Follow these tips to keep your above-ground pool clean and healthy this summer.

Above-ground pools are a quick and cost-effective option for people who don’t have (or want) a traditional built-in pool, but would love the chance to cool off from the summer heat whenever it suits them. To keep your pool usable and looking good – to look after the actual pool lining itself – there are a few care and maintenance steps that you need to follow. Let’s have a quick look at what you need to do.

The first step in pool maintenance is ensuring that the levels of alkalinity, pH and chlorine are where they need to be. To test the water, you can buy a home test kit, which is quick and easy. Alternatively, you can take a sample of your water to your local Builders for a more in-depth analysis.

Above-ground pools are fairly small when compared to built-in pools, so they don’t require much in the way of chemicals. Once the water is balanced and stable all you should need to do is add a small Month Mate floater. This will take care of all the chemicals your pool will need. Before adding it to the pool, make sure you set it to the correct pool volume, in litres.

As with any pool, algae can become a problem, especially if it is in full sun. If this happens, add a little additional chlorine and gently brush the algae off the sides and bottom of the pool with a soft-bristle brush. Be careful not to damage the lining.

Some above-ground pools come complete with a small filtration system. These will need regular cleaning – open them up, remove the filter cartridge and clean it. If you are trying to overcome an algae problem, this might have to be done on a daily basis.

In the unfortunate event of your pool getting punctured, by a stone on the ground, a thorn or a child (it happens!), they can be repaired. Most of the pools come with a small repair patch that can be cut to size. To repair, clean and then dry the lining completely. Apply clear adhesive to both the pool liner and the patch, leave it to get a little tacky and then apply the patch.

At the end of summer, an above-ground pool should be drained and packed away. Before draining it, stop using chemicals for a few days – this way you can safely use the water in your garden (plants don’t like chlorine!). A top tip is to wipe the drained pool with a mould-inhibiting cleaner before storing it. Remember also to drain and dry the filter and pump before packing them away.

Builders has a wide range of above-ground pools and all the accessories needed, in-store or online at builders.co.za. Get to Builders. Get it done.