Notes from the deep end

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

479 articles

Water Chemistry · Archive date: · 3 min read

What Causes Metal Stains in Pool Water and How Can You Identify Them?

Metal stains in a pool often come from iron, copper, or manganese. Learn the visual clues, likely sources, and when a pool professional should help.

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

Filtration & Circulation · Archive date: · 3 min read

How to Tell If Your Pool Filter Is Undersized

If your pool turns cloudy again soon after cleaning, pressure rises fast, and circulation stays weak, the filter may be too small for the pool’s real demand.

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 Maintain a Salt Water Pool

A salt water pool still needs regular brushing, skimming, filter care, and water testing. Follow the manual, keep the pump running properly, and fix problems early.

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 Should Chlorine Level Be in a Pool?

For most residential pools, aim for the sanitizer label’s recommended free chlorine range, often around 1 to 3 ppm, and verify it with regular testing.

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 Bring Up pH in a Pool Safely

If pool pH is low, test the water first, check total alkalinity, then use a pH increaser per the label. Keep circulation running and retest.

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 Causes Low pH in a Pool?

Low pH in a pool usually comes from rainwater, debris breakdown, heavy swimmer use, or circulation issues. It can irritate swimmers and may not be the main cause of cloudy water.

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 Use a Leaf Rake to Remove Large Pool Debris Fast

A leaf rake helps pool owners remove leaves, twigs, and other large debris quickly with the right angle, steady passes, and safe handling.

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

Skimmer Equipment · Archive date: · 3 min read

What Makes a Skimmer Pole Durable for Regular Pool Use?

A durable skimmer pole stays rigid, locks securely, and resists corrosion through daily pool cleaning. Learn what to check before you buy or replace one.

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

Water Chemistry · Archive date: · 4 min read

How to Prevent Pool Calcium Scale from Coming Back

Recurring calcium scale usually means the same water-balance or circulation issues are still present. Learn how to prevent buildup and when to 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

Why a Pool Pump Hums but Doesn’t Move Water

A humming pool pump often has power but can’t start. The cause is usually lost prime, a blockage, a suction-side leak, or a motor fault.

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

Pool Care · Archive date: · 3 min read

How to Vacuum an Above Ground Pool Safely and Effectively

Vacuum after skimming and brushing, then follow your pool manual for setup, hose priming, and suction control so debris is removed instead of stirred up.

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