Pool Chlorine Calculator and Dosing Guide
As a general rule, pool owners need to keep the chlorine level between 1-3 ppm (parts per million). That matches CDC advice. And there are 4 ways to get chlorine into your pool: Liquid chlorine or...
View ArticlePool Alkalinity Calculator: Exact Doses for Perfect Total Alkalinity
You tested your water, the alkalinity reading looks wrong, and now you’re wondering how much chemical to add without making things worse. Here’s how to get the exact dose. How to Use a Pool Alkalinity...
View ArticleBest Pool Chemicals Ranked Best to Worst
Walk down the pool store aisle (or browse online), and you’ll find dozens of products promising clearer water. Some are worth every penny. Others are just a markup on something you can buy at the...
View ArticlePool Conditioner vs Chlorine Stabilizer vs Cyanuric Acid
Pool conditioner, pool stabilizer, chlorine stabilizer, and cyanuric acid are all names for the same chemical. Pool conditioner helps stabilize chlorine levels against ultraviolet rays from the sun....
View ArticleHow to Remove Metals From Pool Water
If you fill your pool with well water, or you’ve noticed a rusty or greenish tinge after shocking, you’re probably dealing with metals. Unfortunately, metals in pool water are especially frustrating...
View ArticleHow to Lower Calcium Hardness in a Pool
High calcium hardness isn’t a problem until you start noticing white, chalky buildup on your pool walls, cloudy water that won’t clear up, or a clogged filter that’s working harder than it should be....
View ArticleHow to Raise Calcium Hardness in a Pool
If your water doesn’t have enough calcium, it starts pulling calcium straight from your pool’s surfaces. And that leads to etching, pitting, and damaged equipment. The good news is that raising calcium...
View ArticleDo Pool Leaf Vacuums Work and Are They Worth It?
If your pool is surrounded by trees or you’re constantly battling leaves in the water, a pool leaf vacuum is the most effective tool for cleanup. A standard vacuum head can handle dirt and fine debris...
View ArticleAre Pool Skimmer Socks Worth Using?
If you’ve ever struggled with pollen, bugs, cottonwood fluff, or pet hair in your pool water, a pool skimmer sock might be your new favorite pool accessory. It’s a simple, cheap mesh liner that...
View ArticleAre Solar-Powered Pool Skimmers Worth It?
A solar-powered pool skimmer is one of the easiest upgrades you can make to your pool maintenance routine. It automatically picks up floating debris, helping you stay on top of bugs, pollen, pine...
View ArticleHow to Use a Chlorine Neutralizer in Your Pool
If you’ve over-chlorinated your pool, a chlorine neutralizer is one of the fastest options for reducing your chlorine. Bringing your free chlorine back into range (around 3 PPM) means your water is...
View ArticleHow to Use Calcium Chloride in Your Pool
Calcium chloride is the go-to chemical for raising total calcium hardness in a pool. If you’ve ever shopped for a “calcium hardness increaser” at a pool store, that’s the same chemical just in a...
View ArticlePool Filter Balls Review (Do They Really Work?)
Pool FilterBalls promise better filtration, less backwashing, and easier maintenance than sand. But do they actually deliver? If you’ve ever lugged a huge bag of sand to your filter, you already...
View ArticleFilter Glass vs. Sand: Which Pool Filter Media is Better?
If your sand filter is getting older, you might be wondering whether it’s worth sticking with traditional sand or switching to glass. Glass media has been gaining traction with pool owners who want...
View ArticlePoolRx Review for Eliminating Algae
PoolRx promises cleaner pool water, fewer chemicals, and less algae. But before you spend money on an algae-killing cylinder that lives in your skimmer or pump basket, you probably want to know if it...
View ArticleHow to Use Soda Ash in a Pool to Raise pH
Soda ash is an effective and often cheaper way to raise your pool’s pH. But add it the wrong way, and you’ll end up with a pool that looks like a glass of milk. Here’s everything you need to know to...
View ArticleSimple Scoop Review: Is It Worth Using for Pool Maintenance?
If you’ve ever walked into a pool store and stared down a wall of chemicals, each one promises to solve a different problem. Products like Simple Scoop by Pool Day are betting you’d rather grab one...
View ArticlePool Opening Tips to Get Your Pool Ready Fast
Opening your pool the right way saves you time and gets you swimming faster. Follow these steps in the correct order, and your water will clear up quickly while your equipment runs smoothly all season...
View ArticlePool Plumbing and Anatomy for Beginners
Do you know how all of your pool plumbing works? Knowing how the water flows through your system and how each valve and pipe operates is critical for proper pool care. And understanding each component...
View ArticleHow to Remove Pollen From Your Pool
Pollen season can feel relentless, and keeping it out of your pool water takes real effort. But the good news is that you don’t need any fancy equipment to remove pollen from your pool. Here’s how to...
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