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.
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.
Salt water pools use electrolysis to generate chlorine from dissolved salt, requiring proper water chemistry balance including pH, alkalinity, and CYA levels. They still need regular maintenance and chemical adjustments despite producing their own chlorine.
Pool salt cells use electrolysis to convert dissolved salt (sodium chloride) into chlorine gas and sodium hydroxide. The chlorine sanitizes your pool while the sodium hydroxide raises pH, creating a continuous chlorination cycle.
Salt water pools are not self-cleaning and require regular maintenance including proper water chemistry balance, algae prevention, and equipment upkeep. The salt water generator only produces chlorine automatically but doesn't eliminate the need for active pool care.
You don't necessarily need to shock your pool weekly. Shocking frequency depends on usage, weather conditions, and your free chlorine levels. Most well-maintained pools need shocking every 2-3 weeks or when combined chlorine exceeds 0.5 ppm.
Yes, you need to run your pool pump in winter, but for shorter periods - typically 4-6 hours daily in mild climates or continuously during freezing weather to prevent equipment damage.
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).
No, never use pool chlorine tablets in your well water system. Pool tablets contain trichlor and stabilizer that make water unsafe for drinking and can damage plumbing systems.
No, you should not use pool chlorine tablets in your toilet. Pool tablets contain trichlor which is too concentrated for toilets and can damage plumbing, create toxic gases, and pose serious health risks.
Pool covers don't directly cause algae, but they create ideal conditions for growth by blocking UV rays that normally help chlorine kill algae. Maintain proper chlorine levels and consider removing covers periodically to prevent issues.
Yes, most pool leaks can be fixed permanently. Minor leaks in vinyl liners, plaster surfaces, and equipment connections can often be repaired with underwater patches, sealants, or equipment replacement.
Yes, you should shock your pool after heavy rain (over 1 inch) or if the water looks cloudy. Rain dilutes chlorine levels and introduces contaminants that require extra sanitization.
Pool chlorine can burn your skin, especially in concentrated form or when pool chemistry is imbalanced. Proper handling of chemicals and maintaining correct chlorine levels (1-3 ppm) prevents most skin irritation and burns.
Yes, vinyl pool liners can be recycled through specialized programs, though standard curbside recycling won't accept them. Most manufacturers offer take-back programs, and some waste management companies have vinyl recycling options.
