How to Clean an Inflatable Pool

Keeping your inflatable pool clean is crucial for maintaining water quality and ensuring swimmer health and safety. A dirty pool can breed bacteria, algae and other contaminants that can cause skin rashes and infections. Proper inflatable pool maintenance requires regular scrubbing, vacuuming, water testing and chemical treatment. Follow these steps for how to clean an inflatable pool thoroughly and safely.

Gather the Necessary Supplies

Cleaning an inflatable pool requires having the right tools and products on hand. Here are some must-have items:

Pool brush – A sturdy brush with stiff bristles for scrubbing the pool floor and sides. Use a brush with an extendable pole for reaching all areas of the pool.
Pool vacuum – Either a manual vacuum or an automatic pool cleaner to suction debris from the water. A vacuum with wheels will easily glide along the inflatable pool floor.
Testing strips – Essential for monitoring water pH, alkalinity, chlorine and other chemical levels.
Chlorine – Sanitizes the water by killing bacteria. Chlorine tablets or liquid chlorine can be used.
pH adjuster – Raises or lowers pH as needed to maintain proper levels. A pH increaser or decreaser chemical may be required.
Algaecide – Kills algae spores to prevent green water and pool staining.
Shock treatment – High levels of chlorine to sanitize the entire volume of pool water. Use as needed.
Skimmer net – Collects leaves, insects and other debris floating on the water surface. A net with a long handle allows skimming without entering the pool.

Drain and Rinse the Pool

For a deep clean, you’ll need to completely drain the old water and rinse away any dirt or grime in the empty pool. Here’s how:

Remove any debris from the pool floor using a net or by hand. Scoop out leaves, toys etc.
Locate the drain valve or spout and attach a garden hose. Drain the water from the pool either onto your lawn or into a sewer drain.
Use a hose to spray down the inside walls and floor of the empty pool. Scrub any dirty spots with a brush.
Rinse until the inflatable pool looks clean and free of visible dirt and contaminants.
Allow the pool to fully air dry before refilling. Sunlight helps naturally sanitize the dry surfaces.

Refill the Pool and Balance Chemicals

Once cleaned, it’s time to refill the inflatable pool with fresh water and treat it for safe swimming. Follow these steps:

Use a garden hose to refill the pool with clean water. Avoid using soft water.
Add concentrated chlorine to the new water. Follow packaging directions for how much to use based on pool size.
Test and adjust pH to between 7.4 – 7.6 using a pH increaser or decreaser as needed.
Test and adjust alkalinity which should be between 80-120 ppm.
Add a shock treatment of chlorine to sanitize the entire volume of new water.
Let the refilled pool sit for 24 hours so chemicals fully circulate before swimming.
Verify chlorine level is between 1-3 ppm and pH and alkalinity are in the proper ranges.

Schedule Regular Cleaning and Maintenance

Don’t wait for the water to get visibly dirty or cloudy before cleaning your inflatable pool. Follow this routine schedule to keep it clean and clear:

Daily – Test chlorine and pH levels. Shock treat the water if chlorine drops below 1 ppm. Skim debris from the surface.
2-3 times per week – Brush pool floor and sides. Run the pool vacuum to pick up sediment.
Weekly – Check alkalinity. Add algaecide according to package directions.
Every 2 weeks – Drain 25-30% of water and refill. Balance chemicals in the new water.
Monthly – Drain completely, clean inside surfaces and refill pool. Shock treat the new water.
As needed – Scrub visible stains with a pool cleaner containing enzymes and scrubbing bubbles.

Cleaning the Pool Floor

The pool floor tends to accumulate the most dirt, leaves, bugs and other debris. Give it a good scrubbing each week or more often if needed.

Use your pool vacuum to pick up any leaves or large debris.
Attach the pool brush to an extendable pole to reach the entire floor.
Scrub the floor in sections using firm, even strokes. Overlap strokes to cover all areas.
Vacuum up any dirt and particles the scrubbing loosens.
Avoid damaging the inflatable floor by not using excessive force while scrubbing.

Removing Algae from Pool Walls

Green, black or mustard yellow algae can stain and cling to pool liner walls. Follow these steps to get rid of algae:

Use an algaecide per product instructions to kill the algae.
Wait 12-24 hours then scrub the pool walls with a brush to remove dead algae.
Vacuum the pool twice to suck up all fallen algae particles.
Add a chlorine shock treatment to the water to prevent new algae growth.
If stains remain, apply an algae stain remover and let sit for 15 minutes before scrubbing again.

Cleaning Inside the Pool Skimmer

The pool’s skimmer basket collects a lot of gunk. Keep it clean for optimal water circulation and filtration:

Remove the skimmer basket and empty out any debris collected inside.
Use a small brush to scrub the empty basket, removing trapped dirt and oil.
Occasionally take apart and thoroughly clean the skimmer filtration system.
Rinse the basket with clean water before replacing it in the skimmer.

Preventing Water Scale Buildup

Hard water can leave a crusty white mineral deposit on pool surfaces. Try these tips to prevent water scale:

Add a scale inhibitor to the pool water per product instructions to prevent scale.
Apply a protective barrier spray to the pool liner that prevents scale adhesion.
Test water hardness and drain/refill pool if hardness exceeds 250 ppm.
Clean any existing scale with a pumice stone or specially formulated scale remover.
Install a pool filter that softens hard water and reduces scale formation.

Why Is Chlorine Important for Pool Cleaning?

Maintaining proper chlorine levels is crucial when cleaning an inflatable pool. Here’s why chlorine is so important:

Kills germs – Chlorine sanitizes pool water by destroying disease-causing bacteria, viruses and microbes.
Prevents algae – The right chlorine residual prevents algae spores from growing in the pool water.
Improves filtration – Chlorine oxidizes organic compounds which then get filtered out.
Sustains cleanliness – A chlorine residual ensures the water stays fresh and clean between cleanings.
Enhances safety – Proper chlorination protects swimmers from recreational water illnesses and infections.
Prolongs water life – Chlorine prevents the need for frequent complete draining and refilling of the pool.

Using Baking Soda to Adjust Pool Alkalinity

Baking soda can raise total alkalinity levels in pool water. Here’s how:

Test the current total alkalinity with test strips to see if adjustment is needed.
Determine how much baking soda to add based on pool size. Generally add 0.5 lbs per 10,000 gallons of water.
Broadcast and dissolve the baking soda directly into the pool water. Avoid allowing it to pile up.
Run the pool pump and filters for 6-8 hours to evenly circulate the baking soda.
Retest alkalinity after 24 hours to see if further adjustments are necessary.
Maintain alkalinity between 80-120 ppm which is the ideal range for pool water.

Shock Treating Cloudy Pool Water

Cloudy or hazy water is usually caused by invisible contaminants. Shock treating with chlorine clarifies cloudy water by:

Oxidizing organic waste compounds that create cloudiness.
Killing algae spores suspended in the water.
Removing organic debris that reduces water clarity.
Destroying ammonia compounds released by swimmers that cloud water.
Boosting the chlorine level to thoroughly sanitize and disinfect.
Leaving a chlorine residual to keep water clear between treatments.

How Often Should I Run My Pool Filter?

For clear water, run your inflatable pool’s filter system as follows:

Small Pools – Operate the filter at least 4 hours per day, preferably 6-8 hours daily.
Medium Pools – Run the pool filter for 6-8 hours per day at minimum.
Large Pools – Ideally run the filter system 8-12 hours daily for proper water circulation.
Run times may need to be increased in hot weather or when pool use is heavy.
Keep the filter pump running overnight when pool is not in use for best results.
Well-filtered water requires less frequent chlorine shock treatments.

Cleaning Inside the Pool Pump Filter

The pool pump filter cartridge collects dirt and needs regular cleaning:

Unscrew and remove the top of the pump filter housing.
Take out the filter cartridge and hose it off to remove loose debris.
Use a soft brush and mild detergent to scrub the cartridge pleats clean.
Rinse thoroughly with clean water before returning it to the filter housing.
Lubricate the filter cartridge o-ring with non-petroleum jelly before reassembling.
Periodically soak the cartridge in filter cleaner solution to degrease it.

How to Maintain Proper Pool pH

Proper pH balance is crucial for clean pool water. Follow these tips:

Test pH daily using test strips and aim for ideal range of 7.4-7.6.
To lower pH, add a pH decreaser chemical according to label directions.
To raise low pH, add sodium carbonate pH increaser per packaging instructions.
Adding fresh water tends to drop pH so monitor when refilling pool.
Adjustments may be needed daily since pH naturally drifts high or low.
Let pH adjusters circulate 6-8 hours before retesting and adding any additional chemical.

How Often to Add Chlorine to an Inflatable Pool

Adding chlorine at regular intervals is vital to keeping an inflatable pool clean. Here are some general chlorine addition guidelines:

Small Pools – 1 to 2 ounces of chlorine daily.
Medium Pools – 3 to 5 ounces of chlorine daily.
Large Pools – Up to 8 ounces of chlorine daily.
Test chlorine level daily and add if below 1 ppm.
Add extra chlorine after heavy pool use.
Add chlorine after rainstorms which lower chlorine residual.
Pour chlorine around pool edges so it circulates properly.
Avoid adding too much chlorine at one time.

FAQs About Cleaning an Inflatable Pool

How do I vacuum an inflatable pool?

Use a handheld or robotic automatic pool vacuum designed for inflatable pools. Move slowly over the entire floor to pick up debris. Work from the far end toward the drainage valve to vacuum water out.

How often should I drain and refill the pool?

Completely drain and refill an inflatable pool every 2-4 weeks depending on usage. More often in hot climates or with heavy use. Refill with fresh water and re-balance chemicals.

What’s the best way to clean inflatable pool steps?

Remove and scrub the steps with a brush and mild detergent. Use a small hand vacuum to suction up any collected dirt from steps and crevices. Rinse prior to replacing in the pool.

How do I clean mold and mildew from a pool liner?

Mix 1 cup bleach + 1 gallon of water. Wipe liner with solution and let sit 10 minutes before rinsing. Scrub any remaining stains with brush.

How do I get rid of oily swimmer residue on the pool walls?

Apply liquid dishwashing detergent directly on oily areas. Let sit 5 minutes then scrub with a pool brush before rinsing clean. Repeat as needed.

What’s the quickest way to get rid of green algae in an inflatable pool?

Shock treat the pool water with a very high dose of chlorine to kill algae on contact. Scrub walls and floor. Vacuum daily for one week until algae is gone.

Should I run the pool pump and filter when adding chemicals?

Yes, run the filtration system when adding all chemicals to ensure even circulation and proper dilution throughout the entire volume of pool water.

What household items can I use if I run out of chlorine?

Liquid bleach contains sodium hypochlorite which sanitizes like chlorine. Use only in a pool emergency. Add 1 cup per 10,000 gallons of water.

How often should I change my pool filter cartridge?

Replace the filter every 2 years at minimum. Change more often if flow gets restricted due to dirt buildup and reduced filtration ability.

Conclusion

Keeping an inflatable pool filled with clean, clear water takes regular effort. Testing and adjusting chemical levels, scrubbing surfaces, maintaining the filter system and monitoring water clarity are all critical parts of proper inflatable pool care. Stick to a routine cleaning schedule while also cleaning as needed after heavy use or rain. With the right maintenance strategy, your inflatable pool will stay sanitary and ready for summer fun all season long.