Swim City

How to Open an Above Ground Pool – 10 Steps Guide

May 21, 2020 by swimcity

We are about to go through another scalding hot summer. What would be a better way to escape the heat than enjoying your backyard pool? However, the cold season has just passed, and your pool is not ready for use yet. At least, not until you learn how to open an above ground pool and execute these simple steps perfectly. Sounds tedious, doesn’t it? But we can’t avoid this task, so let’s begin!

Prepare Your Tools to Open Above Ground Pool

If you have the necessary tools prepared first, you will feel much less confused than jumping into the mission not knowing what to do.

Sump pump (or pool cover pump)
Skimmer net (or soft broom)
Pool cover cleaner
Chemicals
Test strips or a liquid test kit

Some helping hands will be helpful as well!

Be specific, what are the chemicals I need?

If you have purchased a chemical start-up kit, give it a check and make sure it includes the following products:

Stain, rust, and scale preventer
Chlorine shock
Algaecide
Clarifier
Sun Sorb: It absorbs body oil and lotion, basically non-living contaminants, and keeps your filtration and circulation system running smoothly.

Nonetheless, the chemicals for pH and alkalinity balances don’t come in this package. You will need to get some pH increaser and decreaser, alkalinity increaser, and calcium hardness increaser to be completely ready.

How to Open an Above Ground Pool?

Step 1: Give the pool cover a quick clean

After months of sitting idle, we won’t be surprised if the pool cover is heavy with leaves, twigs, debris. And your very first task will be clearing them all off with the broom or the skimmer we have prepared. Don’t rush! We don’t want to damage the cover that has been protecting your pool from little invaders.

For the accumulated water, we will use the submersible cover pump or sump pump to remove it. Trying to remove the cover with water and debris still on it is a risky move. You might accidentally ruin it and spill the dirty pile into the water.

Step 2: Remove the cover

It’s the perfect time to use some help. You will get the cover off much more easily with several people lifting it up and putting away together. Spread it out on the flat ground and give it an overall examination.

If it’s worn and torn, you can skip the next step and bid goodbye to your diligent cover. Otherwise, let’s see what we have to do with it.

Step 3: Wash and store the cover

Of course, a cover in its prime days deserves some care. We will give it a thorough rinse and scrub. Remember: use light chemicals and a soft brush to prevent any harm done to the cover and avoid an unwanted end. Rinse both sides with your garden hose and let it dry (a leaf blower can speed the process up remarkably).

When you deem it ready for storage, fold it up and keep it in a sealed bag or container. If you leave it exposed, it will be the most ideal target for bugs and rodents to attack.

Step 4: Redecorate the pool

You have removed every piece of accessory from the pool before closing it, and it’s the right moment to reinstall them. Rails, ladders, diving boards – welcome back!

Every responsible pool owner would clean the accessories before storing them in safety, and they wouldn’t mind repeating the process when putting them back in use.

Step 5: Refill the pool

No matter how you closed your pool, the water level will drop due to evaporation. It’s a simple step, but you might want to be careful and use a hose filter to get rid of the impurities and save yourself from more exhausting tasks. The water should reach the halfway mark of the skimmer’s opening.

Step 6: Remove winter plugs

There are winter plugs you have installed in the skimmer and the return lines. Take a tour around the pool and remove them all. The ice compensator and the skimmer cover (if you live in a place with a freezing cold winter) should be gone as well.

Replace them with the normal plugs and the return jets. Your pool cleaner, heater, filter, pump, chlorinator – don’t miss out any!

Note: If you have gone as far as to use antifreeze in the lines, make sure to turn the ‘Waste’ setting of your pump on and let it run for a minute to get the antifreeze out.

Step 7: Connect the equipment

First of all, ensure you have the plugs to the drains and the pressure gauges to the equipment put back.

Secondly, attach the hoses to the equipment:

Connect the skimmer to the pool pump
Connect the pump to the filter
Connect the filter to the heater, the chlorinator, and any other filter equipment
If you have none, connect the hose straight to the return inlet

Step 8: Get the system running

When you have given the system a boost, don’t forget to double-check the connections for possible leaks and drops.

Note: If the pump is running dry, you need to prime it a bit. It’s nothing tricky! Simply remove the lid and add a bucket of water, and the pump will have the needed motivation to expel the air and start pulling water.

Whether you have a sand filter or a DE (diatomaceous earth) filter, backwash it after you start the system as instructed by the manufacturer.

Step 9: Clean the pool up

As it’s most likely to be the first time you try to open your above ground pool, at this point, you might start getting a little confused since the water is far from sparkly. Don’t worry, we haven’t forgotten it!

Again, you could really use some help to brush the walls and the little crannies of your pool. Don’t be stingy with your time and vacuum the pool as well. After skimming the surface, you probably will get all the leaves and bugs out of the water.

Step 10: Chemical treatment

Put your test kit or test strips to good use and see what your pool water is lacking or exceeding. If you want a baseline reading to follow long-term or simply have no time for chemistry tests, you can bring a sample to the nearest pool dealer and ask them to do the task.

Use 2 pounds of pool shock per 10000 gallons of pool water. It’s a double amount compared to the usual. With this strong sanitizer, you can be sure that your pool will be ready for swimming.
Check the alkalinity, pH, and calcium hardness of the water and adjust the indexes until they meet the standards.

Note: Don’t shock your pool during the day, as the sunlight might burn off the chlorine in the shock quickly.

Here’s the ideal chemical balance for a pool:

Chlorine: 0 – 3.0 ppm
pH: 4 – 7.6
Alkalinity: 80 – 140 ppm
Calcium Hardness: 200 – 400 ppm
Cyanuric Acid: 25 – 50 ppm
Total Dissolved Solids: 500 – 5000 ppm

How about some tips to make your work easier?

Dissolve the chemicals in a bucket first then add them to the water.
It’s important to add the chemicals in the water and not the other way around.
Keep the pump and filter running while you are pouring the solution into the pool.
If you can, try to add the chemicals somewhere near the return jets so the pressure of water might help to carry and dissolve them.
Pour the chemicals slowly so they can mingle and spread evenly instead of accumulating at a certain spot in the pool.

Step 11: Retest the water

Give the pool 24 hours and test the pool water once more for adjustment if needed. Make sure your filter and pump run during the wait.

If everything is at its rightful place, congratulations! You have successfully opened your pool!

open above ground pool — Open your above ground pool to enjoy the summer ;))

Conclusion

And that was how to open an above ground pool for the summer after months of being inactive. Now, there’s no obstacle between you and hours of relaxation in the nice pool. If you spare some time and plan regular maintenance, the pool and the equipment will always be in good shape, which will make everything easier when you need to repeat the steps again. Let us know about your experience!

The Best Suction Pool Cleaners 2020 – Reviews & Buying Guide

April 29, 2020 by swimcity

What is the best suction pool cleaner for your pool? How to choose the best one? Our buying guide and reviews below will help you to pick the most suitable one for your own needs.

Suction cleaners are the cheapest and the most popular pool cleaners on the market. But how do you know which one will be right for your pool given the myriad brands that characterize our market?

It is never easy and it can be even tougher if you are going to have your first experience now. The only choice left for is to adopt the trial and error method and this is going to be very expensive.

From our research, we have been touched by the lamentations and pains of many customers trying to get the best suction pool cleaner for their pools or even replacing an old model.

As a result, we have resolved to make things a bit easy for you by doing the research work at least to improve your experience and simplify the tricky selection process.

Now that you are here, this is the right place for you. We trust you will find our guide and selection quite helpful in your buying process. Our selection of the best products is grounded on the following

Performance
Reliability
Highly rated by other customers
Value for money
Amazon bestseller

Kindly read through to the end!

best suction pool cleaner

What Is a Suction Pool Cleaner?

Simply put, a suction pool cleaner is an automated device for cleaning dirt and small debris of your pool. It is designed to use the pump’s power to move and vacuum.

Majorly, suction cleaners work on the bottom sucking up small debris and dirt. Then all this grime goes straight to the filtration system and the pump basket.

Installation is simple because the cleaner comes with hoses similar to your standard vacuum hose.

You can take a quick look at how to install and how a suction pool cleaner works via the video below:

Suction Pool Cleaner – The Benefits & Pain Points

While a suction cleaner is a must-have arsenal for a clean swimming pool, there are always the two sides of the coin when dealing with such a piece of equipment. This section explains the benefits and pain points of owning a suction pool cleaner.

Benefits

Suction Pool Cleaner — A cuction pool cleaner

It runs off the pool: a suction cleaner connects to your skimmer through an adaptor and therefore works off your existing pool equipment.

In other words, it is just like manually vacuuming your pool simultaneously while the cleaner is at work. This is advantageous because it works as long as your pump is running.

As a result, the pool will be clean all the time and this saves you the hustle of manual vacuuming.

Budget-friendly: Price is the first criteria many consumers check for in every product. But it is nice to see that suction cleaners are the cheapest option. There are good cleaners available in under than $100, and you can buy the best one with under $400.

Besides, they are reliable and in case of breakdown, spare parts are inexpensive. That is not all because it is a good saving on utility bills. Since it works fine with your existing filtration system, you don’t need to buy an extra booster pump.

Decent performance: An automatic suction cleaner is a gateman to your pool. Problems with pool debris, algae, and other contaminants are all going to fade in no time.

What I like most is that other than picking debris from the bottom of your pool, the cleaner will also scrub the walls and the waterline.

This also improves water circulation eliminating the need for expensive chemical sanitizers.

Quick and easy installation: Everything you need will come handy in the package. So you don’t need other tools to get it up and running.

Most of these suction cleaners install in under 10 minutes which is a great saving for other important tasks.

Effortless maintenance: Most suction pool cleaners utilize the one-moving-part technology which goes a long way in reducing the cost of specialized technical training.

Pain points

One fact is you may not like everything in this section but it is logical to have realistic expectations about suction pool cleaners.

Variable speeds will dig deep in your pockets: Many times you will want to use a variable pump to save energy.

The sad news for you is that you may need to run it a little longer a day to sustain the needed power (atleast2600rpms). These long durations may affect your electricity bills upwards.

Large debris is troublesome: By design, suction cleaners are not meant for large debris. The debris inlet is relatively small and it will get jammed in the cleaner.

Therefore, such big-sized pool contaminants will not be picked by your unit.

You need a strong filtration: A small filter pump may not provide enough power to propel your cleaner around the pool.

This means you need a strong filter pump to deliver the proper amount of suction. Without this, everything that your cleaner picks will go straight to the filters blocking them.

Not ideal if you hold aesthetics dearly: There will be hoses always inside the pool while it works. If you want to swim in clear waters, then you find this a put-off.

Types of Suction Pool Cleaners on The Market

There are two main types of suction pool cleaners. However, the only difference comes in terms of performance, not in their primary function.

For this reason, it is difficult to say that one type is better than the other. It is ultimately a matter of preference, experience, and possibly your budget.

In this section, we give you a brief view of every type, advantages, and disadvantages.

#Geared suction pool cleaners

What makes this category unique is the programmed turn cycle mechanism. This means that the machine will follow a set cleaning cycle including occasional turnings.

A geared suction pool cleaner will move straight ahead depending on the settings and make a stop at about every 10 feet for rotation.

This operational mechanism makes it ideal for corners and steps in the in-ground pools. another good thing about it is that it rarely gets stuck in tight areas.

Quick pros

Ideal for pebble floors
Cleans around the steps
Complete pool coverage
Never get stuck in in-ground pools

Turnoffs

Unable to climb and clean the walls effectively
Works exclusively in the deep end of the pool and spend less time in the shallow end

#Bouncing suction pool cleaners

This is the oldest model of suction pool cleaners to get on the market named after its operational mechanism.

Uniquely, this cleaner features a hammer in the pickup hole. This hammer starts moving when water is sucked into the cleaner and these movements give out the bouncing motion.

It relies on the bouncing motion to knock debris down the floor before sucking them up.

Quick pros

Ideal for tile-lined, vinyl-lined or fiberglass-lined in-ground pools
Effective for floors and walls
Function well with low-speed pumps
Can climb up both deep ends and slanted walls
Very durable

Turnoffs

Often misses spots in the pool
Follows unstructured cleaning pattern
Slow and cleaning takes longer
Easily get stuck in angled corners

Suction Pool Cleaner vs Robotic vs Pressure Pool Cleaner

Suction Pool Cleaners	Robotic Pool Cleaners	Pressure Pool Cleaners
The good side + Easy installation and effortless operation. + Energy efficient + Greatest contact with the pool surfaces + Decent filtration of finer particles + A double suction function that improves water circulation while getting rid of pool contaminants + The cheapest pool cleaner option + Quiet operation	The good side + Independent circulation as its independent from the pump and filtration system + Easy skimming + Remote control functionality	The good side + A heavy-duty design, therefore fit for large debris and tree leaves + Independent dirtbag + Easy skimming + Fastest and most efficient + Affordable
The bad side - Debris goes directly into the filtration system and this requires regular backwashing - Requires the pool pump to operate at high speeds, therefore, missing the energy-saving option on variable speed pumps	The bad side - The most expensive cleaner option - Requires extra maintenance effort i.e. emptying the filter bag	The bad side - Requires a booster pump and this increases the cost - Coarse filter only - Pressure only and zero scrubbings on floor or walls

So who should buy a suction pool cleaner?

A suction pool cleaner is the best choice for anyone looking for;

The cheapest pool cleaner option
The quietest cleaning operation
The best deal as far as energy efficiency is concerned
The easiest to install and use cleaner

Suction Pool Cleaner – Things to Consider Before Buying

Here are the main elements you need to consider when you are still deciding which suction pool cleaner to buy.

suction pool cleaner reviews

#Type and size of the pool

Suction pool cleaners are best suited for cleaning small and medium-sized in-ground pools. besides, they work fine on concrete, gunite, vinyl, and fiberglass.

With this in mind, a pool cleaner you are going to choose must be suitable both for the size and type of floor you are trying to clean. On top of this, there are heavy-duty models designed to clean faster and effectively even in larger pools.

#Environmental friendliness

Many suction cleaners produce flapping or hammer-noise and this means you cannot use them late in the night while retiring to bed because it will make unnecessary noise to your sleeping neighbors.

Nevertheless, nobody loves the disturbing noise of the machine. All the same, there are models with quiet operation and this is always the best deal to consider.

#Hoses

A hose is a major component when you are considering a suction cleaner mainly because the cleaner connects to the existing filter system.

For this reason, it is important to have a hose that is long enough such that it will get to the deepest parts of your pool for a thorough and complete clean.

That is not all, the width of the hose also depends greatly on the type of debris you are cleaning out. For large debris a wide hose is essential.

#Speed and efficiency

You want more time in the pool not in cleaning your pool. Therefore, the speed and efficiency of the model you need matters.

You need something that moves with speed without compromising on suction power such that it will climb walls and other hard to reach areas without difficulties.

Along with these qualities, it is important to ensure that it is designed not to get stuck along the drains and the corners of your pool.

#Type of debris

You will agree with me that all debris is not the same. Not knowing what type of debris is in your pool can be the first reason your cleaner may be unable to deliver the expected results.

While there are heavy-duty and versatile suction cleaners it is important to make the cleaning exercise easy right from the go. Remember, many suction cleaners cannot pick large debris like rocks.

If you have pets in your home, then a small cleaner is necessary for the pet hair. And if you are having large debris, then you need a powerful model with enough suction power.

Again don’t forget to find a wider hose for large debris.

#Installation

As we shall see in our review section, most of the suction cleaners come pre-assembled and with few moving parts. As such, it means you can get it ready for use in under 10 minutes.

Furthermore, advantageous because it means you need fewer tools to run the cleaner, fewer things can go wrong, and lastly, the only thing you need is to empty the filler basket after cleaning.

Surely you don’t need to hire a professional always to get your machine ready for the task. An easy to install cleaner means that you just need to connect the hoses into your pump and enjoy it while it works.

#Climbing ability

All pools do not have similar floors, some are concrete other slippery tiles and others are slippery fiberglass.

Again there may be some fittings in the pool and these may interrupt the cleaning process and inhibit full pool coverage.

You need a suction cleaner that will move along the pool with much ease even if there are obstacles. For this reason, a cleaner with aggressive climbing abilities is considered the best.

Notably, many suction cleaners will function just fine with their rubber PVC and wheeled brushes.

However, if your floor is slippery you need a cleaner with super-grip PVA brush to ensure it delivers the desired results. Such a cleaner will leave no spot unattended, whether it’s the waterline, walls, or the steps in your pool.

#Reliability

As noted suction cleaners are expensive. Checking on warranties and the possibility of a service program is always important.

But that is not all, it is important to check on the quality of materials used. Plastic for the body is far much better than metal because of the problem of rust.

Another thing worth your attention is the availability of spare parts. You need to be careful when buying from unpopular brands for it might be an uphill task finding the spare parts should you want to refurbish your broken cleaner.

Above all, it is important to note that care and proper maintenance is the number one ingredient for your suction cleaner to last several seasons

Other features include;

Cleaning cycles
Sensor technology
Operational cost
Programmable timers

After looking at the number of best suction cleaners currently available on the market. We are impressed to offer you a nice variety with the following products.

The best thing about them is that they are offering you good value for money and great practical functionality.

The last thing we want to mention is that all of them have met our selection criteria mentioned at the beginning of this post.

The 10 Best Suction Pool Cleaners on The Market 2020

Hayward Poolvergnuegen 2-Wheel Suction Cleaner

Hayward Suction Pool Cleaner – Editor’s Best Pick

What makes it a top-pick?

If you want something easy to install, reliable, and decent in performance. Then this Poolvergnuegen is the king.

What I liked most are the patented self-adjusting and flexible turbine vanes. This feature ensures that the cleaner has maximum power at any flow, so power is not going to fail you. another cool thing is that you will not spend more money on a booster pump.

Another striking feature is the patented tire treads provide good grip this means it will climb easily on raised pool surfaces. For this reason, it is ideal for all pool surfaces and shapes.

There is more than that for the multiple pre-programmed internal steering sequences ensures that it gets to all corners of your pool leaving them thoroughly cleaned.

if you want a good suction cleaner for your domestic pool that can move and efficiently suck up the contaminants, this is a good bet. Amazingly, it is suited for pools with a maximum size of 16 by 32 feet. So it will work fine for many domestic pools.

Last but not least is the interchangeable throats that optimize the suction performance at lower flow. This makes it ideal for use with variable speed pumps.

Quick pros

Enhanced obstacle maneuverability
Flexible turbine vanes for maximum performance
Efficient and full pool coverage
compatible with variable speed pumps
minimal maintenance

Pain points

Spare parts are somehow expensive

Zodiac Baracuda G3 W03000 Suction Side Automatic Pool Cleaner

Zodiac Suction Side Automatic Pool Cleaner

What makes it a top-pick?

The cream about this Zodiac pool cleaner is that it combines quietness and power and this makes it a great companion with low-speed pumps.

Regarding debris management, the Zodiac can handle both small and medium-sized debris effortlessly leaving behind a clean surface.

It features a versatile wheel deflector that saves you the hustle of pulling out a stuck cleaner. This goes a long way in ensuring that you enjoy continuous cleaning.

It is amazing to see that the Zodiac cleaner is a one cleaner fits all. If your pool is made of concrete, tiles or vinyl, this cleaner will do some good job.

As if that is not enough, it comes with a 36-finned disc that provides a wide cleaning area. Additionally, it adheres to any surface and this maximizes suction for reliable and pleasant results.

A durable and long-life diaphragm is another selling point because the built-in one-moving-part technology provides superior reliability.

Quick pros

Easy navigation around tight corners
Compatibility with low-speed pumps
Amazing performance on concrete, tile or vinyl surfaces
Quick and easy set up
Quiet and powerful operation
Simplified routine and low maintenance

Pain points

The plastic tube in the flapper is overly soft for hard debris
Putting together the hose can be tiresome

Pentair GW9500 Kreepy Krauly Suction Pool Cleaner

What makes it a top-pick?

The Pentair suction cleaner is specifically designed for in-ground pools and works well for a dish, incline, and hopper bottom pools.

The Pentair cleaner has an insatiable appetite for dirt and prowls scouring the depths for dirt and grime. Thanks to the bristle brush design that easily knocks stubborn dirt.

it is fitted with a SmartTrac programmed steering for enhanced navigation around the pool obstacles. For this reason, dirt can’t hide in the hard to reach areas. This technology goes a long way in ensuring an interrupted cleaning.

About power, the Pentair cleaner has a powerful vacuum that makes it unrivaled. It is nice to see that it cuts a 15” cleaning path and this means less cleaning time.

It is worthwhile noting that this suction cleaner has a unique turning mechanism, this means it doesn’t get stuck while cleaning. You can easily continue with your house chores as this guy works.

Installation is worry-free since you only need to attach the hose and place it in the water and watch while it does the job.

Quick pros

Wide cleaning area
Agile turning mechanism for easy navigation
Quick and easy installation
Big-saving on cleaning time
Bristle brush design for a clean sweep
Ideal for dish, incline, hopper bottoms

Pain points

Difficulty going up steps

Zodiac BARACUDA G3 W03000 with Additional Diaphragm

Zodiac MX8 Suction-Side Cleaner — Zodiac Suction Side Pool Cleaner

What makes it a top-pick?

The Zodiac cleaner brings you the newest technology to maintain peak cleaning performance even when you are working with lower horsepower pumps. Thanks to its flow keeper valve that makes this a success. Since this cleaner comes pre-assembled, it, therefore, means no tools are required to install, operate, or maintain.

The Zodiac cleaner also allows you to forget about scuffs on all your pool surfaces, courtesy of the scuff-resistant long-life hoses.

While navigation of pool cleaners is a major setback, the Zodiac moves through the tight corners with improved agility. More so, the wheel deflector has an anti-stick design that ensures uninterrupted cleaning for optimal pool coverage.

A mixture of efficiency and quiet operation is the gift you will get from this cleaner. This sets it apart from many other cleaners that produce hammer-noises.

It is interesting noting that this cleaner comes with 36-fin discs that increase adhesion to the pool surfaces while at the same time preventing hang-ups on drains covers and fittings.

This is an amazing cleaner that functions just well with low-speed pumps without compromising on power and efficiency.

As a side note, it features a durable long-life diaphragm integrated with a one-moving-part-technology. As a result, it is going to give you some good service.

Quick pros

Quiet operation
Powerful suction even with lower horsepower pumps
Superior reliability
Thorough cleaning of pool floors, walls, and steps
Enhanced agility for improved navigation

Pain points

Unable to clean the shallow end of the pool

Hayward 925ADC Navigator Pro Suction Pool Cleaner

What makes it a top-pick?

Priding itself with 30 years of reliable suction cleaner technology, this Hayward product is easy to use even if you are a beginner. it connects in less than 10 minutes and the amazing thing is that you don’t require any tools for installation.

If you have high regard for silence, this could be your guy. The Hayward has a silent operation because it does not have pulsating hoses or noisy parts.

It comes with SmartDrive steering which makes the cleaner move in predetermined series of turns for unmatched coverage. It is quite effective for pebble tech, plaster, and concrete pools.

It is very effective in dirt management. Thanks to its filtration system that produces great suction. With a 15” suction path, this cleaner will add some delight to your swimming pool when cleaning it. The enhanced suction path effectively and easily collects debris for a thoroughly clean surface.

While this cleaner is designed to last, it is good news to see that spare parts for this cleaner are available and inexpensive. For this reason, you can refurbish it easily and have it running again.

Quick pros

Good speed and enhanced cleaning path
Powered by the filtration system
Quick and simplified assembly
SmartDrive technology for full pool coverage
Quiet operation

Pain points

It cannot climb the walls

Pentair 360040 Kreepy Krauly Suction Cleaner

What makes it a top-pick?

Coming in an elegant design, this fast and dependable drop-down type of cleaner is amassed with a good deal of features. The first gem is the dive float directional system redesigned to guide the cleaner from the waterline to the pool bottom for great cleaning coverage.

It also features an automatic valve that automatically regulates the flow of water and this establishes the ideal travel speed for more efficient cleaning.

It is nice to see that this product comes with a unique roller strap that maneuvers the cleaner around steps, ladder, and obstacles for uninhibited cleaning.

Additionally, it has cleaner wings for channeling leaves, dirt, and debris directly into the filtration system. Moreover, the presence of a filtration system eliminates the need for an expensive energy draining booster pump and this is a great saving on your utility bills.

That is not all, without mentioning the simplicity and reliability built in this product. It only features one operational moving part which adds your confidence to its durability.

On a side flip, this powerful suction installs in minutes with no tools required. So it is a great buy if you are a beginner.

Quick pros

No booster pump required
Powerful suction
Dive float directional system
Automatic travel speed
One-moving-part design for long-life
Uninhibited cleaning even around obstacles

Pain points

Designed for concrete and gunite floors only

Zodiac MX6 In-Ground Suction Side Pool Cleaner

What makes it a top-pick?

If you are looking for elegance, this MX6 could be your messiah. It is packed in an innovative-flow design that gives it an upper hand for pools with 2 or variable speed pumps. This low flow design is energy efficient as it consumes less energy than regular cleaners.

In terms of power, the Zodiac has cyclonic suction that picks up debris efficiently for more though a clean pool.

The coolest thing about this cleaner is the articulating turbine blades that make any climbing task around the pool a walk in the park. Simply, no sticking!

Besides, the body is made of plastic and this eliminates the cost of fighting with rust.

Many users are trouble by the complicated assembly of other suction cleaners but the MX6 completely changes this story with its swiveling hoses that come in a quick-connect style.

You will enjoy the flow regulator that gives you the freedom to control water flow as per your need thus eliminating adjustment at the skimmer. Still more on the user’s convenience, the 8.4m long hose is a big plus.

Another killer point is that it can reverse by itself and swipe the dirt from the corners and hard to reach areas.

Quick pros

Self-cleaning operating system
A quick and straight forward assembly
Aggressive wall climbing ability
Long hose for user convenience
Ideal for pools with variable speed pumps
Programmed navigation

Pain points

Jams when clogged with leaves and debris
Limited for small and medium-sized pools

Zodiac MX8 Suction-Side Pool Cleaner

What makes it a top-pick?

Another best sell from Zodiac is the MX8. It is known for the cyclonic vacuum technology that allows this MX8 to suck maximum debris without compromising its maximum cleaning power.

On top of this, it has a large debris inlet that clears a large path through dirt. Not forgetting the adjustable debris intake that is a win-win in debris management.

With an X-drive technology, you can rest assured that it will provide you with a 360 degrees’ navigation that is ideal for full pool coverage. The good thing about this technology is that you will never experience hang-ups regardless of your pool shape.

The maneuverability of suction cleaners inside the pool is a major concern for many users and the MX8 is designed with this in mind. As a result, it features X-Trax tires that provide extremely maneuverability and climbing ability both in tight corners and vertical walls.

This cleaner is compatible with solar, 2 -speed and variable speed pumps and it operates quite well with low water flow without burdening your pool system.

Additionally, it comes with a twist-lock hose with a quick disconnect that reduces vacuum loss for optimal performance. Amazingly, the hose easily attaches to the cleaner with a quick connect.

Quick pros

Energy-efficient design
Wide cleaning path
Dual cyclonic suction
Adjustable intake
360 degrees’ navigation
Ideal for all types of floors

Pain points

Noisy underwater

VINGLI Automatic Suction Pool Cleaner (The Best Cheap in the Round-up)

VINGLI Automatic Pool Cleaner — VINGLI Automatic Suction Pool Cleaner

What makes it a top-pick?

If you are looking for value while remaining budget-conscious the Vingli is an ideal choice. albeit its low cost, it still comes with plenty of great features.

This is one of the environmentally friendly cleaners on the market. Unlike some other robotic cleaners that make annoying hammer noise underwater, the Vingli is low noise creates a quiet operational environment ideal for late-night cleaning.

It scores well on the efficiency index given that it is thoroughly designed to remove dirt, sand, hair, and debris off your pool.

This cleaner is equipped with premium rubber disks that offer a wide cleaning path. It is nice to see that the rubber disks work well on concrete, tile, or vinyl pool surfaces. As if that is not enough, this cleaner will sweep even those hard to reach corners of your pool plus the walls.

It is also a great buy if you are looking for convenience. It is simple to assemble since you can get it ready for work without requiring help. The coolest thing about this cleaner is that it comes equipped with 10 hoses. What this means is that you can clean a larger pool just by yourself.

Interestingly, this cleaner will function properly for any pump between the 3/4Hp-3Hp pump.

Quick pros

Easy assembly and use
Budget-friendly
Quiet operation
Great suction power
Compatible with ¾Hp-3Hp pump

Pain points

Complex to balance suction
Cleaning in a repetitive pattern

Hayward 500 Aquabug Suction Pool Cleaner

What makes it a top-pick?

The Hayward 500 is here to relieve you of the hassle of manual cleaning. This cleaner is automatic, easy, and trouble-free operation.

The Hayward 500 functions well with your existing filtration system. This eliminates the need for an extra energy-consuming booster pump.

Regarding installation, this suction cleaner is built to provide ultra-simplicity in assembly. Everything will be ready within 10 minutes or less.

The deluxe bumper ring near the head base minimizes friction allowing for smooth movement along walls and the resumption of the programmed cleaning path.

In addition to this, it features an advanced contoured head design that ensures the steering path to be completed as quickly as possible.

Forget about the hammer-noise when using the Hayward 500. This is facilitated by its unique gearing system that provides a consistent balanced water flow.

As a bonus, this cleaner improves water circulation around the pool as it pulls water from the bottom of the pool as it moves. This eliminates the need for chemical sanitizers while keeping your pool clean all the time.

Another good thing about this cleaner is that it comes with SmartDrive steering which allows access to all the spots you need to clean.

Quick pros

No emptying or bag replacement
Improves water circulation
Budget-friendly
Installs in 10 minutes or less
Powered by the existing filtration system
No chemical sanitizers required

Pain points

Very small intake orifice

XtremepowerUS 75037 Suction Pool Cleaner

What makes it a top-pick?

This cheap XtremePower cleaner comes with 10 hoses included. This means that you can clean up to 30” wide pool effortlessly. And the coolest thing is that the hoses are adjustable.

The best part is the filtration system that powers the whole unit. So you don’t require any tool or electricity to get it working.

This Xtremepower cleaner has a flat smooth silicone surface seal that easily cleans and gets rid of debris and dirt on concrete, tile, vinyl, and fiberglass finish pool.

The Smart design makes it adjustable so you can make new cleaning patterns. It is also nice to see that the flappers are freely moveable and this prevents debris from being lodged inside.

Advantageously, this cleaner comes without wheels. This means no jamming, breaking, or interruption of the cleaning process. This allows you to spend more time swimming not drudging your pool.

That’s not all, this high-efficiency cleaner is low maintenance. Again it is far more durable than other cleaners made of PVC simple design. For this reason, you can have peace of mind that it is going to last for a fortune.

Quick pros

No wheels to jam
Easy maintenance
Great energy saver
Budget-friendly
Quick connect to the filtration system
Good debris management
Ideal for large pools

Pain points

Doesn’t climb steps and stairs

Suction Pool Cleaner Maintenance

The main point of interest in a suction cleaner is the;

debris-intake hole underneath the cleaner
pool filter
skimmer basket

these are critical parts that get clogged and inhibit the performance of your suction cleaner. To prevent maintenance-related cost you need to keep the filtration system clean.

You also need to make regular emptying of the skimmer basket. Lastly, you need to ensure that there are no obstacles in the hose and the debris intake.

For metallic parts of the cleaner regular oiling and greasing is important to prevent rusting and improve agility. Also, make sure the tires and scrubbing brush are in good condition.

Suction Pool Cleaner FAQs

#How does a suction pool cleaner works?

Right from the manufacturing process, most suction cleaners are designed to work effortlessly. Once, it is installed, just connect the hose to the filter pump.

Once you turn on your unit it starts sucking water from the pool. This water is moved to the filter and it is sent back through the pipes. As the pump sucks, the vacuum moves the cleaner around the pool as it cleans.

#Why is my suction cleaner not climbing steps and walls?

This is a common problem and it is an indicator that your float position may need modification. The cleaner float should at least be 60cm away from the pool cleaner to facilitate climbing. However, you also need to check the following;

Too shallow water
Whether the default design is meant to climb walls
Hoses are too short

#Why is my suction pool cleaner climbing out and climbing the wall too much?

Your pressure may be too high, the tire-treads are worn out and this could be the reason for the increased suction beneath the machine.

Adjust the pressure and replace the tires. Also, ensure the cleaner is the proper size for your pool to allow enough rotation space.

#Why am I seeing air bubbles at the return line?

Your hose may have air leaks or the connection is ill-fit. Just check the hose and vacuum connections for air leaks, tighten the vacuum connection, and replace the faulty sections of the hose.

#My cleaner is too slow yet it is new why?

Most likely your filter pump is congested, the skimmer basket is full or there is a clog at the debris intake-hole beneath your pool cleaner. Make sure your pool filter, pump basket, and skimmer basket are clean. And the cleaner will work just fine.

Final word

To this end, we have come to the end of our post. With all we have given you making an informed decision about the right suction cleaner ideal for you should not seem complicated now.

You can now head out to the market and choose the product that meets your needs. However, you can save your time by picking from the ones reviewed above.

And our best cleaner overall is the Hayward Poolvergnuegen for its superior performance, enhanced navigation, and low maintenance.

On the cheap scale, the Vingli is the winner because of its great suction and quiet operation.

Finally we hope that with the help from our guide, recommendations and reviews you found the best suction pool cleaner for your pool. Don’t forget to share your choice with us by leaving a comment below.

Happy and successful shopping! – Swim-City

How to Install An Above Ground Pool: An Easy Guide

April 22, 2020 by swimcity

Summer is approaching. Many families are relying on a simple above ground pool for hours of fun activities and exercises. There are professionals and companies who will complete the installation for us upon request, but we sometimes wonder if we can do it by ourselves and save a fine amount of cash. The answer is yes. It’s actually not too complicated if you know what to prepare and how to install an above ground pool. We’ll talk about it in detail in this article. Keep reading!

how to Install Above Ground Pool

Install Above Ground Pool – What Tools Will You Need?

You should have these tools prepared before you get to work. If you don’t have them at home, ask a friend or rent from a hardware store. They are not hard to find at all!

Check your pool package according to the list of materials included. It rarely happens, but if something is missing, you would want to contact the provider and fix it right away. Also, we will try to sort the nuts or screws instead of letting them be and getting them mixed.

Install Above Ground Pool: Groundwork!

#Choose an area that is about 3 meters away from any tree. It goes without saying that the more even the ground is and the less obstruction hides underneath, the better. Depending on where you live, the local codes might vary, so make sure you are not violating them.

After having chosen an area for your pool, you will prepare the ground.

#Sod removal:

If your backyard isn’t green and lush with grass, it’s your luck. Because we can’t install a pool on a grassy base. A pool will stay with you for a long time, and the grass will rot. The remnants will damage your pool liner. Plus, grasses can also be the reason for bumpy and uneven ground, and we don’t want our pool to feel less than smooth.

In addition to removing the sod, you also need to make sure the area is clear from all obstruction and rake away all the rocks, roots, and debris.

#Keep the site leveled:

You can rent a transit to check if the area is leveled. Alternatively, use a long wooden board with a carpenter’s level on top to measure the levelness. If it’s not even yet, dig the higher spots out instead of piling up more soil on the hollow spots.

Why? If you fill the lower areas up, the fill will be kind of loose unless you have some machinery help to compact the soil firmly, since the force of your hands won’t be enough to ensure a tightly compacted ground against tons of water.

install above ground pool

#Find the crucial points:

To put a structure up, you would want to map out the basics of it. Let’s start with where the edges of your pool would be, measure the width (or the radius), and divide it by two. Stake the tape measure at this center point you have determined.

After that, you will pull the tape measure to the edges mentioned above and mark them on the ground. Now, we have proper measurements, not accurate but approximate.

How even does it have to be? The entire area should have only one inch of overall difference at maximum.

How to Install An Above Ground Pool

#The bottom ring

The pool walls will sit inside of it. The bottom ring includes plates, stabilizers, and rails in general. However, different types, brands, and sizes of the pool might have minor points in their instruction you should pay attention to. We will learn how to identify these components first:

Plates are made of metal or resin.
Stabilizers have a crimped side and small rails.
Rails are straighter and larger.

As instructed, lay these alongside the site and start assembling them. You will slip the rail into the plate up to the dimple. To have a precise assessment, evaluate several spots on the bottom track for round pools and diagonal lengths for oval pools. When you deem the size correct, stake the ring in place and proceed to the next step.

#Support the base

It’s an important step that keeps your pool base stable and level for a long time.

Each plate has to be within ½ inch of each other. It’s not a must, but you should use patio blocks under the bottom plates and make sure they are flush with the ground and level with others in every direction.

To bring in the sand, we will remove one bottom rail. Remember to mark them so you can put them in the correct position once you are done with the sand. You might need 1 – 6 yards of sand, depending on the size of your pool.

Spread the sand evenly and avoid spilling it over the bottom rails, or the wall won’t be steady.

#Install the pool wall

First of all, we will unroll the wall. While you are at it, place the top plates to provide support and position the skimmer cut on the upper portion of the wall. Put the wall in the central track of bottom plates and spread it around the ring.

In the unlucky case of the wall not perfectly lining up, don’t worry. Adjusting the bottom rails will solve the problem.

Install the pool wall

#Bolt the wall together

You should get several pairs of hands to help you out. They will also prevent the wall from being knocked over before you get to fixate it.

Bars for single-row walls have rivets attached to them beforehand, and you will secure them using bolts and nuts. Each spot made for them needs a fill, or your wall will face the risk of breaking.
Put the parts on the line in pairs (one inside and one outside of the pool) and use nuts and bolts to connect them.
You mustn’t let the wall bars touch each other.
Build a 6 – 8-inch cove on the inside of the wall and carefully pack it with the trowel. Try not to leave scratches on it!
Use a few layers of duct tape to cover the heads of the bolts, and your liner won’t get holes.

What if the wall feels like it’s floating? You might have some dirt in the bottom track. Lifting the wall and cleaning the track with the shop vac should do the trick. However, if you can’t lift the wall, unfortunately, you need to disassemble the structure to do the cleaning.

The holes don’t align! Don’t try and drill new holes. First, check on the structure, then stick the screwdriver through a pair of holes to keep the wall’s ends lined up.

#Install the liner

Liners are quite vulnerable to physical damage, so you’d better be very careful. Before doing anything else, spread the liner under sunlight for several minutes to make it easier to lay out. We highly recommend doing the liner on a warm day. With that said, you shouldn’t pour cold water all over the liner right away either.

Dampen the sand and tamp it before raking it evenly for a level base.
Lay the liner out. You either wear socks or leave your feet bare. Don’t stomp on the liner with your shoes.
Push the wrinkles and folds to the outside. We can’t possibly avoid all wrinkles, but do try your best to limit them.
Install the stabilizer rails on top of the pool wall. After that, you can remove the landscaping stakes.
You won’t have another convenient chance to level the ground of the pool and remove the debris. Keep your eyes opened and focused!
If the liner is a bit larger in size than expected, you should roll the excess part up and fixate it with tape rather than trying to trim it. A trimmed liner is very difficult to re-install.

How about the different types of liners?

Snap Bead liners, as the name says, snap into an exclusive ring around the pool. They are on top of the wall.
V-Bead liners have the stabilizer rails to hold them in place, no coping needed.
Unibead liners can be either of the two. It appears as a V-Bead, but if you remove the top portion, it can become a Snap Bead.
Overlap liners are hung over the wall by plastic coping strips.

#Install plates, rails, and covers

You have done the hard part. If done correctly, these pieces will easily click into their rightful places. The only thing you need to mind is whether the top and the sides are leveled.

Top plates above the uprights: You keep them tightened with screws and use a level to ensure they are straight.
Top rails around the pool: Once the pieces are in place, tighten the screws all in one go.
Top covers upon the uprights

#Fill the pool up

install an above ground pool

You can do this with a cup of your favorite drink and wait for the last steps to be done.

Fill the pool halfway first, and start installing the skimmer and the filter as instructed.
Add the safety warnings to preserve your warranty. If you don’t have these labels, contact the manufacturer for free new warnings.
Fill the rest of the pool. The water should be 1/3 to ½ way up the skimmer.

Last Saying

And that’s how to install an above ground pool. It’s a lot of work. we must say, but it can be a great chance for family members and friends to bond while creating something big together. Use this guideline well and follow the manufacturer’s instructions closely, and you’re ready for a whole summer of endless fun. Thank you for stopping by Swim-City!

How to Clear Cloudy Pool Water – Ultimate Guide

April 16, 2020 by swimcity

You might wake up one day and find your pool all cloudy. Do you want to swim in a pool like that? I doubt anyone is willing to jump into a mass of water if they can’t see the bottom of it. The process to get the water clean again will require some time and effort, and that’s where we step in. How to clear cloudy pool water?

In this article, we will explain the causes of your ‘milky’ pool and suggest some methods to deal with the unwanted situation, to fix the cloudy pool. Let’s bid the uninviting look goodbye!

how to clear cloudy pool water

Why is your pool cloudy?

It was all clear and beautiful yesterday. What happened?

In most cases, it gets cloudy slowly as days pass by. You might have noticed the cloudiness but brushed it off until it’s too visible to ignore. Sometimes, the issue occurs overnight. And we have three main reasons.

#The surrounding

There are so many sources of dirt and dust around us that we won’t be able to list them all: weather, construction, tree, people, algae, and a lot of trivial things.

#The filter

It’s the key factor in keeping your pool clean. Therefore, if you are experiencing a cloudy pool, the chance of your sand or cartridge filter having problems is high.

#The pool chemicals

We add chemicals to sanitize and balance the pool water, but an abundance of chemicals might cause cloudy pool issue.

What do they do to the pool?

There are some links between the reasons above. For example, the sanitizers can’t dissolve an excessive amount of solids, the filters have to take care of the rest. If the filtration system fails to do so, the solids will take over and deactivate the sanitizers.

While we are in the water, we add sweat, sunscreen, urine, and so much more. They deplete chlorine over time. Another culprit is the sun. The UV rays ruin the sanitizing ions and cause them to evaporate. That’s why we have to test the balance and add more sanitizers if needed.

The sanitizer also kills off the algae that we don’t want to touch at all. The more algae you have in your pool, the more chemicals you need and the less efficient they are in fighting off other contaminants.

Moreover, pH, alkalinity, calcium, and other indexes can also be the cause of the cloudiness, which means we will always need to balance the pool chemistry.

Luckily, cloudy water belongs to the simpler side when it comes to pool problems. However, the consequences are severe.

The issues following a cloudy pool

We can agree that a cloudy pool means the level of sanitizer is low, and bacteria have the ideal environment to grow. Swimmers will face dangerous contaminants and put their health at risk.

With many contaminants in the pool, your filtration equipment will be under pressure. The system will have to work extra hours and still fail to distribute the filtered water thoroughly.

The cloudy water might be the beginning of something worse: algae. It makes the experience with the pool yuck, of course, but the suspended debris can impair your sight as well. If someone or something falls into a pool full of algae and you can’t spot them immediately, it will be very dangerous.

Last but not least, you’re facing serious problems if the water chemistry is wrong.

High pH? Your pool is less acidic than it needs to be. It allows scales to form on the surface and in the plumbing, and they will make it difficult for the sanitizer and the filter to do their job.
High alkalinity? It means the water isn’t acidic, but high alkaline water still causes the metal to pit and vinyl to tear. The flakes will also clog the filters.
High chlorine? Skin irritation is the first threat. If you have a history of troubles with breathing, your lungs will be vulnerable too. As if it wasn’t bad enough, chlorine byproducts could be corrosive.

Now, you already know about the reasons and problems a cloudy pool water may bring. It’s the time to learn how to fix cloudy pool water. Keep reading!

How to clear cloudy pool water?

# Test the water

Since the chemistry balance is one of the main reasons for your cloudy pool, we can start from there.

There are two common options: a test kit and a set of test strips. The test strips allow you to measure the indexes mentioned above, while the test kit has a wider range of uses.

Still, we will focus on pH, chlorine, and alkaline concentration. If the water is more on the base side, we use hydrochloric acid or sodium hydrogen sulfate. If the acid level is high, sodium carbonate will balance it out. To maintain the chlorine level, don’t forget the chlorine stabilizer.

# Deep cleaning

It will get dirt and debris off the pool surfaces, and you need a good start like that before anything else. Vacuum the remnants out of your pool, and vacuum to waste if you’re dealing with algae.

# Shock it

For the stubborn contaminants, you might need a harsh solution. A huge dose of chlorine will shock your pool and eliminate all of the little invaders like bacteria, organic wastes, and algae.

# Check on your filter

You should backwash the filters every few months. Why do we put this suggestion after deep cleaning and shocking the water? If you run the filters after completing those steps, the sanitizer will also go through the circulation system, and the clean water will reach farther corners of the pool.

# Utilize the bottom drains

If your above ground pool uses no bottom drain, there’s a trick: hook your vacuum cleaner up and center it on the pool bottom before turning it upside down. This way, the vacuum head will suck the water from the bottom of your pool and finish what the skimmer can’t do.

# Pool floc

They usually come in a powdered form. You will dissolve them in water and spread them all over the surface. They will draw the particles in the water closer and clump together on the bottom.

During this time, your filter pump should be resting and let the pool floc collect the debris. After 48 hours, you can use the vacuum to get the clusters out of your pool.

# Pool clarifier

Although its function is to pull tiny particles into clumps, it’s not the same thing. With the pool clarifier, the filter will remove them from your pool instead of the vacuum. Thus, it’s known as a preventative method to keep the water clear.

# Maintenance

It’s always better to stop the problems before they affect you badly rather than trying to fix it. A pool maintenance plan is necessary if you want your pool to be in its best shape.

Testing the chemical levels and keeping them balanced
Shocking the pool periodically
Making sure there is no giant clump troubling your filtration system
Removing the debris and vacuuming the pool regularly

Final Verdict

Now you know what causes the cloudiness in the pool, the damage it does, and how to clear a cloudy pool. It will take some time and cost quite some money, but you will find it worthwhile when your pool is crystal clear again! If you have any question, feel free to ask us Swim-City

How to Drain an Above Ground Pool – Ultimate Guide

March 11, 2020 by swimcity

Need to know how to drain an above ground pool? This article will show you almost everything you need to know to drain your above ground pool the right way.

Before we start, I would like to emphasize that draining above ground pool isn’t something you need to do every week, month, or even quarter. Usually, we drain our pool to refill it with clean water and perform maintenance methods.

Like everything else, the water in your pool is bound to get dirty after a long time, and the cement might have several cracks that you need to fix. Pumping the whole of the water mass is the only choice you have. For more details, let’s proceed!

How to drain above ground pool

When should you drain your aboveground pool?

#To change the water

Do you close your pool habitually? Do you use chemicals to balance the water? Those techniques are good but not enough.

Over time, dry leaves, dirt, and contaminants will accumulate in the pool. They will reach an extent where filterer won’t be much of help anymore. Therefore, your swimming pool maintenance can’t run smoothly, and the disaster begins.

Manufacturers try to make their chemicals safe for skin but when the chemicals can’t fulfill their duty, particles of mineral will grow and develop on every surface possible. This process might as well ruin the liner material.

Now, we can’t go on and keep adding more chemicals to balance the chemicals that have already been there. That’s basically covering a stain by applying another stain with a different color on it.

At this point, draining the pool and replacing the not-so-clean water with fresh water is probably the only solution for you.

#To clean the pool

If your water is high in calcium or metals, the deposits will become visible after several years, even if you deionize the water or have efficient solutions for calcium hardness levels.

Let’s pay more attention to the calcium deposits. They can cause severe consequences to the surfaces and the equipment, which will be expensive. The best way to handle them is by washing them away by acid. And to do so, you have to drain the pool.

#To repair the pool

Holding a giant mass of water and sitting under the hot sun will undoubtedly put the pool under risks. The weight of the water will tear the vinyl liner and crush the concrete after a long time in use. Not only that but the paint coat also suffers damage from the high temperature during summer.

We want our pool to be clean and pleasant on the eyes. Hence, patching the liners and repainting the surfaces are something to consider. Again, we need to drain the pool to do that.

Note: As we have said above, draining an above ground pool is a task for long-term usage, so you might want to utilize the chance and do as much maintenance as possible.

How to drain an aboveground pool?

First of all, make sure you have every good condition.

The right weather:

Of course, we won’t try to drain our pool when it’s raining heavily. However, a scorching hot day won’t be ideal either. With that said, if you are living in a tropical country with high temperatures, waiting until autumn or winter is a better choice.

Why? The materials used for building a pool are suitable for an aquatic environment. It means exposing them to the hot sun will make them vulnerable.

Prepare your supplies:

As stated above, we shouldn’t leave our above ground pool dry for too long. Have your repair kits and tools ready and get to work as soon as you can. Moreover, what if we have an unexpected thunderstorm?

Switch automatic timers off:

Make sure none of them turns on when you are draining the pool. Most of the devices are water-cooled and meant to work underwater only. Your pool lights, for example. Without the water surrounding them, they will overheat and break quickly.

The most important notice is for the pump. If it runs when not being submerged in water, it will take some air in and undergo serious damage.

Plan the disposal of water:

There will be a massive amount of water to dispose of, so where will you direct it to? Some places prohibit draining pool water into gutters, but your yard isn’t likely to hold thousands of liters of water. Let’s not forget the issues those pool chemicals might cause to the grass and the plants.

The sewer clean-out is a common choice, yet it depends on the restrictions your city has. Double-check with the authority responsible for water to avoid unwanted fines.

Let the chemicals dissipate:

Wherever you choose to dispose of your pool water, the usual etiquette is making sure the water is chlorine-neutral, pH-neutral, and not exceeding the required chemical levels in your city.

To achieve acceptable levels of chemicals, you might want to stop adding chemicals and start testing the water until it reaches the standards. There are neutralizers if you want to speed up the process.

#1 To drain the above ground pool completely:

There are two main reasons for use to drain the last foot of water out of an aboveground pool: to repair it or to store it for winter. The process for each is a little different from the other, but the first steps are similar.

#Get a submersible pump:

drain-above-ground-pool-with-pump

You can easily find a submersible pump for rent from a hardware store, though it’s pretty much affordable if you would like to own one instead.

Ensure the power cord is long enough for the distance from the outlet to the center of the pool’s floor. Water will be everywhere, hence it’s best to not use any extension cord.

Also, the drainage hose should be enough to reach from the pump to where you dispose of the water.

Control the process:

Hoses and cords must be connected and fixated if you don’t want more flooding issues to deal with.

Turn off the submersible pump and remove it:

The submersible pumps only work with a remarkable dose of water. When the water level gets too low, the pump won’t be able to drain any of it from the pool. It’s time for you to switch off and remove the pump.

#If you drain the above ground pool for repairs:

Do what you need to do: But remember to do it quickly so you can refill the pool soon!

Refill the pool: Put the hoses in the pool, turn the spigots on, and watch the water rising.

Get the pool pump working again: When the water level reaches the middle of the skimmer, you can remove the hoses and turn on the pump.

Add the chemicals and enjoy: Unbox your liquid test kit and test the pool water while adding chemicals to be sure about the balance of the water. If you don’t have time for it or don’t want to do it yourself, getting a sample of the water and taking it to a trusted pool dealer will solve the problem.

#If you drain the pool for storage:

Remove as much water as you can: You can vacuum or sweep the last bits of water out of your above ground pool. For a more thorough method, you can also strip the liner from the frame and flip it over.

Dry the liner: A leaf blower will dry your liner up in no time unless you have lots of towels to use and wipe the liner dry. There’s an option of air-drying as well, yet leaving the liner out in the hot weather will possibly have it faded and ruined.

Fold the liner and store it: It would be great if you have a partner for this! Lay the liner on a surface (not an overly hard one!) and fold it as neatly as you wish. Mice will love to chew on your liner, so don’t throw it around carelessly, or get ready to say goodbye to it!

Protect the pool frame: If you plan to let the pool rest for a long time, you will need to refer to instructions from the manufacturer and store the parts somewhere clean and dry. If you want to leave the frame untouched, find a tarp to cover it from the upcoming winds, storms, or any unfavorable type of weather.

#2 To drain the pool partially:

If you are simply trying to get the chemical concentrations right, you won’t need to go as far as getting the last ounces of water out of the pool. It saves you from the extra expenditure.

#Prepare a siphon:

You can cut 6 – 8 feet from your garden hose and immerse the entire length in the water. After that, cover one end with your hand and pull it out of the pool. Keep it below the pool surface.

If you don’t want to cut anything, simply attach the hose to the spigot and fill it with water.

#Drain the water:

For the former method, remove your hand from the un-submersed end and the water will flow.

For the latter, you will wait for the hose to be full before submerging it in the pool and removing your hand (or the clamp) for the underwater end. Once done, quickly lower the hose to the ground and also free it from any clamp. The water will go through the hose now.

Last saying

Nevertheless, there are some situations where you can’t handle the whole process without an expert’s advice:

Your area has high groundwater.
You aren’t sure which type your pool is.
You don’t know about the equipment in your pool so well.

Otherwise, you’re ready to complete this challenge! Again, be sure to have every necessary tool ready and not violate any regulation. Spread the word(s) to your fellow pool enthusiasts because not everyone knows how to properly drain their pool!

Hope that you already know everything you need about how to drain an above ground pool with this article of Swim-City.com. If you have any question or idea, feel free to share with us.

Swimming Pool Maintenance Tips for Beginners

February 27, 2020 by swimcity

Are you new to swimming pool and have no idea about swimming pool maintenance? The article below about swimming pool maintenance for beginners will help you to take care of your pool the right way.

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Regular swimming pool maintenance is an absolute must if you want to have a consistently crystal clear swimming pool that you can enjoy all season, or year round. There are some pool maintenance jobs that need to be done every day, and other tasks that should be done weekly. There are also some seasonal maintenance checks.

All of these pool maintenance jobs, when done regularly will ensure you can have a fully functioning and fun swimming pool when you require it. You can find all the tools and equipment you need to maintain your pool in many online stores.

swimming pool maintenance

Equipment for maintaining swimming pools help keep the pool clean and clear. Pool manufacturers recommend the regular use of specific tools to keep the water safe for swimming. Without proper maintenance, swimming pools can become dirty or contaminated. Sometimes this can happen very quickly.

Some of the things you’ll need to keep the pool clean include a pool filter, vacuum, and skimmer. Chlorine tablets prevent the growth of algae that can turn the water cloudy or greenish. To maintain an in-ground swimming pool, you will also need some pumice stones and brushes to clean the tiles.

Daily Swimming Pool Maintenance Tasks

Run the pool filter at least 8 hours a day, or as recommended by the manufacturer. It is best, however, to keep the filter running 24 hours a day.
Use a pool skimmer to remove floating leaves and debris. Empty your skimmer baskets and clear them of leaves and debris.
Add chlorine to the pool daily. You can use a chlorine floater with chlorine tablets inside. You can also place slow-dissolving chlorine tablets in the skimmers or filter once a week.

Weekly Tasks – Swimming Pool Maintenance

Vacuum the pool to remove dirt from the bottom. Pool vacuums come in automatic or manual models.
Use a brush or pumice stone to scrub the tiles along the waterline. This is where deposits tend to form.
Swimming pool maintenance experts recommend adding a dose of Algae Preventative to discourage the growth of algae.
Use a pool cover if the pool will not be used for an extended period of time.

Maintaining Your Pool Equipment

Check your pool maintenance equipment regularly to make sure they are in good working condition and to correct small problems before they get worse. Clean out the swimming pool’s skimmer basket and empty the contents into a trash bag.

Open and clean out the pump strainer basket. After cleaning the skimmer and strainer basket, check the filter and see if it also needs cleaning. You may also have to replace the filter. It’s important to check the condition of the machinery and pool equipment on a monthly basis.

Testing The Water of The Swimming Pool

You should test the swimming pool water every two to three weeks. The water’s pH level should be between 7.2 and 7.9 to keep it clean and clear and safe for users of the swimming pool.

Water test strips will show the levels of chlorine and pH level in the pool. Free available chlorine level should be at 1.0-3.0 ppm. If the chemical levels are not maintained, algae can grow. This can lead to water that appears cloudy, green, black or brown.

It is vital to follow these basic pool maintenance tasks to keep your pool ready for swimming. Proper and regular maintenance is the only way to keep your swimming pool crystal clear.

swimming pool maintenance tip

Swimming Pool Chemicals Beginner’s Guide

Maintaining the proper water chemistry of your swimming pool is just as important (if not even more) as keeping it clean of visible dirt, leaves, and other debris. If you are in the process of buying your first swimming pool, this article will help you understanding what chemicals go into your swimming pool and why. The right balance of chemicals keeps your pool water safe and clean for swimmers.

There are several pool chemicals used to maintain the proper water chemistry of your swimming pool, including sanitizers, algaecides, shocks, balancers and stabilizers. The right combination of them can result in a clean water, but it’s important to use them the proper way. an imbalance can have negative impact on the health of swimmers, and can also harm your filtering, pumping, and heating system.

It’s not enough for your pool to look crystal clear. The pH level must also be maintained between 7.4 and 7.6. Lower or higher pH levels can lead to eye and skin irritation as well as corrosion to the filter system.

Sanitizers

Chlorine is the most popular swimming pool chemical used to kill pathogens in the water. It can be purchased in the form of tablets, liquid or powder. Chlorine is added to the water as calcium hypochlorite (a solid) or sodium hypochlorite (a liquid). The compound reacts with water to form a variety of chemicals, including hypochlorous acid. Hypochlorous acid sanitizes the pool by killing bacteria and other pathogens.

Chlorine can be added directly to the water using a chemical feeder. Chlorine tablets can also be placed in skimmer boxes to provide a steady supply of chlorine.

Bromine is another type of swimming pool chemical used as a sanitizer. It is similar to chlorine but has a less penetrating smell.

Algaecides

Algae make your pool water look cloudy, green or brown. Algaecides destroy and prevent algae from growing. This swimming pool chemical can be purchased in tablet or liquid form.

Shocks

Shocks are high doses of swimming pool chemicals. They are normally used after your pool has been active for a significant amount of time. Shocks are also used periodically throughout the swimming season to disinfect the pool, kill algae, clear out organic matter and get rid of chloramines which irritate the skin and eyes.

Balancers

Balancers are swimming pool chemicals that increase or reduce the pH level to maintain the proper acidity and alkalinity of the pool. Soda ash, sodium carbonate and sodium bicarbonate are used to raise the pH level. Muriatic acid or sodium bisulfate lower the pH level and make the water more acidic.

Stabilizers

Stabilizers are important in swimming pools that use a chlorine-based sanitization system. These swimming pool chemicals enhance the effectiveness of chlorine and help to make the chlorine levels last that bit longer before requiring top ups.

Many companies now offer swimming pool chemical kits that include all products you will need to keep your pool clean. Special kits can also be purchased for the treatments you will need at the start and end of the pool season. One of the best ways to buy your swimming pool chemicals is to buy in bulk online from leading pool supply companies. Usually you can get some great deals, with free shipping thrown in and you will have enough chemicals to get you right through the swimming season, and then some.

Swimming Pool Maintenance – Last Saying

Hope that these swimming pool maintenance for beginners tips above will help you to get what to do with your pool. Try to pay a little attention to your pool everyday or at least every week and then you will have a great pool to enjoy. If you have any question about taking of swimming pool, feel free to ask Swim-City by leaving a comment below.