An inflatable pool needs much of the same careful maintenance if you want to use it for a long time. So if you have been away from home or otherwise occupied, you may find your pool dirty or in disrepair.
Here's how to clean it up. Start by running the pool pump. Above ground pools need water circulation to help reduce the growth of unwanted greenery that can accumulate on a hot day. Run the pump for at least 24 to 48 hours initially. You may need to run it longer if the pool is particularly cloudy and green. Add shock, a concentrated form of pool chemicals. If you are using shock that should go directly into the pool, make sure you scatter the chemicals over the entire surface. Walk around the perimeter of the pool as you distribute shock. If you use a pellet variety that goes in the pump, add it to the pump. The pellet form will dissolve over time.
Run the vacuum to pull debris from the pool 24 hours after you've added shock. You should be able to place the attachment in the water and walk around the outside of the pool while holding it. The vacuum will help pull out particles you can't see. Use it for at least 30 minutes. Large pools may require more than an hour of vacuuming. Empty the vacuum tank at the side of the pool into a trash bag when you finish. You should see objects such as leaves. Check the chemical composition of the water. If its pH is too corrosive, the water can break down the pool wall. If it's too alkaline or too acidic, the water can appear cloudy. The ideal pH range is 7.4 to 7.6. Use a test kit to determine the water's balance between acid and alkaline. The test should indicate a range within this field. Add chemicals such as bromine and chlorine in small amounts if necessary and continue to run the pump if you find a problem.