Notes from the deep end

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

479 articles

Skimmer Equipment · Archive date: · 3 min read

What to Look for When Buying a Replacement Skimmer Basket

Choose a replacement skimmer basket by matching dimensions, lip style, and material quality, then check flow openings so it traps debris without hurting circulation.

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 Low Pool Alkalinity Does to Water Balance

Low pool alkalinity weakens the water’s buffer, making pH swing faster and increasing corrosion risk. Learn the signs, safe checks, 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

How Often Should You Backwash a Pool Filter?

Backwash a pool filter only when pressure rises or flow drops—not by guesswork. Learn the signs, safe checks, and when to call a pro.

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 Use a Pool Vacuum Safely and Effectively

Learn how to vacuum a pool safely: prep the water, prime the hose, move slowly in overlapping passes, then clean the skimmer and filter afterward.

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

Pool Troubleshooting · Archive date: · 3 min read

How to Fix Cloudy Pool Water

Cloudy pool water usually points to poor filtration, debris, or water chemistry problems. Start with safe cleaning, then test the water before adding chemicals.

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

Pool Troubleshooting · Archive date: · 3 min read

How to Kill Algae in a Pool

Brush, vacuum, and clean the filter first, then treat the water exactly by label directions. Keep circulation strong and don’t swim until the pool is clear.

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

Pool Troubleshooting · Archive date: · 3 min read

How to Clean Algae From a Pool Safely and Effectively

To get rid of pool algae, remove debris, brush all affected surfaces, vacuum loosened material, clean the filter, and keep circulation running correctly.

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

Pool Troubleshooting · Archive date: · 4 min read

What Causes Algae in a Pool?

Algae usually starts when chlorine is too low for the water’s demand, or when circulation and filtration can’t distribute sanitizer well enough to keep growth from taking hold.

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 Raises pH in a Pool?

Pool pH usually rises from aeration, added fill water, sunlight, and some chemicals. The key is to test first, then trace what changed in the pool.

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

Skimming & Debris · Archive date: · 3 min read

What Causes a Pool Skimmer to Suck Air Instead of Water?

A skimmer that pulls air usually points to low water, clogged baskets, a suction-side leak, or a valve issue. Start with safe checks before chasing hidden faults.

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 Do You Measure a Skimmer Lid Before Ordering a New One?

Measure the skimmer lid itself, confirm the opening and frame, and match brand details so the new cover fits securely, sits flush, and stays safe.

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

Water Chemistry · Archive date: · 3 min read

Why Your Pool Water Keeps Turning Cloudy After Balancing

Cloudy pool water after balancing usually points to circulation, filtration, or contaminants—not just chemistry. Learn what to check, what to fix, and when to call a pro.

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