Results for "pool-pump"

Water Chemistry Easy 5 minutes 333 👍 0

Does Pool Chlorine Make You Darker? Skin Effects Explained

During my latest pool investigation, I've got my detective gear ready to figure out why my kids keep coming home darker after swim days — is chlorine actually changing their skin color? They're in the pool for hours during summer camp, and I want to make sure the chemicals aren't harming their skin or causing any unwanted changes.

Is chlorine known to darken skin, or could there be another explanation? I'm also concerned about whether the pool chemicals might be making their skin more vulnerable to other effects from being outdoors so much.…more

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Maintenance Easy 45 minutes 268 👍 1

Do I Need a Pool Pillow for Winter? Complete Guide

Despite being on a tight budget for winter pool closing, I'm wondering if a pool pillow is actually necessary or just another expense I can skip? I've been researching proper closing procedures and keep seeing conflicting information about pool pillows (air pillows). Some sources say they're absolutely critical, while others suggest they're optional accessories.

Specifically, I need to understand whether pool pillows actually provide meaningful protection against freeze damage to pool walls and equipment. My pool is located in an area where temperatures regularly drop below freezing for extended periods during winter months. What's the technical reasoning behind using these pillows, and what risks am I facing if I skip this component of winterization?…more

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Maintenance Medium 1-3 days for installation 360 👍 1

Pool Fence Requirements: Do You Need One? Safety Guide 2026

According to my contractor, I'm looking at $3,200 for pool fencing and wondering if it's actually legally required before my installation is complete.

Anyone know the actual requirements? Like how deep does a pool have to be before you need fencing, and are there specific rules about the fence height or gate types? Just want to make sure I'm following all the safety regulations and not getting hit with any surprise violations from the city!…more

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Maintenance Easy varies - 2-3 hours weekly for DIY 204 👍 0

Do I Need Pool Service? Professional vs DIY Pool Care Guide

Our pool has somehow trained me to become this weekend warrior who religiously spends three hours testing, skimming, and chemical-balancing our 20,000 gallon inground pool like it's my part-time job. The quotes I'm getting are around $150-180 per month for basic cleaning and chemical balancing, which adds up to over $2,000 annually. I'm reasonably handy and don't mind learning, but I work long hours and travel frequently for business.

I've been doing basic skimming and adding chlorine tablets, but I'm not confident about proper water testing, balancing pH and alkalinity, or handling equipment issues when they arise. My pool gets a lot of use from the kids during summer, and I want to make sure it stays safe and clean. What factors should I consider when deciding between professional service versus DIY maintenance?…more

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Winterizing Easy 2-4 hours 179 👍 0

Do I Need a Pool Cover? Winter & Summer Benefits Guide

Somewhere between dumping another fortune into pool chemicals and actually wanting to swim in my own backyard, I decided to grab a pool cover and handle this myself.

I've been looking into DIY solutions to cut down on maintenance costs, and I keep seeing mixed opinions about covers. Do they really make a difference with chemical usage and heating bills? I live in an area with cold winters, so I'm also wondering if I need different types of covers for different seasons. Just want to know if this is a legitimate way to save money or if I'm better off sticking with my current routine.…more

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Maintenance Medium 2-4 hours 257 👍 1

Do I Need to Shock My Pool in Winter? Complete Guide

Between the musty, swamp-like stench seeping through my pool cover and that weird chemical smell hitting me every time I walk by, I'm wondering if I should still be shocking it this winter.

I have a 20,000 gallon inground pool that I keep open year-round here in the Southeast, but I've heard conflicting advice about whether I need to shock as often in winter as I do in summer.

Right now my water temperature is around 55°F and my free chlorine levels have been holding steady at about 2.5 ppm. During summer I was shocking every two weeks religiously, but with the cooler temps and less usage, I'm wondering if I can scale back. Does the type of pool setup (open vs closed for winter) make a difference in shocking frequency? And should I be adjusting based on water temperature or just stick to my summer routine?…more

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Maintenance Easy 30 minutes 223 👍 0

How to Determine Your Swimming Pool Size & Volume

I keep getting asked what my pool volume is and all I know is it's big. Geez, are there any standards for this? It looks like a lot of water, but I flunked calculus...…more

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Winterizing Medium 45 minutes 223 👍 0

Can Pool Covers Shrink? Prevention & Solutions Guide

Around three seasons ago I had the same shrinking problem with my old vinyl cover and stretching it worked fine — but this new one seems way tighter than last season. The edges don't reach as far as they used to, and I'm having to really stretch it to get it secured properly.

Is this actually a thing that happens? Can pool covers legitimately shrink over time? Mine's been through a pretty brutal summer with tons of sun, and I'll admit I probably didn't store it perfectly last winter. Just want to know if I need to accept that I'm gonna need a new cover or if there's something I could've done differently to prevent this!…more

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Above Ground Medium 30 minutes 397 👍 9

Do All Pools Need Liners? Pool Types and Liner Requirements

During my pool consultation, three different contractors gave me completely opposite answers about needing a liner, and now I'm wondering if someone's trying to upsell me.

I'm considering several options including above-ground pools, concrete inground pools, fiberglass shells, and even looked into natural swimming pools. Some contractors are telling me that every pool needs a liner, while others say certain types don't require them at all. I want to make sure I understand the liner requirements before making my final decision, especially since this affects both the initial cost and long-term maintenance.

Can someone break down which specific pool types actually need liners versus which ones can function without traditional vinyl liners? I'd appreciate any insight into how the construction material affects liner requirements.…more

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Above Ground Medium 4-6 hours 249 👍 0

Do I Need a Pool Liner? Above Ground Pool Requirements

During my above ground pool setup, my installer insists I need a $200 liner but my manual shows zero requirements for one anywhere. Like, can't the pool walls just hold the water on their own?

Also if I do need one, how long do these things typically last before I'm stuck buying another one? Just trying to budget for the real costs here!…more

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Leaks Medium 2-4 hours for assessment 294 👍 0

Can Pool Leaks Cause Sinkholes? Soil Erosion Prevention

Looked at my water level gauge showing 2 inches lost per week, but my pool guy insists that's impossible with just surface evaporation. I keep telling myself it's just a small amount of water loss, but now I'm wondering if I'm being naive about what could actually happen to my property.

The thing is, I've noticed some soft spots developing in the ground around my pool area, and it's got me thinking - could all that leaking water actually wash away enough soil to create a sinkhole? I know it sounds dramatic, but I'm genuinely concerned about whether continuous water leakage could undermine my pool's foundation or create dangerous voids in my yard. Is this something that actually happens, or am I overthinking a simple repair job?…more

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Product Ranking 8 compared

Best Above Ground Pools

4.3 (22,100 reviews)

Above Ground Medium 4-6 hours 195 👍 0

Do You Need a Birth Pool Liner? Complete Above-Ground Guide

This YouTube tutorial said any pool liner works for birth pools, but now I'm completely overwhelmed by confusing options and wondering what I got wrong. Are these the same thing as regular pool liners, or do I need something specific for my swimming pool?

Just want to make sure I get the right liner that can handle chlorine and actually fits my pool dimensions properly. Don't want to end up with something that falls apart after a few weeks!…more

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Maintenance Easy 30 minutes 194 👍 0

How to Play Pool Games: Water Activities & Swimming Fun

Staring at another pool full of bored guests for the third time this summer and I'm done letting everyone just float around doing nothing. The pool store mentioned there are tons of games we could play, but I have no idea where to start.

Most of our guests are decent swimmers, and we usually have at least 3-4 people over at a time. I've heard of Marco Polo but that's about it! Are there other classic games we should know about? And what about using pool toys - I see all these floating basketball hoops and volleyball nets but don't know if they're worth it.

Any suggestions for games that would work well for a group? I want to make sure everyone has a great time in our new pool!…more

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Water Chemistry Easy 15 minutes 441 👍 0

Can I Use Baking Soda for Pool Stabilizer? Chemistry Facts

Planning to add some baking soda to my pool, but there's this sharp chemical tang in the air that makes my eyes water every time I get close. Someone at the pool store mentioned I might need stabilizer, but that stuff is expensive.

I've got a huge box of baking soda at home and I'm wondering - can I just use that instead of buying actual pool stabilizer? They're both white powders that go in the pool, so maybe they do the same thing? I'm really hoping there's a cheaper solution here because I've already spent a fortune this season and I'm getting desperate.…more

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Above Ground Medium 15 minutes reading 262 👍 0

Do Pools Need Liners? Complete Guide for All Pool Types

Noticed my pool contractor is pushing a $3,000 liner upgrade during installation — is this actually necessary or just an expensive upsell? Some people say all pools need them, others say only certain types do.

What's the actual rule here? Which pools require liners and which use something else instead?…more

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