No doubt having above ground pools are a great source of entertainment and healthy activity to do with your family. But after installing your above ground pool, if you haven’t looked at your above ground pool for months now, then it needs some of your attention.
No one wants to swim in dirty water and then get sick. Right? Whether you have an above ground pool with a draining system or not, cleaning it is the best way to maintain it and to enhance the usability.
If you are worried about the algae growth, dirty water and gunk buildup in the water and don’t know how to get rid of it efficiently and easily, then we are here to rescue you.
In this article, we will guide you thoroughly how to clean an above ground pool with respect to the type you own.
Cleaning with draining or without draining?
All of the good above ground pools either come with a filtration and drainage system or not. Most of the inflatable above ground pools lack drainage systems and the users need to drain the water manually. Mainly, the inflatable pools (big or small) lack drainage systems.
Only inflatable pools require draining to clean them efficiently or when you are cleaning the pool (either big or small) manually after months, then draining is required.
Also, there can be times when you pool Alkalinity or pH may increase a lot or may reduce a lot, so for inflatable above ground pools, it is better to drain them and clean them.
But still, there are many ways to handle this, like you can follow some easy methods to lower the pH and adjusting the Alkalinity of the Pool accordingly.
However, in either case, we will guide you if draining is needed for cleaning the pools and in what conditions.
Also also, sometimes, you might be partially draining and cleaning your above ground pool, like in case of winterizing the pool for winters.
So, in any of the case, you must know what are the requirements to consider when starting the cleaning process.
So, let’s get into that.
Things you need to clean an Above Ground Pool
The requirements and the things your need to clean an above ground pool depends upon the method; whether you want to clean:
- Manually.
- Automatic cleaners.
- Or Robotic cleaners.
If you want to clean your above ground pool manually, then you need;
- Pool brushes.
- Chlorine neutralizer (this is needed in each method when draining the water).
- Skimmer net (to remove leaves and accumulated debris on the surface).
Methods to drain the water from above ground pool
If your pool lacks a filtration and drainage system (big inflatable pools mainly), then first you need to drain the water in order to clean it.
There are multiple reasons from which you can remove the water efficiently. We will be discussing the easiest and efficient ones.
- Sump pumps.
- With a garden hose.
- Pool drain adapter.
FOR YOUR INFORMATION: Don’t confuse yourself with filtration systems as cleaners. Filtration systems help to create a vacuum and drain the water mostly.
Whereas, cleaners (robotic and automatic) scrub the pool liners, suck the debris, leaves and then send it to the pool filtration system to store the debris in the filter basket (which is then removed manually).
Steps to Clean Above Ground Pool without Draining Water
Cleaning the above ground pools with a drainage and filtration system is much easier than without a filtration system. The pool’s filtration pump system should be run daily for at least 6-8 hours a day to remove the debris and clean the water on a daily basis, so one doesn’t need to drain the water to clean the pool.
However, sometimes the dirt and debris gets accumulated on the floor or in the filtration system which makes it difficult for the filtration system to clean the pool efficiently. For that reason, follow these easy steps.
- Firstly, you need to backwash the filtration pump so all the debris flushes out in the water so that the filtration pump is cleaned. For backwashing, consult the manufacturer’s instructions. This method is very helpful to clean the filtration system by reversing the water flow and removing the build-up contaminants via drainage line.
Backwashing feature is offered by each and every above ground pool and one just needs to consult the instructions to verify if some changes are needed when backwashing (varies from manufacturer to manufacturer) but the basic step is to turn the Valve.
IMPORTANT NOTE: Cleaning the above ground pool doesn’t mean you have to drain the water every time. Draining is recommended only when the water is cloudy or turned green in color which is an indication of algae growth (when you are cleaning manually only)
If your pool is accumulated only with physical debris like; leaves on the surface and junk accumulated on the floor, then using automatic, robotic or manual cleaning is recommended. You don’t need to drain the water.
- Remove the sand, debris and dirt which is accumulated in the filtration basket. Backwashing cleans the filter and lowers the pressure gauge which ultimately allows the water to easily flow in and out from the system.
This process is best suitable to remove the physical debris accumulated in your above ground pool.
If your above ground pool comes with a filtration system, it is probably suction side pool vacuum cleaners (in which you need to handle the process manually like; operating the buttons and removing the debris of basket but the rest is automatically handled by the filtration pump).
Another cleaners of this category are pool pressure vacuum cleaners, which creates the vacuum in the pool to remove the debris efficiently.
What if you haven’t paid attention to your pool in months and the water has turned green along with the accumulation of junk? Only vacuuming and suctioning the water would not be enough. Right?
For that, you need to drain the water and clean it.
When to drain the pool?
Well, having a filtration system attached to your pool makes the draining of water easy. For that, you need to turn Off the pump and unscrew the drain plug to remove the water. Keep in mind, draining out the water is not recommended at every time you clean the pool, it is only recommended to change the water once in a year.
You need to drain only when you have emergencies situations like;
- Repairing issues.
- If the amount of TDS (Total dissolved solids) reach above 2500ppm.
- You want to use the pool next season.
How to drain the Above ground pool?
The first and most important factor to keep in mind when draining out the water is to maintain the chemical levels.
Either stop adding chemicals two to three days before draining the water or add the neutralizer (chlorine neutralizer) and the quantity depends upon the size of your pool and the quantity of water. You will get guidance about it in the manual.
Garden hose method
However, the best way to drain the above ground pool is by garden hose (if you don’t have a pool pump) and this method is applied mostly to inflatable pools as they require removal of water to clean the surface efficiently.
Step 1
Submerge the hose in the pool until it touches the ground surface (placing it in the center of the pool will give you faster results). Place the hand on the other end of the hose and keep the level of it down from the water level.
Step 2
Now move your hand away and the water will start to siphon out. This method is applicable only if you don’t want to empty the pool to its fullest. The moment the water level decreases, the siphoning will get slower.
Sump Pump method
The alternative method to drain the water from the above ground pool is by placing a good submersible pump in the water and connecting it with the power. Turn it On and wait for the removal.
TIP: Make sure the water is drained out in your sanitary sewer line or follow the proper water disposal plan.
Drain adapter
The last alternative method to drain water from the above ground pool is via a drain adapter. Most of the Intex pools come with a drain adapter and one can remove the water by connecting it with a garden hose and place the other end of the garden hose far from the pool.
We have given you the idea about the methods and these methods are not described in detail.
Here is a complete guide on Draining the Above Ground Pool.
How to clean an empty above ground pool with Algae?
Now that you know how to clean physical debris from above ground pools having drainage and filtration systems and we have covered the methods to drain the pool as well.
Now you must be wondering what to do when the algae has grown in the water and it has turned into a green water. Whether to drain the water or clean it without draining it?
Well, you don’t really need to drain the water to clean the algae. The simple and easy steps are;
- First of all, add chlorine in the water to give a shock to the algae grown in it.
- Now run the pool pump for at least 10-12 hours until the algae settles at the bottom.
- Start vacuuming, the vacuum head (cleaner) will move under the water and will collect the debris.
Another option is to use any one type of algaecide.
Steps to clean it without a Pool Vacuum (Draining method)
We have a solution for this as well. If your pool doesn’t come with a vacuum (inflatable pools) or by any chance your vacuum and filtration system is not working and you want to get rid of it then follow these steps.
IMPORTANT NOTE: It would be best to opt for automatic or robotic cleaners rather than wasting your time in cleaning the pools manually. Being said that, manual cleaning is only recommended for small above ground pools (we will guide you below as well about the best cleaners as well).
- First of all, take a skimmer and remove the leaves from the surface (if present) or remove the bits of debris by yourself.
- Take a clean thick brush and scrub the pool liners and the bottom surface. Scrubbing is only allowed if the above ground pool is made up of fiberglass or any hard material. Otherwise you can damage the pool liners.
- After that, add any algaecide and start the pool pump for at least 24 hours (every above ground pool comes with a pump, if not then buy a new one).
- Now jump into the pool and collect the debris by yourself with the help of a skimmer or put the magic erasers (which absorb the algae, dirt and debris) for an hour or two and your green algae water will be cleaned.
Also, make sure not to clean your Above ground pool harshly, otherwise, it can lead to a leak. If this situation arises ever, you can follow these methods to detect and fix the leaks.
For Inflatable pools
For inflatable pools, choose draining method as per your convenience and the best way to clean the pools after draining is;
- After removing the water, use any cleaning solution (as per the instructions or your budget) and scrub the pool liner and the bottom surface.
- Refill it with the water and if you intend to store it then let the pool rest to completely dry out.
The Best & Easiest way for Above Ground Pool Cleaning
There are multiple ways and workarounds to clean an above ground pool irrespective of the presence of drainage system or not, the best way is to opt for a robotic cleaner and control it via mobile app.
Robotic cleaners makes the whole game much easier (a bit pricey but worthy) and works on total automation.
In our opinion, Dx5i robotic cleaner is the latest and advanced one in the market and offers high-end performance as well. This robotic cleaner is good for both above ground and in-ground pools.
However, if your budget is low, then opt for suction side or pressure vacuum cleaners. Manual cleaning is recommended only for small sized pools.
How often should one clean the above ground pool?
Running the pool pump daily is recommended if you use the pool daily. Daily cleaning includes leaves and debris removal.
And, if you don’t use your above ground pool daily, then cleaning it after every two days is a must, it helps to prevent the bacteria and algae growth.
FAQs
How to clean the above ground pool after winter?
Here are the quick and easy steps.
- Take Off the pool cover which you have placed it for the whole season.
- Inspect the water level.
- Turn on the water pump and filtration system.
- Remove the debris thoroughly and use any cleaner (robotic or automatic).
- Vacuum it.
How to clean the Intex pool after draining?
Most of the Intex pools are made up of Laminated PVCs and to clean these pools, you need a pump and filtration system.
Majority of the pools come with pumps and filtration systems and you can choose the type of cleaner as per your convenience and budget.
What is the best way to clean an above ground pool after draining?
If the pool has been drained, then the best way to clean it efficiently is;
- Remove the pool liner.
- Make a cleaning solution (white vinegar with water or baking soda with water).
- Scrub the pool liner (don’t do it vigorously).
- Rinse it thoroughly.
- Dry it.
Wrapping Up
No matter what type of above ground pool you own, cleaning it is a good practice and saves you from big problems like algae and bacterial growth. If your pool comes with a filtration system and pump, then it would be easier to clean it on regular intervals.
And, if your pool lacks a filtration system, then you need to either buy a filtration system or do it manually (which requires a lot of time and energy).
Furthermore, the best way to remove algae from the pool is to use algaecide and for inflatable pools (which don’t have drainage and filtration systems), the best way is to scrub the pool liners and bottom surface manually and let them dry.
We hope this article has been helpful for you and still if you have any questions, feel free to ask us.
