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An aboveground swimming pool is a wonderful investment for many families. Swimming is a great way to keep children happy, to get exercise, and to cool off in hot weather. All of these benefits can be had with an aboveground pool, but it has to be cared for properly. Good maintenance will keep the water nice all summer and give you years of enjoyment with your pool.
Keeping the water clean and safe is accomplished by two procedures. One is the filtration system that comes with the pool. The other is the addition of pool chemicals. The filter will remove sand, dirt, and other debris that gets into the water. An aboveground pool usually is equipped with a skimmer filter, which helps to remove surface debris, such as leaves and bugs.
You will want to have a long-handled hand skimmer, too, as well as a pool vacuum that attaches to the end of a garden hose. These make it much easier to keep the pool clean and the water fresh and sparkling. Also, you will need to replace the filter once in a while.
The main chemical used in swimming pools is chlorine. It kills bacteria and helps keep algae from growing in the pool. How much chlorine is required depends on the temperature, how hard the water is, how much people swim in it, and how clean the swimmers are when they get in the pool. To make sure the water is safe, it needs to be tested about twice a week, with chlorine and other chemicals added according to the test results.
Another aspect of pool chemistry essential to aboveground swimming pool care is keeping the pH of the water correct. The term pH refers to the acidity or alkalinity of the pool water. Water that is either too acid or too alkaline can be hard on the skin and cause swimsuits to wear out. The best water is just slightly alkaline. With a pool test kit, you can determine the pH and find out what chemicals you need to add to correct it.
Calcium is another substance that is tested in some pool test kits. Too much calcium in the water can cause the equipment to develop hard scales on it, but some calcium is good for the maintenance of vinyl liners. By testing and adding appropriate chemicals in appropriate amounts, you can keep the calcium level correct, resulting in a longer lasting pool and accessories.
Fortunately, pool chemicals of all kinds are widely available, as are the kits needed to test the water. The instructions on the kits and chemical containers are usually straightforward and easy to understand. Aboveground pool maintenance does not have to be an unpleasant chore, but you do need to be consistent. Be faithful to test and treat the water and you will have a pool you can be proud of.
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