How To Clean A Bestway Pool Filter

Caring for Your Bestway Pool: A Beginner's Guide

If it's always been a dream of yours to have your own swimming pool but you're strapped with budget or space restraints, then an above-ground Bestway pool could be the answer.

With an above ground pool, you can save yourself the trouble and cost of year-round maintenance. Simply set it up once the sun is shining for hours of swimming fun, and then pack it away again for the winter.

In this guide, we're going to be explaining how to care for your Bestway pool right from the get-go!

Inflatable ring and ball on pool water

What Chemicals Do You Need For a Bestway Pool?

Swimming pool chemicals are essential to ensure your pool is clean and safe when you use it.

The most important pool chemicals include:

- Water Sanitiser
- pH Balancer
- Algaecide

Water Sanitation

Chlorine is used to disinfect the pool water and keep it free from bacteria so it's safe to swim in. For Bestway pools, it's recommended you use either a chlorine or bromine water sanitiser over non-chlorine alternatives. Make sure you check the instructions on the sanitiser thoroughly before use.

The chemical levels in your Bestway pool should be tested every day when the pool is in use and twice a week when it's not.

The chemical levels in your Bestway pool should be:

- 1 to 3 parts per million (ppm) for Chlorine
- 2 to 4 ppm for Bromine.

Never use both of these chemicals in your pool at the same time.

Shock Treatments

Seeing as Bestway pools are above ground, it's important that you treat the water properly from the moment you put the pool up. Once the pool is full it's unlikely to have much (if any) chlorine.

That's why it's recommended to use a "shock" or starter dose once you have your pool up. This will help prevent algae and bacteria from the get-go. You should allow 50g of chlorine granules per 1000 gallons.

pH Balancer

As well as keeping your pool clean, you also need to maintain the pH balance of the water.

If the pH of your pool water is unbalanced you may find yourself with more problems, such as:

- A green pool
- Damaged equipment
- Heavy scaling

To avoid these issues, you should check the pH of your Bestway pool the same amount you would your chlorine levels. The ideal pH level for your pool is between 7.2 and 7.6 which is consistent with the pH level of our eyes.

If your pH isn't between 7.2 or 7.4, you'll need to treat your water with either a pH Plus or pH Minus treatment depending on which side of the scale your test falls.

Algaecide

While not essential, an algaecide can be a great tool for first-time pool owners when trying to keep their pool clean.

Algae is microscopic plant matter that grows inside your pool and can turn the water green fast!

Always make sure you follow the instructions when using algaecide as well as any other chemicals.

Algae on water

Storing Bestway Pool Chemicals

You need to take care when handling and storing chemicals for your pool. Make sure they're stored in a cool dry place and out of the reach of children.

Always follow the manufacturer's instructions on the chemical containers and wash your hands after use.

How Do You Clean A Bestway Pool?

Although the above chemicals are used to prevent algae and bacteria, that doesn't mean your pool doesn't need cleaning.

Basic cleaning should include cleaning grease from the waterline and regularly cleaning any pool equipment, such as steps. If you want to take it a step further, you can also invest in some proper cleaning equipment for your pool such as:

- A swimming pool vacuum
- A swimming pool pump

Pool Vacuum

Although it's not an essential piece of kit, a swimming pool vacuum is a great way to keep your pool in its best possible condition by helping to prevent algae formation and tears in the vinyl. It can also be cost-effective in the long run as the use of a vacuum can make your chemicals more effective and result in you not having to use them as much.

You should vacuum your pool once a week or as required.

There's a wide variety of pool vacuums available, like the Telsa 15 Rechargeable Pool & Spa Vacuum , available in our store now.

Bestway Swimming Pool Pool Pump

Pool pumps are a vital addition to any swimming pool as they will filter and circulate your water to help keep the water clean and safe for swimming in.

While your pool is set up, you should circulate the entire volume of water for 6-8 hours every day that it's in use.

The pool pump and filter will work together to help remove debris from the water and can even be used alongside heating systems if you wanted to use your above ground pool all year round.

Filters should be cleaned out once a week by removing and hosing down the cartridge. You should also replace your filter cartridge to keep your filter in top condition - check the manufacturer guidelines as this tends to vary.

While cleaning out your filter, you should clean your pump and ensure there is no debris in the pipe that could cause a blockage later on.

When cleaning your pool, always make sure you use pool cleaning products. Many household cleaners contain phosphates which are known to nurture algae growth or create foam.

How Often Should You Change Your Bestway Pool Water?

Bestway pools are above ground pools, they are designed to be set up and taken down when the seasons change. As such, you probably won't need to change the water unless something contaminates it and can't be fixed with chemical treatments.

You will, however, need to drain your pool entirely before taking it down or if you plan to move your pool.

How to Drain a Bestway Pool

There are two key ways that you can drain your Bestway pool.

- Using an electric water pump
- Using a garden hose siphon

Water Pump

Submerge the pump entirely into the water and find somewhere for the outlet to drain. We recommend choosing somewhere away from the pool that's level so as to avoid flooding.

Once the water level starts decreasing, leave the pump to do its job. Make sure you check on it every once in a while to make sure there are no malfunctions. A pump won't get all of the water out, so when it can't drain any more water, switch the pump off.

Garden Hose Siphon

You can also siphon the water out of the pool with a garden hose. Submerge each end of the hose completely so it fills with water. Take one end of the hose out of the pool and place it in the area where you want to drain the pool. Keep the other end in the water and make sure the liquid begins to siphon out of the pool.

Keep an eye on the pool to make sure the water level is decreasing and that there's no flooding. Remove the hose when it stops siphoning which will likely be 6-12 inches. This method is slower than using a pump and it still won't get all of the water out.

You can then remove the rest of the water by either:

- Sucking the excess water with a Wet Vac
- Carefully removing the liner from the pool's frame and tipping the rest out

Can You Leave A Bestway Pool Up Over Winter?

If draining your pool doesn't appeal to you, then you're in luck. With the right maintenance, your Bestway pool can be left full throughout the winter.

Remove all Pool Accessories

When you decide it's time to pack up your pool for the winter, make sure you remove all accessories. This includes ladders, vacuums and even the pump. Store these things away for the winter so they remain safe and in working condition, for the next time they're needed.

Use a Pool Cover

To help keep your pool clean and to protect your pool from harsh weather, you should invest in a pool cover. Make sure the cover you buy is the right size and shape for your pool.

Maintain Chemical Levels

By continuing to test and treat your pool you'll ensure it's in top condition when it comes to using it again. Continue to test your pool and adjust the chemicals to protect your pool from algae, scale buildup and corrosion.

Prevent Freezing

If you live in an area where the temperature drops significantly in the winter, you'll need to make sure your water doesn't freeze as this can damage your pool.

To help prevent freezing, you can use a winter pool cover or even try an ice compensator float.

We hope this guide will help you make the most out of your Bestway pool. If you're looking to get started, why not check out our store for a full range of above ground pools and accessories.

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