Results for "DIY pool care"

Above Ground Medium 1-2 hours research 182 👍 0

Above Ground Pool Liner Cost & Replacement Guide 2024

The previous owners left me with an above ground pool liner that's completely trashed with sun damage and tears scattered everywhere. I'm starting to see some wrinkles and fading that's making me think it's time for a replacement.

I'm trying to figure out what I should realistically budget for this project. Should I attempt to tackle the installation myself to save some cash, or is this one of those jobs where it's worth paying the pros? I've got a decent-sized pool but nothing huge, and I'm wondering what the total damage to my wallet might be.…more

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Above Ground Medium Assessment: 15 minutes, Prevention: ongoing 165 👍 0

Can Pool Liners Shrink? Causes, Prevention & Solutions

Finally asking what's probably a dumb question, but why does my vinyl liner keep pulling away from the pool walls, especially after this cold snap we had? Is this normal shrinkage or something else?

What causes pool liners to shrink? Want to know if I can prevent this or if I need professional help.…more

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Maintenance Medium varies by task 163 👍 0

Wrong Question? Pool Maintenance Help Not Airline Miles

I found this weird cloudy film floating all over my pool surface that I can't figure out. I'm a brand new pool owner and honestly have no idea what I'm doing. My water looks cloudy and I'm not sure if my chemicals are right.

The pool store gave me a bunch of products but I'm worried I'll mess something up. Could someone point me toward a good guide for basic pool maintenance? I just want to get my water crystal clear and make sure everything is balanced properly. Any comprehensive resources for beginners would be amazing!…more

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Product Ranking 8 compared

Best Pool Filters

4.5 (15,600 reviews)

Leaks Medium 2-4 hours for inspection and testing 153 👍 0

Can Pool Leak Through Tile Grout? Expert Detection Guide

Woke up to my pool losing another 3 inches this week from my 20,000-gallon inground — before I jackhammer the tile grout, will homeowner's insurance cover this mess? I've checked all the obvious spots like the skimmer, return lines, and pump connections, but haven't found any obvious leaks.

What's got me wondering about the grout is that I've noticed some areas where it looks cracked or slightly deteriorated, especially on the north side of the pool where we get the most freeze-thaw action during winter. The tile and grout are probably 8-10 years old now. My water chemistry has been pretty stable - chlorine around 2-3 ppm, pH 7.4, alkalinity 120 ppm - so I don't think chemical imbalance is causing rapid deterioration.

Is it actually possible for pool water to leak through damaged grout at the waterline? I'm trying to figure out if I should focus my leak detection efforts there or keep looking elsewhere. The water level seems to stabilize when it drops below the tile line, which makes me think the grout theory might be on the right track.…more

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Above Ground Medium varies by patch type 143 👍 0

How Long Do Pool Liner Patches Last? Complete Guide

Patched a small tear in my above ground liner with one of those underwater repair kits about six months ago. Holding so far but it's starting to peel at the edges. How long do these patches typically last before I'm looking at a full liner replacement anyway?…more

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Above Ground Medium 2-3 hours 142 👍 0

Can Pool Liners Be Repaired? Step-by-Step Repair Guide

Last time I checked my vinyl pool liner there were several small tears scattered across the surface, but my pool store is pushing a thousands-dollar full replacement. They're making it sound like repairs never work and will just cause more problems down the line - classic upselling tactics.

Before I get taken to the cleaners again (like I do every time I walk into that place), can these small holes actually be patched reliably? I'm talking maybe 1-2 inch tears, nothing massive. Is this something I can tackle myself with the pool still full, or am I looking at draining everything and calling in the pros? Just want an honest answer about what actually works versus what makes them the most money.…more

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Equipment Easy 15 minutes 142 👍 0

Can You Vacuum Pool Table Felt? Safe Cleaning Methods

Spilled a drink on our pool table last night and my wife grabbed the vacuum before I could stop her. Now the felt looks roughed up and I'm terrified we ruined a $3,000 table. Can you actually vacuum pool table felt safely or did we just make an expensive mistake?…more

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Heaters Medium 20-40 hours 132 👍 0

Can I Install a Pool Heater Myself? DIY Installation Guide

Staring at my dead pool heater at 11 PM — need to figure out if I can install a replacement myself before the kids want to swim tomorrow. I keep reading mixed information about whether this is something I can tackle myself or if I need to hire a professional.

I'm particularly concerned about gas connections and electrical work - I don't want to mess something up that could put my family at risk. Are there certain types of pool heaters that are safer for DIY installation? I want to make sure whatever heating system we choose is properly installed so there are no safety hazards for the kids.…more

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Leaks Medium 2-4 hours 129 👍 0

Can Pool Leak Through Hydrostatic Valve? Detection & Repair

According to my pool's behavior, the water level started dropping steadily yesterday even though nobody's been swimming, and now I'm wondering if the hydrostatic valve is leaking. The water level drops consistently even when the pool isn't in use, and I've already ruled out obvious surface leaks around the skimmers, returns, and visible plumbing.

From my understanding, hydrostatic valves are designed to prevent the pool shell from floating during high groundwater conditions, but I'm wondering if they can work in reverse - allowing pool water to escape when groundwater levels are low or if the valve mechanism fails. The water loss seems to correlate with our recent dry spell, which has me questioning whether the valve could be stuck open or damaged.

Is it technically feasible for a hydrostatic valve to cause pool water leakage, and if so, what specific failure modes should I be looking for during inspection?…more

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Maintenance Medium 2-3 hours weekly 127 👍 0

DIY Pool Maintenance: Complete Guide for Beginners 2024

My newly inherited pool reeks of harsh chemicals and has this slimy algae scum floating on top, and I'm completely clueless about where to even begin. The previous owners left me with a bunch of chemicals and equipment but no instructions. My neighbors keep telling me I need to hire a pool service, but I'm wondering if I can figure this out on my own?

I'm pretty handy with other home maintenance stuff, but pools seem like they might be more complicated? What would I actually need to learn and what tools/supplies should I have on hand? Really trying to avoid turning my beautiful pool into a green swamp this summer!…more

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Maintenance Medium 15-20 minutes to read, 30-60 minutes to complete weekly tasks 125 👍 0

Weekly Pool Maintenance Checklist: Complete Expert Guide

Weekly pool maintenance involves testing and balancing water chemistry (pH 7.4-7.6, proper chlorine levels), cleaning skimmers and equipment, brushing walls, and vacuuming debris. Consistent weekly care prevents expensive repairs and keeps your pool safe for swimming year-round.…more

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Product Ranking 8 compared

Best Above Ground Pools

4.3 (22,100 reviews)

Maintenance Medium 2-4 hours for winterization 125 👍 0

How Long Can You Keep a Pool Closed? Complete Guide

During winter I'm trying to decide between keeping my pool closed all season to save on chemicals versus opening it and dealing with the constant money drain from maintenance. Every time I go to the pool store they're trying to upsell me on some expensive treatment or service. I'm thinking about just closing my pool for an extended period to avoid all these costs.

Can I keep it closed for longer than just the winter months? What's the maximum time I can leave it shut down without causing permanent damage? I'd rather do the work myself when I reopen it than keep throwing money at these overpriced pool companies all season long.…more

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Above Ground Medium 15 minutes 123 👍 0

Do Inground Pools Need Liners? Complete Guide 2024

Wondering if my pool renovation is draining my savings account because I keep second-guessing whether my inground pool actually needs a liner. My neighbor just had to replace his pool liner after like 10 years and it was a huge hassle, but my other friend says her concrete pool doesn't have a liner at all?

So which types of inground pools actually need liners and which ones don't? And if I do end up with one that needs a liner, how often am I looking at replacing the thing? Trying to figure out the long-term maintenance costs before I commit to anything!…more

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Winterizing Medium 1-3 hours 123 👍 0

Can Pool Covers Be Repaired? Complete Repair Guide 2024

Finally got a chance to inspect my pool cover after last week's brutal storm, and it's completely shredded with way more damage than I originally spotted. The cover has sustained various types of damage over multiple seasons, including what appears to be small punctures, deteriorated fastening points, and compromised attachment mechanisms.

Specifically, I'm dealing with minor tears in the cover material, several broken grommets around the perimeter, and worn securing straps that no longer maintain proper tension. Before investing in a new cover system, I want to understand which of these damage types can be effectively repaired and what repair methodologies are available for different cover materials and hardware components.…more

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Cloudy Water Medium 15-20 minutes 122 👍 0

Cloudy Pool Water: Causes & Solutions - Complete Fix Guide

Cloudy pool water results from poor filtration, chemical imbalance, or contaminants. Fix by testing chemistry, shocking to proper FC/CYA ratio, and running filtration 24/7 until clear.…more

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