Above-ground pool maintenance: the typical week
An above-ground pool isn't harder than an in-ground one, but it's less forgiving: little water, a small pump, direct sun. With a 10-minute daily routine it stays clear all summer.
1. The pump: the number one cause of cloudy water
Most problems start here. Intex and Bestway pumps move 1,250 to 5,600 litres an hour. For pools of 6,000 to 20,000 litres you need 8–12 hours a day, not the 2–3 that many people run.
Easy rule: pump hours = water temperature ÷ 2. With water at 28 degrees you need about 14 hours. Better to run it at night and in the hottest hours.
2. The filter cartridge
- Rinse it every 3–7 days with a jet of water, between the pleats.
- Replace it when it stays brown even after rinsing, usually every 2–4 weeks in high season.
- A dirty cartridge halves the pump's flow, even if the motor is running.
With a sand filter you backwash every 1–2 weeks, or when the pressure rises by 0.2–0.3 bar.
3. What to test and when
| What | When | Value |
|---|---|---|
| Free chlorine | 2–3 times a week | depends on the stabiliser: 4–6 with stabiliser 30 |
| pH | 2–3 times a week | 7.2–7.8 |
| Alkalinity | every 2 weeks | 70–120 |
| Stabiliser | once a month | 30–50 |
6-in-1 strips are enough for the routine. Choose one that also measures the stabiliser.
4. Which chlorine to use
- Tablets (trichlor) in a floating dispenser: convenient, one per 25–30 m³ a week. Never in contact with the liner, they can bleach it.
- Fast granules: to raise chlorine quickly. Dissolve them in a bucket first.
- Liquid chlorine: the best for shocking, adds no stabiliser.
Careful: tablets add stabiliser. After two months check it, and if it's above 50 switch to liquid chlorine.
5. The typical week
- Every evening: pump on its timer, skim the leaves, cover on if you have one.
- Monday and Thursday: test chlorine and pH, correct if needed. Chlorine goes in in the evening.
- Wednesday: rinse the cartridge.
- Saturday: brush walls and floor, check the dispenser.
- Once a month: measure the stabiliser.
6. When you're away for a few days
The evening before, bring chlorine to the top of its normal range, without shocking, and pH to 7.4. Set the pump to 8–10 hours a day and put the cover on. When you're back, test chlorine and stabiliser before the first swim.
Safety
Products closed, in the shade, kept apart and away from children. Never mix them. Always dose with the pump running.
Let Serenpool handle the routine
Choose your model and Serenpool sets up the reminders: tests, cartridge, pump hours, what to do before you go away.
General guidance for home pools. Always follow the instructions of your pool and product manufacturers.