Pool water chemistry involves maintaining proper levels of chlorine (1-3ppm based on CYA), pH (7.4-7.6), alkalinity (60-120ppm), and calcium hardness (250-350ppm for plaster). Regular testing with quality kits and proper chemical dosing ensures safe, clear water.
Pool leaks can occur in the shell, plumbing, or equipment and are detected using bucket tests, dye tests, and pressure testing. Most minor leaks can be DIY repaired, but structural damage requires professional assessment.
Pool winterization involves balancing chemicals, protecting equipment, and proper closing procedures. The process varies by climate zone but typically includes shocking, lowering water levels, and winterizing plumbing to prevent freeze damage.
Whether you need to winterize your pool depends on your climate zone. Areas with freezing temperatures require full winterization, while warmer regions need only reduced maintenance and chemical adjustments.
You can shock your pool without running the filter system, but you must ensure proper circulation through brushing and the return jets. The filter doesn't need to be running, but water movement is essential for even chemical distribution.
Yes, fiberglass pools can leak through gel coat cracks, plumbing connections, or structural damage. Most leaks are repairable with proper patching compounds and techniques.
Most states don't require a license for basic pool cleaning services, but commercial pool service businesses may need business licenses or permits. Chemical handling and pool maintenance involving equipment repairs often have additional requirements.
Pool liners can shrink due to cold temperatures, chemical imbalances, age, and improper installation. The most common cause is cold weather causing vinyl to contract and pull away from pool walls.
Yes, pools can leak through tile grout when it becomes cracked, deteriorated, or improperly sealed. Grout leaks typically occur at the waterline where freeze-thaw cycles and chemical exposure weaken the grout over time.
Yes, pool leaks can potentially cause sinkholes by washing away soil around your pool's foundation. While rare, continuous water leakage can erode the soil structure, creating voids that may eventually collapse into sinkholes.
Running a pool pump without a filter will damage your pump's impeller, allow debris to circulate, and create dangerous pressure imbalances. Only run briefly in emergencies while replacing the filter cartridge or cleaning DE/sand media.
You can close a green pool, but it's not recommended as algae will worsen over winter. Either treat the algae with SLAM method before closing, or use extra winterizing chemicals and accept potential spring cleanup issues.
Inground pool liners typically last 10-15 years with proper care, though high-quality vinyl liners can extend to 20 years. Lifespan depends on water chemistry balance, sun exposure, and maintenance practices.
Pool heaters typically last 5-8 years for gas, 8-12 years for electric, and 10-20 years for heat pumps, depending on maintenance, usage, and water chemistry balance.
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.
