1. In concrete pools, hairline cracks can simply be patched with chorlinated rubber or epoxy swimming pool paint. Most small hairline cracks can safely be ignored in fiberglass pools, as they’re just a normal sign of the pool aging.

2. For slightly larger cracks (less than 1/8 of an inch), patch cracks with special epoxy compound that is made just for concrete pools or with fiberglass patch kits for fiberglass pools. Always follow the instructions from the manufacturer of the product you’re using.

3. If cracks are larger than 1/8 of an inch or more than a foot long, it’s time to call the professionals.

Stepping back a bit, though, the best way to treat algae is to never let it become a problem. Proper pool maintenance will keep algae from growing, so be sure that you maintain the right pool sanitizer level to prevent algae from ever forming.

Once you’re faced with algae, check the pH and adjust it if necessary. If it’s green algae, superchlorinate the water (going as high as 30 ppM chlorine) and then wait until the chlorine drops to normal levels, which usually takes about 48 hours. Add an all-purpose algaecide and follow the directions on the packaging. After the algaecide treatment, vacuum the dead algae and backwash the filter. If the algae growth is really heavy, you may need to repeat the above treatment.

If you’ve got mustard algae or black algae, use a stiff brush to remove as much of the spots as you can. Turn off the pool pump and spot treat the algae with chlorine tablets then pour an all-purpose algaecide on the algae spots. Leave the pump off and let the algaecide work overnight. Restore water circulation the next day and brush off any dead algae and vacuum. Again, if it’s a heavy case of algae you may need to repeat the treatment again if there’s more algae remaining.

Overpowered pool pumps: Pool filters are much more expensive than the pumps that power them, so it’s really common for above ground pools to be sold with the cheapest filter available but with a powerful pump. The problem with this is that the pump overpowers the filter, blasting dirt through it that should be filtered out.

When you’re buying an above ground pool, don’t be swayed by a pump with a pump rated for a huge amount of horsepower. A 1/2 horsepower pool pump (generally the smallest practical model sold) is not only all you’ll need, but even that is often too much for small above ground pools.

Cheap materials: You get what you pay for. If you buy a bargain basement above ground pool that costs $1,000, it’s going to be cheaply made and have lots of issues and problems. That’s why it’s so cheap. Don’t assume, though, that just because you bought an expensive pool that you will never have any issues, or that it cannot contain cheap equipment prone to problems.

Wrong sand in the filter: You should always have special filter sand in your pool filter. That’s what it’s made for and that’s what you should use, for proper filtration. Specifically ask when buying your pool if your filter has filter sand in it, and not cheaper sandblast sand that some shady dealers will use instead, just to save them a few bucks.

Cheap cleaning equipment: Since above ground pools are generally the low-cost option, some dealers try to skimp everywhere they can to boost their profit margins, with many include cheap cleaning equipment sold with above ground pools that only lasts a season or two before breaking.
Make sure you’re getting quality cleaning equipment when buying your pool, and don’t be afraid to spend a little more to get solid equipment that will not only last but will properly clean your pool.

1. You need to match the type of paint previously used, so you’ll need to take a chip of paint to a delaer and determine if its epoxy paint or chlorinated rubber paint.

2. Try to determine how many coats of paint are already on your pool by peeling and chipping away layers. If it’s just one or two, you can simply paint over it. If you have three or more layers, though, it’s usually best to have the old paint sandblasted off so that your new paint job adheres correctly.

3. Before you start clean the pool thoroughly with trisodium phosphate (TSP), scrubbing thoroughly. Follow that up with a coat of muriatic acid to prepare the surface. When working with muriatic acid always follow the instructions and wear gloves and protective eyewear.

4. Rinse with fresh water and completely drain the pool and allow it to dry. Repair any cracks that you see at this time.

5. If you’re using chlorinated rubber paint, paint your pool, as it doesn’t need a primer. If you’re using epozy paint, you’ll usually need to paint a coat of primer on first.

6. Just like a normal painting job, use a roller to apply the paint to large surfaces and a brush for trim areas.