Results for "filtration systems"

Salt Water Medium 45 minutes 971 👍 2

How Salt Water Pool Systems Work: Complete Guide 2026

Despite my pool guy insisting I need to understand salt water electrolysis to maintain my system, his overly technical explanation makes me think he's overcomplicating things.
Specifically, what happens at the cellular level when salt water passes through the system? How does dissolved sodium chloride get converted into an effective sanitizing agent, and what role does electrolysis play in this conversion process? I want to grasp the complete operational mechanism before investing in this technology.…more

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Filters Easy 15 minutes 246 👍 0

Do Cartridge Pool Filters Need DE? Complete Guide

During pool season, is it dangerous that I'm getting conflicting advice about using DE powder with my cartridge filters when I've got kids swimming daily? My pool store said it might help with clarity, but I'm reading mixed reviews online. I've been cleaning my cartridges regularly and they seem fine, but my water isn't crystal clear like I want it. Some people swear by adding DE to cartridge systems while others say it's pointless or even harmful. What's the real story here? Will DE actually help my filtration or am I just wasting money and potentially creating problems?…more

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Filters Medium 2-3 hours 212 👍 1

Can I Use Pool Filter Sand? Complete Installation Guide

Replacing the sand in my pool filter for the first time and the bags at the hardware store look identical to the pool store sand but cost half as much. Is pool filter sand actually different from regular sand or is this just markup? Don't want to ruin my filter trying to save $30.…more

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Editor's Pick

Dolphin Nautilus CC Plus Robotic Pool Vacuum (2026)

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Above Ground Easy 30 minutes 831 👍 1

Do Intex Pools Need Chemicals? Complete Chemical Guide

Last summer when I finally set up my first Intex Easy Set (12 feet, about 2,400 gallons), I've been completely lost on what chemicals I actually need. The manual mentions using chemicals but doesn't give much detail about what's actually required.

I've been running the filter pump for a few days now, but I'm starting to see some cloudy water and what might be the beginning of algae growth on the walls. Do Intex pools really need the same chemical treatment as regular in-ground pools? What's the minimum I need to keep the water safe for my kids to swim in? I want to make sure I'm doing this right from the start.…more

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Water Chemistry Easy 15 minutes 117 👍 0

Do Pools Have Chlorine? Pool Sanitization Methods Explained

Three weeks ago my wife mentioned that she could smell chlorine around our pool area and it got me thinking - do all pools actually contain chlorine? I always assumed they did but now I'm second-guessing myself. We have a basic above-ground pool and I've been adding chemicals but honestly I'm not 100% sure what's in them or if chlorine is definitely one of the ingredients. My wife is concerned about the kids swimming in chlorinated water and wants to know if there are pools that don't use chlorine at all. I feel pretty clueless about what's actually keeping our water clean.…more

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Maintenance Easy varies by season 655 👍 0

How Long Are Pools Open in Texas? Swimming Season Guide

Finally got a second opinion after my pool contractor insisted Texas pools should only stay open 6-7 months yearly, but something about losing half my investment doesn't add up. I moved to Texas thinking I'd be swimming constantly, but I'm honestly confused about when pools are actually swimmable here. Some neighbors say theirs are open March through November, others claim they swim year-round with heaters.

I've been debating whether to invest in a heating system since I'm paying for this pool either way. How long is the typical swimming season in Texas, and is it realistic to keep a pool open all year? I want to maximize my investment and actually enjoy this thing!…more

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Water Chemistry Easy 30 minutes 212 👍 0

Do Pools Need Chlorine? Essential Pool Sanitizer Guide

Between my neighbor claiming pools don't need chlorine with proper balance, the pool store insisting it's essential, and YouTube giving conflicting advice, I'm completely lost.

Are there other options besides chlorine? I've heard people mention saltwater pools and UV systems - do those work just as well? I want to keep my family safe but also don't want to over-complicate things as a beginner. What's the most reliable way to keep pool water clean and safe?…more

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Maintenance Easy 15 minutes 695 👍 1

When Are Pools Open in Las Vegas? Year-Round Pool Season

My Vegas hotel's pool is supposedly "closed for winter" but I'm literally watching guests splash around in 70-degree weather right now. Do most hotels and resorts close pools during winter months like other places? Or does the desert climate keep them running all year?

Looking at both resort pools and maybe some residential options. Want to know if there's a specific season or if it's pretty much always pool weather out there.…more

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Algae Green Pool 89 👍 3

Why Is the Lincoln Reflecting Pool Green—and Why Not Shock It?

I saw the photos of the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool gone bright green again, days after they finished a big renovation. I run my own backyard pool, and when mine goes green I shock the daylights out of it and it clears up in a couple of days. So why is the government out there pouring hydrogen peroxide and scraping algae by hand off a national monument? Why don't they just shock the thing like the rest of us do? What am I missing?…more

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Filters Easy 15 minutes 319 👍 0

Can I Leave My Pool Filter On All The Time? Complete Guide

About to run my pool filter 24/7 this summer. Currently I'm running my filter system about 6 hours per day, but I've been dealing with some water clarity issues despite maintaining proper chlorine levels (2.5 ppm) and balanced pH (7.4). My pool gets heavy use from my family and I've noticed the water looks a bit cloudy by evening even after shocking. I'm wondering if I should just leave the filter running continuously to help with circulation and keep the water crystal clear, or if there's a sweet spot for daily runtime that balances effectiveness with energy costs. The pool is in full sun most of the day and we're in a fairly warm climate, so I want to make sure I'm getting adequate turnover without unnecessarily driving up my electric bill.…more

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Filters Easy N/A - System requirement 259 👍 0

Do I Need a Pool Filter? Essential Guide for Pool Owners

According to my thermometer, my pool water stays crystal clear below 75°F but turns into a cloudy mess the second we hit 80°F. My kids will be spending a lot of time in the water this summer, and I want to make sure I'm not cutting corners on anything that affects their safety.

I've been told that pool filters are a must-have, but I'm wondering if I can get by with just chemicals to keep the water clean. Are filters actually required, or is this just pool companies trying to sell more equipment? I need to know if skipping the filter would put my children at risk when they're swimming.…more

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Best Pool Chemicals

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Pool Maintenance Hard 4-6 hours daily maintenance 181 👍 1

Can You Keep a Pool Clean Without a Filter? Complete Guide

Staring at my pool manual that insists I need a filter system, but I'm seeing other pool owners somehow maintaining crystal-clear water without one. I'm Nancy T. and I'm completely new to pool ownership - just inherited my grandmother's old above-ground pool. I noticed the filter system seems to be broken or missing some parts, and I'm wondering if there's any way to keep the water clean without it? Maybe I'm being naive, but I thought I'd ask before spending money on repairs. I've been adding chlorine tablets like the neighbor suggested, but I'm not sure if that's enough. Please be patient with me - I really don't know much about pool maintenance yet! Any advice would be greatly appreciated.…more

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Equipment Medium 45 minutes 305 👍 0

Do Variable Speed Pool Pumps Run All The Time? Complete Guide

Apparently my pool guy wants $800 to install a variable speed pump that he claims runs 24/7, but I'm skeptical about whether that's really necessary. I'm particularly interested in understanding how they balance filtration requirements with energy efficiency, and whether the speed modulation eliminates the need for complete shutdown periods during normal operation.…more

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Filters Easy 30 minutes 287 👍 1

How to Use a Pool Sand Filter: Complete Step-by-Step Guide

The pool sand filter that worked fine for years started giving me cloudy water last month but now it's completely dead and those expensive pool store fixes aren't working.

Can someone just give me the straight facts on how to actually operate my sand filter? I want to know the basic daily routine, when I should backwash, and how to tell if it's working properly. I'm looking for simple, practical steps I can handle myself without breaking the bank on unnecessary add-ons.…more

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Pump Problems Easy 30 minutes 416 👍 1

Do I Need a Pool Pump? Essential Pool Circulation Guide

I am setting up my pool and the pump seems expensive, so I am wondering whether I actually need it or if I can skip it or use something cheaper. Can a pool function without a pump at all? And what exactly does the pump do that I could not just handle manually with skimming and adding chemicals?…more

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