Aboveground Pool Maintenance Checklist for Sparkling Clean Water

The water might be beckoning, but without a solid aboveground pool maintenance checklist, you could be jumping into a murky pool. Pools of all types require regular filtration, cleaning, and water balancing—and aboveground models are no different. Regular maintenance can also help prevent costly repairs down the road. This checklist will help you keep track of what needs to be done and how often.

Aboveground Pool Maintenance Tools and Supplies List

Pool maintenance costs include the tools you’ll use regularly and a steady stream of supplies. Some things will be an investment up front, while others you’ll need to restock throughout the pool season.

You’ll need these cleaning tools on hand: 

• Pool vacuum

• Pool brush

• Leaf rake

• Skimmer

• Teflon tape and lubricant (for repairs)

These are the supplies you’ll need to stock up on:

• Chlorine shock

• Algaecide

• Stain and scale removers

• pH balancers

• Water clarifier

• Water testing kit

Daily Aboveground Pool Maintenance Checklist

Download Checklist Here

When it’s pool season, the following tasks need to be monitored every day to keep the water clean and safe:

• Run the pool filter for 12–18 hours each day (longer if temperatures are high)

• Test the water balance if you have trouble maintaining the pH level between 7.4–7.6 (weekly if you don’t have this issue)

• Check the water level (so it’s halfway up the skimmer)

• Check chlorine levels and keep the chlorine tablet dispenser full

Weekly Aboveground Pool Maintenance Checklist

During pool season, some of the cleaning and water maintenance tasks work best on a weekly schedule, so take the time to:

• Test the water balance 2–3 times per week

• Shock the pool once a week

• Brush the pool’s floor and sides from the bottom up

• Use a skimmer on the surface

• Vacuum the floor

• Clean the deck surrounding the pool

• Add clarifier, phosphate removers, algaecide, enzymes, and stain and scale controls as needed

• Clean the water filter or backwash the filter

• Check the filter pressure

• Remove debris from the pump strainer and skimmer baskets

Monthly Aboveground Pool Maintenance Checklist

Some tasks should be done regularly, but not necessarily every week. For example, calcium hardness levels change slowly, so you only need to check them once a month for changes outside of the safe range. Be sure to do the following every month:

• Check calcium hardness levels (which should fall between 200–400 ppm)

• Use an appropriate cleaner on the waterline and inside the skimmer walls

• Clean ladders and steps that may have hidden algae growth

Seasonal Aboveground Pool Maintenance Checklist

If you live in a temperate climate and use the pool year-round, you don’t need to do seasonal maintenance tasks. Those who live in more extreme climates will need to protect the pool, pump, and filter from the damaging effects of cold weather.

Before closing down the pool for the winter, make sure to:

• Add stain and scale remover to the water two weeks before closing the pool

• Test the water balance and make adjustments as needed

• Add winterizing chemicals (including algae control, shock treatment, and chlorine)

• Remove the filter from the pump and clean it

• Drain the water level so it’s below the skimmer

• Replace the inlet fitting with a winterizing plug

• Remove and drain hoses until dry

• Add air pillows secured by nylon ropes to the water

• Pull the pool cover across the pool over the top of the air pillows

• Turn off power and water (if there’s a water shut-off valve)

How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Pool Maintenance Pro?

A local aboveground pool installer can visit weekly, monthly, or annually, depending on how often you use the pool and how much maintenance you do yourself. Pros who visit on a weekly schedule charge between $20 and $50 per week, but costs vary between aboveground and in-ground pools. They can test and maintain chemical levels, add shock treatments, and balance the water.

Monthly maintenance ranges from $30 to $260 per month, depending on the frequency and the included services. 

DIY vs. Hiring a Pro

You can save money on the cost of pool maintenance by doing tasks like daily water checks and weekly skimming, brushing, and vacuuming. Keep in mind that you’ll need to purchase equipment and chemicals, like maintenance kits ($35 to $50) and test kits ($15). However, you can save about $1,000 over the course of a year by doing the work yourself.

Pool maintenance takes time and money. If you’re low on time, it can be worth it to hire out more labor-intensive tasks like opening and closing the pool. An experienced pro can also identify problems before they cause severe damage, which can save you money on future pool repair costs.