Orlando pools in April typically reach 75-78°F naturally, which most people find comfortable for swimming. Pool heating is generally not necessary unless you prefer water temperatures above 82°F.
Yes, most pool owners need pH Up and pH Down chemicals to maintain the ideal pH range of 7.4-7.6, but you may not need both products depending on your water's natural tendencies.
Yes, you can use pool pH increaser in your spa since both use sodium carbonate (soda ash) as the active ingredient. However, you'll need to adjust dosing for your spa's smaller volume and retest after 30 minutes.
Pool heaters and pumps should never be on the same circuit due to high amperage requirements that would overload the circuit and create safety hazards.
To raise pool pH, add sodium carbonate (soda ash) for quick increases or sodium bicarbonate (baking soda) for gradual increases. Test first, calculate dosage based on pool size, and add chemicals slowly with circulation running.
Yes, salt water pools do freeze, but at slightly lower temperatures than fresh water (around 28-32°F vs 32°F). The salt content provides minimal freeze protection, so proper winterization is still essential.
You can vacuum your pool after adding most chemicals, but timing matters. Wait 15-30 minutes for liquid chemicals to circulate, and 2-4 hours for granular chemicals to fully dissolve before vacuuming.
A properly winterized pool can stay closed for 6-8 months safely, while emergency closures should be limited to 2-4 weeks maximum. Beyond these timeframes, water chemistry deterioration and equipment damage risks increase significantly.
Yes, you can shock your pool after adding alkalinity, but wait 4-6 hours first and test your water to ensure pH is below 7.6 for maximum chlorine effectiveness.
Clear cloudy pool water by testing and balancing your chemistry first, then shock with liquid chlorine to 3x your CYA level and run your filter 24/7 until the water clears completely.
Yes, you should cover your pool heater in winter if it's not being used, especially for heat pumps and electric heaters. Gas heaters typically need less protection but benefit from covers in harsh climates.
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.
To lower pool pH, add muriatic acid (liquid) or sodium bisulfate (dry acid) to your pool water. Use 1 quart of muriatic acid per 10,000 gallons to lower pH by 0.2 units, testing and adjusting gradually.
In Florida, above ground pools typically require permits if they hold more than 5,000 gallons of water or are deeper than 24 inches. Requirements vary by county, so check with your local building department before installation.
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.
