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 opening involves removing winter covers, inspecting equipment, reconnecting plumbing, and balancing water chemistry. Start with equipment inspection, fill and reconnect systems, then shock and balance chemicals before swimming.
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.
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.
Disney generally prohibits pool hopping between resorts, but guests can use pools within their resort category and some exceptions exist for dining reservations and specific resort partnerships.
Salt water pools still require chemicals for proper water balance, including pH adjusters, stabilizer, and calcium hardness increasers. The salt chlorine generator only produces chlorine, not other essential chemicals needed for safe swimming water.
Variable speed pool pumps use permanent magnet motors and electronic controls to adjust RPM from 600-3450, providing precise flow control and significant energy savings compared to single-speed pumps.
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.
Your pool pump isn't working properly if you notice weak water flow, unusual noises, air bubbles in return lines, high pressure readings, or the pump running but not circulating water.
Yes, vinyl pools need calcium hardness maintained between 150-250 ppm to prevent equipment corrosion and water balance issues. This is lower than plaster pools which need 250-350 ppm.
Solar pool heaters work by circulating pool water through dark collectors that absorb solar energy and transfer heat to the water. The heated water returns to your pool through a system of pumps, valves, and controllers.
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.
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.
Swimming in a cloudy pool is not recommended as it poses safety risks due to poor visibility and indicates potential chemical imbalances or contamination that could cause illness.
