The SLAM method (Shock Level And Maintain) clears green pools by maintaining high chlorine levels continuously until water clears. Use liquid chlorine to reach shock level based on CYA, maintain 24/7 until overnight chlorine loss is 1ppm or less.
Pool heaters can fail due to electrical issues, gas problems, water flow restrictions, or component failures. Most common issues like pilot light problems, low water flow, and thermostat malfunctions can be diagnosed and often fixed without professional help.
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.
Pool filter lifespan depends on the type: cartridge filters last 1-2 years, sand filters last 5-7 years, and DE filters last 8-10 years. Replace when cleaning becomes ineffective or damage occurs.
Clear cloudy pool water by testing and balancing chemicals first, then shock with liquid chlorine to 2-3x your stabilizer level, run the filter 24/7, and backwash frequently until water clears completely.
Yes, you can shock your pool after adding algaecide, but timing matters. Wait at least 2-4 hours between applications and always add algaecide first, then shock.
Clear cloudy pool water by first testing chemistry levels, then shocking to proper FC/CYA ratio, running filtration 24/7, and using clarifier if needed. Most cases resolve within 24-48 hours with proper chlorine levels.
Cloudy pool water doesn't necessarily mean algae - it can be caused by poor filtration, chemical imbalances, or early algae growth. Proper testing and diagnosis will reveal the true cause.
Used pool filter sand can be used in gardens after thorough cleaning and testing, but it may contain chlorine residue and accumulated contaminants that could affect plant growth.
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.
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.
Most inground pools don't need liners - concrete/gunite and fiberglass pools have built-in surfaces. Only vinyl inground pools require liners, which need replacement every 8-12 years.
Yes, a pool can leak through a hydrostatic valve when the valve becomes stuck open, damaged, or improperly sealed. This typically occurs when groundwater pressure drops or the valve mechanism fails, allowing pool water to escape into the ground.
Pool chlorine can clean concrete when properly diluted (1:10 ratio), but muriatic acid or specialized concrete cleaners are safer and more effective options for most concrete cleaning tasks.
Cleaning a salt water pool requires testing and balancing chemistry (FC, pH, CYA), maintaining the salt cell, and regular physical cleaning of surfaces and equipment.
