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 cartridge filters typically last 1-4 weeks between cleanings and should be completely replaced every 3-6 months depending on usage, bather load, and maintenance frequency.
Yes, fiberglass pools can leak through gel coat cracks, plumbing connections, or structural damage. Most leaks are repairable with proper patching compounds and techniques.
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.
Pool jets can indeed leak from loose fittings, cracked housings, or plumbing connections behind the wall. Most jet leaks occur at the fitting where the jet screws into the return line or from deteriorated gaskets and O-rings.
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.
Pool chlorine can make you sick when levels are too high (causing irritation) or too low (allowing harmful bacteria). Proper chlorine levels of 1-4 ppm based on your CYA level prevent illness.
Pool chlorine does not make your skin darker. The sun exposure you get while swimming in the pool causes tanning, not the chlorine itself. Chlorine can actually make skin more sensitive to UV rays.
Yes, pools can leak through concrete when it develops cracks, becomes porous over time, or has structural joint failures. The concrete shell itself can allow water to seep through, especially in older pools or those with poor initial construction.
Yes, pools can leak through plaster when cracks develop, the plaster becomes porous, or the bond between plaster and gunite fails. Most plaster leaks occur at structural stress points and can be detected through bucket tests and visual inspection.
Yes, pool filter pressure can be too low, typically indicating restricted water flow from clogged impellers, air leaks, closed valves, or pump problems. Normal pressure ranges from 8-25 PSI depending on your system.
Pool liners typically last 6-12 years for above-ground pools, with vinyl liners averaging 8-10 years. Proper water chemistry, UV protection, and regular maintenance can significantly extend liner lifespan.
Pool skimmers work by creating suction that draws surface water through a basket filter, removing debris like leaves and insects before water returns to the pump and filtration system.
Pool skimmer baskets work by trapping large debris like leaves and insects before they reach your pool's filtration system. Water flows through the skimmer opening, fills the basket chamber, and continues to the pump while debris gets caught in the perforated basket.
Most pool filters should NOT be left outside during winter in freezing climates as trapped water can cause cracking and damage. Proper winterization requires draining and storage.
