Practical articles for pool owners on skimming, water testing and choosing the right equipment.
479 articles
Water Chemistry · Archive date: · 3 min read
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.
Skimming & Debris · Archive date: · 3 min read
If your pool debris keeps drifting away from the skimmer, the return current may be too strong or aimed poorly. Learn how to rebalance flow safely.
Written for PoolSkimmer on Oct 7, 2026; assigned an earlier archive date, not published on that date.
Skimmer Equipment · Archive date: · 3 min read
Fine debris capture depends on basket fit, mesh size, and water flow. Learn what changes skimmer performance, what to avoid, and when to call a pro.
Written for PoolSkimmer on Oct 7, 2026; assigned an earlier archive date, not published on that date.
Water Chemistry · Archive date: · 4 min read
Heavy bather load can quickly lower sanitizer, raise chloramines, shift pH, and cloud the water. Test promptly, clean safely, and keep swimmers out if safety is uncertain.
Written for PoolSkimmer on Oct 7, 2026; assigned an earlier archive date, not published on that date.
Water Chemistry · Archive date: · 3 min read
Yes. Pool shock can lose potency over time, especially if it absorbs moisture, sits in heat, or the package is damaged. Check the label and inspect it 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
The best time to shock a pool is usually after sunset, once the water has been brushed, debris removed, and testing is done. Follow the product 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 way to dispose of pool chemicals is to keep them sealed, separate, and in original containers, then take them to a local hazardous waste program.
Written for PoolSkimmer on Oct 23, 2026; assigned an earlier archive date, not published on that date.
Water Chemistry · Archive date: · 3 min read
Pool alkalinity usually rises from alkalinity-raising chemicals, high-alkalinity fill water, or repeated water-balance adjustments that gradually shift total alkalinity upward.
Written for PoolSkimmer on Oct 23, 2026; assigned an earlier archive date, not published on that date.
Water Chemistry · Archive date: · 3 min read
Test first, clean and circulate the water, then correct one pool chemical at a time using the label and your equipment manual. Retest before swimming.
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—adding too much pool shock can leave chlorine levels unsafe, irritate swimmers, and delay use until the water returns to a 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
To raise cyanuric acid, first test the water, then add pool stabilizer exactly as the label directs with circulation running and safe handling precautions.
Written for PoolSkimmer on Oct 23, 2026; assigned an earlier archive date, not published on that date.
Skimming & Debris · Archive date: · 3 min read
Skim the surface where debris is drifting right now, work in short passes, and use circulation patterns to stay ahead of windblown leaves and pollen.
Written for PoolSkimmer on Oct 7, 2026; assigned an earlier archive date, not published on that date.