Notes from the deep end

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

Clear filters

27 articles

Skimmer Equipment · Archive date: · 3 min read

How to Check Clearance Above a Tall Skimmer Basket Handle

Measure the space above a tall skimmer basket handle with the pump off so the basket lifts cleanly without scraping the lid, frame, or coping.

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

Water Chemistry · Archive date: · 3 min read

What Causes Total Dissolved Solids to Build Up in Pool Water?

TDS builds up from evaporation, fill water, chemicals, swimmers, and debris. Learn the common causes, warning signs, and when to drain or call a pro.

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

Filtration & Circulation · Archive date: · 3 min read

Can You Use Regular Sand in a Pool Filter?

Regular sand is usually not a safe substitute for pool filter sand. The safest choice is to follow the filter manual and use the media the manufacturer specifies.

Written for PoolSkimmer on Oct 24, 2026; assigned an earlier archive date, not published on that date.

Pool Care · Archive date: · 3 min read

How to choose a pool cleaner for your pool

Choose the right pool cleaner by matching debris type, pool equipment, and how much maintenance you’re willing to do. Safety and compatibility matter most.

Written for PoolSkimmer on Oct 24, 2026; assigned an earlier archive date, not published on that date.

Skimmer Equipment · Archive date: · 3 min read

How much does a pool net cost?

A pool net is usually a low-cost pool maintenance tool. Price depends on handle length, mesh, frame durability, and whether you need a basic skimmer or a sturdier net.

Written for PoolSkimmer on Oct 24, 2026; assigned an earlier archive date, not published on that date.

Pool Care · Archive date: · 3 min read

Is Simple Scoop Pool Cleaner Legit?

A simple scoop pool cleaner can be legit if it is a basic manual skimmer for surface debris. It is useful, but it will not replace full pool care.

Written for PoolSkimmer on Oct 24, 2026; assigned an earlier archive date, not published on that date.

Filtration & Circulation · Archive date: · 3 min read

How to Winterize a Pool with a Sand Filter

To close an inground pool with a sand filter, clean the water, turn off the pump safely, drain and protect the filter and lines, then cover the pool for winter.

Written for PoolSkimmer on Oct 24, 2026; assigned an earlier archive date, not published on that date.

Pool Care · Archive date: · 3 min read

How to Reset a Dolphin Pool Cleaner Safely

To reset a Dolphin pool cleaner, power it down, clear basic obstructions, and restart it. The exact reset depends on the Maytronics model and power supply.

Written for PoolSkimmer on Oct 24, 2026; assigned an earlier archive date, not published on that date.

Filtration & Circulation · Archive date: · 3 min read

How to Block a Neighbor’s Pool Pump Noise

You can often reduce a neighbor’s pool pump noise with barriers, distance, and better timing, but first identify the sound and avoid touching their equipment.

Written for PoolSkimmer on Oct 24, 2026; assigned an earlier archive date, not published on that date.

Skimming & Debris · Archive date: · 3 min read

What to Do When Heavy Debris Overwhelms the Pool Skimmer Basket

When a skimmer basket fills with leaves and twigs, stop the pump, clear it safely, remove surface debris, and check for clogs before restarting.

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

Water Chemistry · Archive date: · 3 min read

How to Manage Pool Chemistry After a Big Refill or Top-Off

A major refill can dilute sanitizer and shift pH, alkalinity, and calcium hardness. Test, circulate, correct carefully, and retest before anyone swims.

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