenance.
People in the market for their first above ground pool may find themselves wondering: Do above ground pools need chemicals?
Here we’ll take a look at the necessary maintenance to take care of the water in an above ground pool.
Even though it’s not as expensive as a “real” pool, you still want to protect your investment. Making sure the water is nice and fresh to swim in is vital.
Why buy an above ground pool?
Adding a pool to your backyard can be a great source of entertainment and a fun way to cool down in the summer.
However, installing an in-ground pool may not always be possible because of spatial or monetary issues.
You may not have a large space available, or you may not want to spend a lot of money right now. So how should you solve your pool problem?
Choosing the perfect above ground pool is the best solution. They give you the swimming experience you desire in your backyard, but with none of the hindrances of an in-ground pool.
However, even an above ground pool will need basic maintenance if you want it to last. You can choose any shape you want, but at the end of the day, it is essential that you use a proper filter and pump depending on the size, so you only get clean water.
Do above ground pools need chemicals?
There is a common myth that having an above ground pool means bidding goodbye to chemicals. If you fall prey to it, the untreated water in your pool will become unusable in a few days.
You have to keep a regular check on the pH level and the amount of chlorine present in the pool to prevent the growth of microorganisms.
Having algae grow across the surface of your pool because of a wrong chemical can effectively ruin your swimming experience.
However, before you get to the bottom of the chemical issue, you need to clear your pool of all visible debris present. This will help you get the correct reading when you are using a chemical testing kit.
The perfect pH range for an above ground pool is 7.0 to 7.6 just like all other pools. If you notice that the pH level is lower than you’d like, you need to use a base like sodium bicarbonate.
On the other hand, a high pH value calls for the addition of an acid like sodium bisulphate.
Chlorine works miracles
Now is the time to bring chlorine into action. Ideally, the chlorine level in your swimming pool should be around 1 -3 ppm.
Widely used in swimming pool sanitizing, you need not worry about safety if you use it in the correct amount.
It can kill off all contaminants in the water making your pool as good as new. The hydrochloric acid and hypochlorous acid formed by the reaction between chlorine and water effectively gets rid of all microorganisms.
When it comes to your above ground swimming pool, you need to shock it once every month religiously. If you swim in the pool frequently, then you can also do it every week or fortnight.
“Shocking” a pool means that you are shooting up the chlorine levels in the pool so that they are almost ten times more the number of chloramines.
Chlorine shock treatments are very effective when done correctly. For your pool, find a pool shock that contains 70% available chlorine.
You can also use an algaecide or a clarifier occasionally if your pool needs a thorough cleaning.
Final thoughts
Now that we’ve answered the question “Do above ground pools need chemicals?”, you should have a better understanding of how to maintain these pools.
Give your above ground pool the care it deserves and you and your family will be able to enjoy it for years.
Learn more about above ground pools
Ready to learn more about above ground pools? If so, be sure to read our articles answering questions like What’s the Best Way to Level an Above Ground Pool?, Can Above Ground Pools Be Heated? and Can Above Ground Pools Be Converted to Salt Water?
You’ll also want to learn important basic information like how much to fill an above ground pool as well as how to empty an above ground pool.
Or perhaps you’re curious if above ground pools can have different depths or if above ground pools can be buried. We’ve got all the answers to those questions and more.
Ready to shop for an above ground pool?
Summertime is coming, so now may be a good time to start shopping for an above ground pool. Check out our choices for the best above ground pools to buy right now.
And once it’s time to deck your new pool out with accessories, we’ve also got picks for the best above ground pool lights and the best solar heaters for above ground pools.
Just don’t forget to add your above ground pool to your homeowner’s insurance policy to ensure safety for your family.
