Notes from the deep end

Practical articles for pool owners on skimming, water testing and choosing the right equipment.

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112 articles

Pool Care · Archive date: · 3 min read

How to Use a Pool Vacuum Safely and Effectively

Learn how to vacuum a pool safely: prep the water, prime the hose, move slowly in overlapping passes, then clean the skimmer and filter afterward.

Written for PoolSkimmer on Oct 23, 2026; assigned an earlier archive date, not published on that date.

Pool Care · Archive date: · 3 min read

How to Close an Above Ground Pool Safely for Winter

Close an above ground pool by cleaning it, checking water chemistry, lowering the water only as your manual allows, and winterizing the pump and filter.

Written for PoolSkimmer on Oct 23, 2026; assigned an earlier archive date, not published on that date.

Pool Care · Archive date: · 3 min read

How to Get Rid of Water Bugs in a Pool

Remove water bugs by skimming, brushing, and cleaning the filter, then fix weak circulation and sanitation so backswimmers are less likely to return.

Written for PoolSkimmer on Oct 23, 2026; assigned an earlier archive date, not published on that date.

Pool Care · Archive date: · 3 min read

How to Heat an Above Ground Pool Safely and Effectively

The best way to heat an above ground pool is to cut heat loss first, then choose a compatible pool heater or solar option and follow the manual carefully.

Written for PoolSkimmer on Oct 23, 2026; assigned an earlier archive date, not published on that date.

Pool Care · Archive date: · 3 min read

How to Open an Above Ground Pool Safely and Smoothly

Open an above ground pool by inspecting the cover and equipment, clearing debris, restoring circulation, and testing the water before anyone swims.

Written for PoolSkimmer on Oct 23, 2026; assigned an earlier archive date, not published on that date.

Pool Care · Archive date: · 3 min read

How to Maintain an Above Ground Pool

Simple above ground pool maintenance comes down to skimming, brushing, vacuuming, filter care, and regular water testing so small problems do not become cloudy water or algae.

Written for PoolSkimmer on Oct 23, 2026; assigned an earlier archive date, not published on that date.

Pool Care · Archive date: · 3 min read

How to Make Pool Water Clear

To clear pool water, start with cleaning, circulation, and filtration before adding any chemicals. Safe testing and label directions matter more than guesswork.

Written for PoolSkimmer on Oct 23, 2026; assigned an earlier archive date, not published on that date.

Pool Care · Archive date: · 3 min read

How to Hook Up a Pool Vacuum Safely

Hook up a pool vacuum by shutting off the pump, filling the hose with water, attaching the head, and connecting to the skimmer or suction port before starting the pump again.

Written for PoolSkimmer on Oct 23, 2026; assigned an earlier archive date, not published on that date.

Pool Care · Archive date: · 3 min read

How to Heat a Pool Without a Heater

The best way to heat your pool without a heater is to use solar gain and cut heat loss: cover the water, reduce shade and wind, and maintain circulation.

Written for PoolSkimmer on Oct 23, 2026; assigned an earlier archive date, not published on that date.

Pool Care · Archive date: · 3 min read

How Does a Pool Heater Work?

A pool heater warms water as it circulates through the system, then sends it back to the pool. The exact process depends on whether the heater is gas, heat pump, or solar.

Written for PoolSkimmer on Oct 23, 2026; assigned an earlier archive date, not published on that date.