Notes from the deep end

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

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14 articles

Water Chemistry · Archive date: · 3 min read

How to Increase Calcium Hardness in a Pool

Test the pool water first, then raise calcium hardness with a pool-safe calcium product labeled for that use. Recheck pH and total alkalinity, and call a pro if water stays aggressive or scale-prone.

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

Water Chemistry · Archive date: · 3 min read

Signs of a Phosphate Problem in Pool Water

High phosphates can feed algae and make clear water harder to maintain. Learn the warning signs, what to check first, and when to call a pool professional.

Written for PoolSkimmer on Oct 7, 2026; assigned an earlier archive date, not published on that date.