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

Water Chemistry · Archive date: · 3 min read

How to Get Free Chlorine Up in a Pool

To raise free chlorine, test the water first, remove debris, confirm circulation, and add sanitizer only as directed on the label and 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

How to Lower pH in a Saltwater Pool

To lower pH in a saltwater pool, confirm the reading, keep the water circulating, and use a pH-lowering chemical only as the label and pool manual direct.

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 Put Too Much Shock in a Pool?

Yes — over-shocking can irritate swimmers, bleach surfaces, and keep the pool unsafe until chlorine drops back into range. Stop, test, and follow the label.

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 Order to Add Pool Chemicals?

The safest order is simple: test first, clean and circulate the pool, then add only the needed pool chemicals one at a time, following the label and 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

How long to wait between adding pool chemicals

There is no universal wait time. Let the pump circulate the water, follow each product label, and retest before adding the next pool chemical.

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 shock a pool during the day?

Yes, you can shock a pool during the day, but direct sun can reduce effectiveness. Follow the label, keep swimmers out, and test before reopening.

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 to Test Total Alkalinity in a Pool

Test total alkalinity with a pool test kit or test strips, follow the label timing exactly, and sample water away from returns for a more reliable result.

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