Practical articles for pool owners on skimming, water testing and choosing the right equipment.
479 articles
Pool Care · Archive date: · 3 min read
To size a pool heater, estimate your pool volume, choose a desired temperature rise, and factor in wind, covers, and heat loss. Bigger pools and colder conditions need more BTUs.
Written for PoolSkimmer on Oct 23, 2026; assigned an earlier archive date, not published on that date.
Water Chemistry · Archive date: · 3 min read
Baking soda can nudge pool pH upward, but its main job is raising total alkalinity. Test first, make one change at a time, 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: · 4 min read
Chlorine lock usually means your pool chlorine is present but not effectively sanitizing. The usual culprits are high stabilizer, poor circulation, contamination, or skipped maintenance.
Written for PoolSkimmer on Oct 24, 2026; assigned an earlier archive date, not published on that date.
Skimming & Debris · Archive date: · 3 min read
Stop the pump before checking baskets, skim debris with the right net, and clear twigs early to protect water quality and avoid equipment damage.
Written for PoolSkimmer on Oct 7, 2026; assigned an earlier archive date, not published on that date.
Skimmer Equipment · Archive date: · 3 min read
Match the skimmer cover to the opening, frame, and model—not just the old lid—to avoid gaps, wobble, and unsafe fit.
Written for PoolSkimmer on Oct 7, 2026; assigned an earlier archive date, not published on that date.
Water Chemistry · Archive date: · 3 min read
If pool alkalinity keeps dropping, repeated acid use, aeration, rain, top-offs, or source water are often the cause. Learn how to trace the pattern safely.
Written for PoolSkimmer on Oct 7, 2026; assigned an earlier archive date, not published on that date.
Water Chemistry · Archive date: · 3 min read
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
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
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
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
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
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.