Best way to clean above ground pool?

Question

We bought home with above ground pool, it is filled but the water is black, any ideas on how to clean it. Will I need to drain it? Or can I buy chemicals? Thanks for any advice!

Answer 1

You shouldn't have to drain the pool. The color of the water is due to algae and possibly tannic acid (if you also have decomposing leaves in the water). What to do next really depends on the weather in your part of the world. Most of the work in readying a pool for use is done during spring in cold weather climates. Utlimately, the key to cleaning the water is chemicals and filtration.

The first thing to do is to get as much debris out of the bottom of the pool (leaves, twigs, etc..). I assume the pool was left uncovered.

Then, I would put in about 2-4 gallons of chlorine shock (depending on the size of the pool). I would also put a couple of bottles of algaecide (be sure to use the R60 concentrate).

If you are in a cold weather climate, cover the pool and wait until spring. If your climate allows, you can then setup your filter. Perhaps the previous owner left you a pump and filter. If not, then you have to get one. I would recommend a cartridge or sand filter. DE filters do not do well with algae. Your local pool store can help you choose one for your size pool.

Once the fileter is setup, you let it run as much as possible at first. Making sure you backwash often (for sand and DE filters; cartridge filters don't need backwashing). Keep adding chlorine shock every few days.

The algaecide and chlorine schock will kill anything alive in the water, and the filter will remove it. However, there will still be dead algae debris on the bottom. This can only be cleaned out with a vacuum that you attach to your filter. The particulate is too fine to pick up with a mesh leaf rake.

Once your water is clear, get th water tested at a pool store. They'll tell you if you need to make adjustments for alkalinity and other chemical processes. You'll then have to keep a maintenance schedule to keep the pool clean and running properly.

If you have read this far, and don't think that you are ready to tackle this yourself, it's OK. Many new pool owners hire a professional to "open" their pool. It usually costs about $300 to do. The key expense is a filter and pump if you don't already have one.

I hired a pro when it was time to first close and open the pool. I shadowed him, and then did it myself the subsequent years. The key is to learn to do it right. Don't be afraid to ask questions.

Answer 2

The Black is a form of Algae.
When you brought home the pool it must have had the black algae spores on it. Without proper level of chlorine to defeat the algae it will grow. So now you need an Algaecide. Specifically a Black Algaecide like Poolife Algaekill.

Treat the Pool,

Run the filter

Clean the Filter

Treat the Pool Again

Run the Filter again

Clean the Filter Again

Then SHOCK your pool with Clean Shock, the highest potency available.

While the pump is running you will want to brush the walls and bottom to loosen any attached algae

http:www.arthurspools.com

Answer 3

I have had my above ground pool for 10 years. Allot of fun, but allot of work. I bought an Aqua Bug on ebay a few years ago, it is an automatic cleaner. It really helps after you get the initial black out. You will need to wait until spring to start cleaning. You will need a test kit, a start up kit with Algacide, shock and other items. There is a great product call Yellow Out, it removes the algae from the water, if the other things to not remove. Vacuum to waste, the first few times you try to vacuum. This keeps the big pieces from clogging your pump. You will need to back wash several times to kep the pump flowing. There are allot of web sites to help you with this project.

Answer 4

This Site Might Help You.

RE:
Best way to clean above ground pool?
We bought home with above ground pool, it is filled but the water is black, any ideas on how to clean it. Will I need to drain it? Or can I buy chemicals? Thanks for any advice!

Answer 5

Start from scratch with some clean water. If you do not have a filtration system, get one. Its very important. Before you consult the pool store make sure to measure the dimensions of your pool (length, width and depth) and they will tell you how many gallons your pool is and how much chemicals to use.

Answer 6

buy a pump and pump the black water out and start with clean water ;;first go to the local pool store and ask for information on how to take care of a pool they may have a book for new pool owners. its going to cost you about $150 a month for chemicals
good luck>

Answer 7

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Answer 8

Hire someone else to do it.