dktxracer wrote:
I have an inground pool, but I think the main thing is to keep chlorine levels up. The other water parameters matter, but chlorine is by far the most important.
Ph is also important, as it drives the effectiveness of the chlorine. IMO, as an above ground owner for 15 years...this matters even more in a above ground pool. They tend to be a little warmer during the summer vs. an in-ground. That warmer temp allows algae to grow more easily. So, staying on top of Ph and Chlorine is a little more important than an in-ground.
Also, I tend to use an algicide, for the same reason.
Total alkalinity helps to stabilize Ph....so that it is less sensitive to minor changes in the water chemistry. Again, the point is to maximize the effectiveness of the Chlorine.
So, from a maintenance schedule here's what I do:
Spring: 1. Test and adjust Total alkalinity to 120+ ppm. That's usually good for all summer, except maybe small additions every 6 weeks or so.
2. Add chlorine stabilizer, which helps to minimize loss of chlorine over time. Once a year, only.
3. Adjust Ph.
4. Add chlorine, tabs and heavy shock.
5. Add a heavy dose of algicide.
Weekly: 1. Test Ph: adjust as needed. I almost always need to use Ph-UP. My ph tends to drop over the week. I never need to use Ph DOWN.
2. Add chlorine tabs to the floater.
3. Add a light shock.
4. Add a light dose of algicide.
Monthly: 1. Check total alkalinity, adjust as needed (or after a heavy rain).
There's also filter maintenance...but, that depends on the type of filter. I got rid of my sand filter a decade ago, and replaced it with a cartridge filter style. My filter and pump are both oversized for the pool. Above ground providers usually give you a undersized pump/filter. Again with the warmer water temps, a faster turnover helps with minimizing organic growth.
Over ground also tends to recirc the top portion of the water because the intake (skimmer) is on the surface...as is the return. It helps to have a slight bend in the return that you can point downward and help move the water up from the bottom of the pool. I have a 45 degree elbow on mine angled about half downward.
Last spring I bought a poolbot to clean the floor of the pool. This helps a TON. It also helps with stiring the pool water. But, they are kinda pricey.