Above Ground Pools Start Up and Weekly Maintenance
🏊♂️ Above Ground Pool Water Care & Weekly Maintenance
Above Ground Pools are a fun and affordable way to enjoy summer — but like all pools, they require regular maintenance. The most important part of that process is balancing your water. Properly balanced water protects your equipment, your swimsuits, and your skin.
🔄 Initial Pool Setup
1. Pre-Fill Filtration
When filling your pool, we recommend using the
👉 PPS2100 Pre-Filter
This device attaches to your garden hose and filters particles 5 microns or larger, helping reduce metal content in your source water.
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Tip: Run water at half speed through the filter
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One unit filters up to 10,000 gallons
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Metals smaller than 5 microns may still enter your pool but can be treated with additional chemicals
2. Circulation
Once filled, circulate the water for at least 8 hours before testing or treating it.
💡 We recommend running the pump 24/7, unless your manufacturer states otherwise, to maximize filtration and reduce chemical use.
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Most Above Ground Pools have undersized filters, so frequent cleaning is often required.
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Clean your filter when water flow is restricted or PSI increases 10 PSI above baseline (if your system has a gauge).
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No gauge? Feel the return flow — strong flow = clean filter; weak flow = time to clean.
Ask us about upgraded filter options to reduce maintenance and improve performance.
🧪 Initial Water Treatment
3. Add Metal Remover
Start chemical treatment with
👉 UNIQUE Metal Control
This product binds metals (like iron and manganese) to your filter to prevent staining and discoloration.
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Our local water often contains high metal content, which can turn water brown, orange, or green after chlorine is added.
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Don’t worry — this discoloration is harmless and will clear up with continued filtration.
4. Test and Balance pH & Alkalinity
Target levels:
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pH: 7.2 – 7.8 (ideal: 7.4 – 7.6)
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Alkalinity: 80 – 150 ppm
Local water tends to have high alkalinity, which pulls pH upward. This may require multiple applications of a pH/Alkalinity Decreaser.
👉 We recommend Lo ‘N Slo to bring both pH and alkalinity into balance.
Always refer to the dosing instructions on the label based on your current water test results.
⚠️ Do not add sanitizer until pH and alkalinity are properly balanced.
Premature addition of chlorine can reduce effectiveness and waste product.
🧼 Add Sanitizer
Once your water is balanced, you can sanitize.
We recommend:
👉 Flippin' Frog (for smaller pools)
👉 Flippin' Frog XL (for larger Above Ground Pools)
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Set the dial according to the instructions for proper release
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Drop the unit into the pool — it floats while sanitizing
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Replace the orange chlorine cartridge every 3–4 weeks (depending on use)
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The green mineral cartridge lasts the entire season and helps reduce chlorine demand
These systems minimize or eliminate the need for shocking, making maintenance easier!
🧽 Weekly Pool Maintenance Checklist
Weekly maintenance is essential for keeping your pool water clean and safe. Here's what to include:
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✅ Test and adjust pH and chlorine
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✅ Brush the pool walls
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✅ Skim leaves and surface debris
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✅ Clean skimmer and pump baskets
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✅ Check the filter for clogs or pressure buildup
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✅ Add algaecide after chlorine to enhance protection
💡 Always adjust pH before chlorine. Add algaecide after chlorine is in the water to help prevent algae blooms.
🎥 Helpful YouTube Videos
📌 Note: Instructions may vary slightly. Always follow the specific directions for your equipment and chemicals.
Need help selecting the right products or want professional water testing?
📞 Contact Premier Pool & Spa — we’re here to keep your summer swim-ready!
