Practical articles for pool owners on skimming, water testing and choosing the right equipment.
479 articles
Water Chemistry · Archive date: · 3 min read
The right amount of soda ash depends on your pool volume and current pH. Test first, follow the label, circulate the water, and retest before adding more.
Written for PoolSkimmer on Oct 24, 2026; assigned an earlier archive date, not published on that date.
Water Chemistry · Archive date: · 3 min read
To shock a saltwater pool, first clean and test the water, then use only the shock product’s label directions, keep circulation running, and stay out until it is safe.
Written for PoolSkimmer on Oct 24, 2026; assigned an earlier archive date, not published on that date.
Pool Care · Archive date: · 3 min read
Vacuuming an inground pool is easiest when you brush first, prime the hose correctly, move slowly, and keep the skimmer, filter, and pump in good working order.
Written for PoolSkimmer on Oct 24, 2026; assigned an earlier archive date, not published on that date.
Skimming & Debris · Archive date: · 3 min read
Learn the safest order for post-storm pool cleanup: check hazards, remove leaves and grit, protect the filter, and know when to call a pro.
Written for PoolSkimmer on Oct 7, 2026; assigned an earlier archive date, not published on that date.
Skimmer Equipment · Archive date: · 2 min read
Match older skimmer parts by checking the housing markings, measuring the basket and weir, and confirming fit before you buy.
Written for PoolSkimmer on Oct 7, 2026; assigned an earlier archive date, not published on that date.
Water Chemistry · Archive date: · 3 min read
Pool water can look crystal clear and still be unsafe if sanitizer, pH, alkalinity, or calcium hardness drift out of range. Here’s what to check first.
Written for PoolSkimmer on Oct 7, 2026; assigned an earlier archive date, not published on that date.
Pool Care Routines · Archive date: · 3 min read
Turn the pump off, prime the vacuum hose, and use the correct skimmer adapter or vacuum plate. Follow the manual to connect safely and keep suction working.
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 lower pH in a swimming pool, confirm the reading first, then use a pH reducer only as the label directs. In salt water pools, check circulation and equipment if pH keeps rising.
Written for PoolSkimmer on Oct 24, 2026; assigned an earlier archive date, not published on that date.
Water Chemistry · Archive date: · 3 min read
To fix alkalinity in a pool, first verify the reading, then determine whether total alkalinity is too low or too high before making any water-care changes.
Written for PoolSkimmer on Oct 24, 2026; assigned an earlier archive date, not published on that date.
Water Chemistry · Archive date: · 3 min read
To raise pool calcium hardness, use a calcium chloride product only after testing, then follow the label and your pool manual while the pump circulates water.
Written for PoolSkimmer on Oct 24, 2026; assigned an earlier archive date, not published on that date.
Water Chemistry · Archive date: · 3 min read
Most above ground pools need chlorine or another sanitizer, pH and alkalinity balancers, and an occasional shock treatment. Test first and follow the label.
Written for PoolSkimmer on Oct 24, 2026; assigned an earlier archive date, not published on that date.
Water Chemistry · Archive date: · 3 min read
Most pool openings start with a test kit, then only the chemicals your water actually needs: sanitizer, pH adjuster, and sometimes algaecide or shock.
Written for PoolSkimmer on Oct 24, 2026; assigned an earlier archive date, not published on that date.