Most pools don't need algaecide if you maintain proper chlorine levels (2-5ppm FC) and adequate CYA (30-50ppm). Algaecide is mainly useful for prevention during high-risk periods or as backup insurance, not for treating active algae blooms.
Yes, you absolutely need proper alkalinity in your pool water. Alkalinity acts as a pH buffer, preventing rapid pH swings and maintaining water balance for swimmer comfort and equipment protection.
You should not add salt to a regular chlorine pool without a saltwater system. Salt will not provide sanitization and can damage pool equipment while creating water balance issues.
Pool DE filter grids typically last 1-3 years with proper maintenance, while DE powder needs replacement every 2-4 weeks. Signs of worn grids include shortened cleaning cycles and decreased water clarity.
Inground pool costs range from $35,000-$100,000+ depending on size, materials, and features. Concrete pools are most expensive ($50,000-$100,000), vinyl liner pools are mid-range ($35,000-$65,000), and fiberglass pools fall in between ($40,000-$85,000).
Most pool chemicals take 2-8 hours to fully circulate and settle, depending on the type of chemical and your pump runtime. Always wait before retesting water levels.
Salt water pools do not raise blood pressure through skin absorption, as pool salt levels are much lower than ocean water. However, improper chemical balance can cause skin irritation that may indirectly affect stress levels.
Yes, you can turn your pool pump off at night in most cases, but your pump should run 8-12 hours daily for proper circulation and filtration. The key is ensuring adequate daily runtime for your pool size and conditions.
To raise pool stabilizer, add cyanuric acid at a rate of 1 pound per 3,000 gallons to increase CYA by approximately 30ppm. Target levels are 30-50ppm for regular pools or 70-80ppm for salt water generators.
Yes, you absolutely need both a pool pump and filter. The pump circulates water while the filter removes contaminants - together they're essential for maintaining clean, safe, and swimmable pool water.
Pool chlorine is primarily made through electrolysis of salt water to create sodium hypochlorite (liquid chlorine) or by combining chlorine gas with lime to make calcium hypochlorite (powder/tablets).
Yes, you absolutely need a pool pump. Pool pumps are essential for water circulation, filtration, chemical distribution, and preventing algae growth - your pool cannot function safely without one.
When used properly, standard pool chemicals pose minimal cancer risk. The key is proper handling, storage, and maintaining balanced water chemistry to avoid harmful byproducts.
Pool pH alone doesn't directly cause UTIs, but improper pool chemistry (high pH, low chlorine, poor sanitization) creates conditions where UTI-causing bacteria can thrive and survive in pool water.
Whether you need a robotic pool cleaner depends on your pool size, debris levels, available cleaning time, and budget. Most pools over 20,000 gallons with heavy debris benefit significantly from robotic cleaners.
