Notes from the deep end

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

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31 articles

Pool Care · Archive date: · 3 min read

Can You Fill a Pool With Well Water?

Yes, you can usually fill a pool with well water, but test it first and watch for iron, manganese, sediment, staining, and cloudiness before swimming.

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

Skimming & Debris · Archive date: · 3 min read

How to Keep Leaves From Sinking to the Pool Floor

Stop leaves before they waterlog by skimming early, improving circulation, using a pool cover, and keeping skimmer baskets clear and equipment maintained.

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

Skimmer Equipment · Archive date: · 3 min read

How to Replace a Broken Skimmer Basket Handle Safely

A broken skimmer basket handle is usually a quick fix, but safety comes first: shut off the pump, avoid suction hazards, and choose the right replacement.

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 Pool Water to Turn Dull After a Chemical Addition?

If pool water turns dull after a chemical addition, the cause is often a chemistry shift, fine particles, or weak filtration. Here’s how to check it safely.

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

Filtration & Circulation · Archive date: · 3 min read

When Should You Run Your Pool Pump Each Day?

Learn the best daily pool pump schedule by season, usage, and equipment type so you can keep water clear without wasting energy or stressing the system.

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

Pool Care · Archive date: · 3 min read

Where Does Water Go When a Pool Leaks?

When a pool leaks, the water usually moves into the surrounding soil, underground plumbing, or equipment areas. Careful observation can help narrow the source safely.

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

Water Chemistry · Archive date: · 3 min read

When you shock a pool, how long before swimming?

Don’t go by time alone. Wait until the shock product label allows reentry and your water test shows the sanitizer is back in the safe range.

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

Water Chemistry · Archive date: · 3 min read

Can you convert a chlorine pool to a saltwater pool?

Yes, many chlorine pools can be converted to saltwater, but the change usually means adding a salt chlorination system and checking pool equipment first.

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

Water Chemistry · Archive date: · 3 min read

How long to wait after adding chlorine to a pool

How long you need to wait depends on the chlorine product, circulation, and test results. Swim only when the label says it is safe and the water is in range.

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

Water Chemistry · Archive date: · 3 min read

What to Do If Chlorine Is Too High in a Pool

If pool chlorine is too high, stop adding sanitizer, keep circulation going, retest the water, and wait to swim until levels return to a safe range.

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 Long Does a Pool Heater Last?

A pool heater usually lasts several years, but its lifespan depends on maintenance, water chemistry, climate, and how quickly small problems are addressed.

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

Skimming & Debris · Archive date: · 3 min read

Safest Way to Skim a Pool with Sharp Debris

Use a long-handled net, turn off the pump before touching skimmer baskets, and wear PPE so sharp debris is removed safely without cuts or equipment damage.

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