Notes from the deep end

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

479 articles

Filtration & Circulation · Archive date: · 3 min read

What Kind of Sand Goes in a Pool Filter?

Use only the pool filter sand your manufacturer specifies—usually clean, graded silica sand. Don’t use play sand or beach sand, and switch media only with the pump off.

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

Skimming & Debris · Archive date: · 3 min read

How to Skim a Pool with a Lot of Dust on the Surface

Clear fine surface dust by improving circulation, skimming slowly in sections, and keeping baskets and filter paths clear without stirring debris back into the water.

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 to Choose a Skimmer Net for Leaves Versus Bugs

Match your pool skimmer net to the debris you remove most often: an open leaf rake for heavy leaves, fine mesh for bugs and pollen, plus a sturdy pole and frame.

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 Read Pool Test Results Without Chasing Small Swings

Learn to read pool test results by spotting real trends, not one-off changes, so you can maintain balanced water without overcorrecting.

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

Water Chemistry · Archive date: · 3 min read

Does Copper Pipe in a Pool Skimmer Work for Algae?

Copper in a pool skimmer is not a dependable algae fix. It can stain surfaces, upset water balance, and should never replace proper sanitation.

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

Filtration & Circulation · Archive date: · 3 min read

What should the pool filter pressure gauge read?

The right pool filter pressure is your system’s clean baseline, not one universal psi number. A rise of about 8–10 psi often means it’s time to inspect the filter.

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

Filtration & Circulation · Archive date: · 3 min read

How Often Do You Change an Above Ground Pool Filter Cartridge?

Most above ground pool filter cartridges are not replaced on a fixed calendar. Clean them regularly, then replace the cartridge when cleaning no longer restores flow or damage appears.

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

Filtration & Circulation · Archive date: · 3 min read

Where to Buy Pool Filter Sand

Buy pool filter sand from pool supply stores, pool equipment dealers, home centers, or trusted online sellers—but confirm the sand filter type in your manual first.

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

Pool Care · Archive date: · 3 min read

How Many Gallons of Water Are in an Above-Ground Pool?

An 18-foot round above-ground pool usually holds about 7,000 to 9,000 gallons, but the exact amount depends on filled depth, shape, and freeboard.

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

Pool Care · Archive date: · 3 min read

How to Keep an Above Ground Pool Cool

To keep an above ground pool cool, reduce direct sun, improve circulation, and use shade or other approved cooling methods from your pool manual.

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

Skimming & Debris · Archive date: · 3 min read

Why Leaves Bypass the Skimmer and End Up in the Pump Basket

Leaves in the pump basket usually point to weak skimmer flow, an off water level, a stuck weir door, or a circulation problem that needs closer inspection.

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

Skimmer Equipment · Archive date: · 2 min read

Why a Skimmer Basket Must Match Your Pool Skimmer and Pump Intake Design

A proper skimmer basket fit helps catch debris, protect circulation, and reduce wear on the skimmer and pump. A mismatch can cause gaps, noise, and poor flow.

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