Practical articles for pool owners on skimming, water testing and choosing the right equipment.
143 articles
Water Chemistry · Archive date: · 4 min read
Maintain a saltwater pool by testing water regularly, keeping circulation strong, cleaning the filter and skimmer safely, and following the salt system manual.
Written for PoolSkimmer on Oct 23, 2026; assigned an earlier archive date, not published on that date.
Water Chemistry · Archive date: · 3 min read
To raise pool stabilizer, confirm low cyanuric acid, then add a pool stabilizer product per the label and retest after circulation before making more changes.
Written for PoolSkimmer on Oct 23, 2026; assigned an earlier archive date, not published on that date.
Water Chemistry · Archive date: · 3 min read
Pool shock starts working as soon as it circulates, but cleanup time varies. Learn what affects the wait, how to tell if it’s working, and when to swim.
Written for PoolSkimmer on Oct 23, 2026; assigned an earlier archive date, not published on that date.
Water Chemistry · Archive date: · 3 min read
To raise total alkalinity, test the water first, then use a pool product labeled for alkalinity adjustment and follow the label and equipment manual closely.
Written for PoolSkimmer on Oct 23, 2026; assigned an earlier archive date, not published on that date.
Water Chemistry · Archive date: · 4 min read
Learn the early warning signs of pool water imbalance, what they usually mean, and the safe next steps to restore clear, comfortable water before bigger problems start.
Written for PoolSkimmer on Oct 7, 2026; assigned an earlier archive date, not published on that date.
Water Chemistry · Archive date: · 4 min read
Normal chlorine does not always mean comfortable water. pH, alkalinity, calcium hardness, circulation, and combined chlorine can make a pool feel harsh.
Written for PoolSkimmer on Oct 7, 2026; assigned an earlier archive date, not published on that date.
Water Chemistry · Archive date: · 4 min read
Yes. A saltwater pool can still need shock treatment when chlorine drops, algae appears, or debris overloads the water. Test first, follow the label, and keep swimmers out until safe.
Written for PoolSkimmer on Oct 23, 2026; assigned an earlier archive date, not published on that date.
Water Chemistry · Archive date: · 3 min read
Saltwater pools still sanitize with chlorine, but they make it on site. The better choice depends on maintenance habits, equipment, and comfort.
Written for PoolSkimmer on Oct 23, 2026; assigned an earlier archive date, not published on that date.
Water Chemistry · Archive date: · 3 min read
Pool pH swings usually come from aeration, fill water, rain, sanitizer type, or low total alkalinity. Find the cause, avoid overcorrecting, and know when to call a pro.
Written for PoolSkimmer on Oct 7, 2026; assigned an earlier archive date, not published on that date.
Water Chemistry · Archive date: · 3 min read
Test the water first, then add chlorine according to the label and your equipment manual. Keep the pump running, avoid mixing chemicals, and recheck the water.
Written for PoolSkimmer on Oct 23, 2026; assigned an earlier archive date, not published on that date.
Water Chemistry · Archive date: · 3 min read
Low alkalinity often comes from acid additions, rain, splash-out, or refill water. Raise it gradually, retest after circulation, and call a pool pro if readings stay unstable.
Written for PoolSkimmer on Oct 23, 2026; assigned an earlier archive date, not published on that date.
Water Chemistry · Archive date: · 3 min read
Pool shock and chlorine are related, but they are not always the same thing. Chlorine is the routine sanitizer; shock is a stronger treatment used sometimes.
Written for PoolSkimmer on Oct 23, 2026; assigned an earlier archive date, not published on that date.