Last Updated on October 20, 2021
For new pool owners, learning how to clean inflatable pools is vital in prolonging your pool’s life.
Since you already spent money to acquire your pool, and just like any other item you’ve bought before, you’ll want to use it for a very long time, right?
Hopefully with our guide here, you will be able to know everything you need about maintaining and cleaning your inflatable pool.
Importance of Having A Clean Inflatable Pool
If this is your first time owning a pool, then you should know that stagnant pool water can attract all kinds of bacteria that could put your family’s health at risk. Bacteria can multiply fast in dirty surroundings.
Keeping your pool clean ensures you and your family are safe whenever you use your inflatable pool.
Also, having a clean pool helps prolong its life and avoid doing any major repairs on your pool. Again, you don’t want to buy another pool after just using your inflatable pool for a couple of months. It’s a waste of money and your time.
And one way of ensuring that you can use the pool for the next summer season is by cleaning it properly.
Difference Between Cleaning An Inflatable Pool From Other Pool Types
Unlike in-ground pools or framed above ground pools, cleaning an inflatable pool requires less work. Of course, this depends on the size and shape of your inflatable pool.
The largest inflatable pool available in the market today is from Intex and it has a diameter of 18 feet and a depth of 4 feet. It’s called the Easy Set inflatable pool which is one of their best selling pool sets.
Intex Pools Buying Guide This 2020
Now, let’s use this Easy Set pool as an example.
- Easy-Set Pool
- Filter pump not included.
- Made of Vinyl; Heavy-Duty Vinyl Liner
- Holds 639 gal. of Water
Compared to large framed above ground pools, this inflatable pool set is easier to set up and disassemble. This allows you to easily clean the parts of your inflatable pool and store it if you won’t be using it for an extended period. Storing it frees up space in your backyard, and you don’t have to worry about stagnant water.
And in comparison to in-ground pools, you don’t have to use much energy to filter and circulate the water in your inflatable pool. An appropriate sized pump and filter system should be sufficient to keep your blow-up pool clean when you use it.
For the cleaning tools, they’re more affordable and you don’t have to spend much on pool chemicals.
Essential Tools To Clean Inflatable Pool
Pool Net
- Size: 17.5 x 11.8 x 1.2 inches (44.50 x 30.00 x 3.00 cm)
- Material: Plastic. High quality thick plastic frame and netting designed to easily maneuver through water.
- Durable: This heavy-duty but lightweight plastic and mesh pool skimmer is made to perform season after season. Save time and money knowing that your pool net will withstand your pool cleaning and...
- Wide application: Scoops out leaves, insects & other kinds of floating debris from your inground swimming pool, koi pond, hot tub, and fountain. Leaves water sparkling clean & inviting!
It’s common for any type of pool to have floating debris, especially if there are nearby plants and trees around it. That’s why having a good pool net is a must for you to remove leaves, insects, or dirt.
Pool Vacuum
Once you’re done cleaning the floating debris with the net, then you may proceed cleaning the bottom of your pool. You can try using the net to clean the bottom, but that may not get the job done completely.
We recommend using a pool vacuum to thoroughly clean the bottom of your pool. We found this great pool vacuum that works well on inflatable pools.
- DEEP CLEANING: The Aqua Broom offers a more intense particulate cleaning of Sand & Silt than most vacuums for the Hot Tubs, Pools or Spas.
- RUN TIME: The Aqua Broom is designed to run up to 3 hours and is powered by Five D-cell batteries.
- EASY OPERATION: Simply twist the switch ON to operate. No forced-air operation, pumping or water hook-up required. Lightweight and easy to use by hand or attach to any standard telescopic pool pole....
- TRAPS DIRT: The Pool Blaster Aqua Broom traps dirt better than other vacuums. Our patented Retention Valve design stops the return of debris into the spa.
Pool Brushes
- Pool brush for cleaning grime and algae from all pool, hot tub and spa surfaces
- Wide, curved body pool cleaning brush and 5 rows of bristles get hard to reach places
- Durable all-weather materials withstand high temperatures
- Curved brush design is perfect for cleaning pool walls, pool floors or any pool surface
These help in keeping the interior of your pool clean from any dirt. It’s also one of the most underrated pool cleaning tools.
Chlorine Tablets
Adding chlorine tablets to your inflatable pool will help kill bacteria and prevent algae buildup. These tablets may also help you balance the pH level in your water.
Pool Filters
- Compatible with 59900E and 29000E.
- Type A Filter Cartridge Intex filter cartridges are made from Dacron material. They are easy to clean and to replace when necessary, usually after about two weeks. Look for the large A on the package...
- For smaller pumps: 530 gallon per hour - 1,500 gallon per hour
- Fits pumps with both Type A and Type C filters
Changing your pool filter cartridges guarantees that you have clear and clean water for swimming.
We also recommend this pool filter system for inflatable pool owners. It’s very affordable and it’ll help keep your pool water clear.
- ✔ HYDRO AERATION TECHNOLOGY BY INTEX – Transforming the Above Ground Pool industry, by bringing revolutionary water aeration benefits such as improved circulation and filtration, improved water...
- ✔ EASY INSTALLATION – Just hook up hoses and plug in! This pump is a must have for any INTEX above ground pool up to 6,000 gal (Partial assembly required)
- ✔ EASY-TO-CLEAN CARTRIDGE – The C1000 Krystal Clear Cartridge uses Type A filter cartridges (Item #29000E) which should be changed every 2 weeks; the Type A filter cartridge is made with...
- ✔ 1000 GPH PUMP FLOW RATE – Water flow rate at pump (pump capacity): 1,000 gph (3,785 lph); in pool (system flow rate): 750 gph (2,839 lph); suitable for INTEX pools up to 6,000 gal with 1.25in...
The Best Guide In Keeping Inflatable Pools Clean
7 Steps on How To Clean Large Inflatable Pools
1. Remove visible debris from your pool using your net
Start cleaning your inflatable pool by removing large debris like dried leaves, bugs, or any other dirt that you might see.
2. Use your pool vacuum to remove debris on the bottom of the pool
After removing all the floating debris, grab your pool vacuum and start cleaning the bottom of your inflatable pool.
3. Brush your pool’s interior
If you can fit your pool brush in your vacuum, then you can do this step while vacuuming your pool’s interior.
If not, then you can do this after you drain some of your pool water.
4. Use chlorine to keep the pool water clear
You can use chlorine to balance your water’s pH level, and also to kill bacteria in your pool. Check your pool size, and refer to the product information of your chlorine tablets on how much you should use for your inflatable pool.
5. Change your pool filter
Check your pool filter, and change it if needed.
6. Drain it when necessary
If you want to thoroughly clean your inflatable pool, then draining it completely is recommended.
7. Use a pool cover
You should make it a habit to cover your pool to protect it from debris when you’re not using it. A good pool cover helps lessen the time you have to clean your pool.
- Blue 5 Mil 10x12 ' Feet General Multi-Purpose Waterproof Multi Purpose Waterproof Poly Tarp Cover Tent Shelter Boat RV Pool Camping Tarpaulin
- Rust Resistant Grommets Placed Approximately Every 3 ft. For Tying Down
- Woven and laminated polyethlene with heat sealed seams Supplied with built in grommets every 36" to allow for secure tie downs
- Can be used as protection for boats, cars or motor vehicles, providing shelter from the elements, ie., wind, rain or sunlight for campers, as an emergency roof patch material for homeowners, as a...
For small inflatable pools, draining and refilling the pool is a much better and faster option. After use, you can drain the pool water and scrub the pool with your brushes.
If you intend to use it again, you can refill it with water and put on a pool cover. Or if you will not use it for an extended period, you can just store it after you rinsed your pool.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cleaning Inflatable Pools
Can you put chlorine in an inflatable pool?
Yes, you can put chlorine in your inflatable pool. Chlorine helps keep your pool water clear. Make sure that you put the right amount to avoid damaging the pool liner.
How do I keep my inflatable pool clean naturally?
If you don’t want to use chlorine in your inflatable pool, you may opt to use household bleach and baking soda.
Use two and a half teaspoons of household bleach for every 100 gallons of water. Half a teaspoon of baking soda to increase the total alkalinity of your pool water.
How do you keep a pool clean without a pump?
The only way you can keep the pool clean without a pump is by draining and refilling it.
How long can you leave water in an inflatable pool?
This depends. If you put pool chemicals, then you can leave the water in your pool for a longer time. Make sure to cover your pool to prevent debris from entering your swimming pool.
If you decided not to use chemicals, then it is not advisable to leave water on your pool as algae and bacteria may thrive in it. It’s recommended to drain and store your pool if you’re not going to use it and if you don’t want to use pool chemicals.
How can you get rid of algae