Notes from the deep end

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

479 articles

Pool Care · Archive date: · 3 min read

How to Reset a Dolphin Pool Cleaner Safely

To reset a Dolphin pool cleaner, power it down, clear basic obstructions, and restart it. The exact reset depends on the Maytronics model and power supply.

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 to Block a Neighbor’s Pool Pump Noise

You can often reduce a neighbor’s pool pump noise with barriers, distance, and better timing, but first identify the sound and avoid touching their equipment.

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

Skimming & Debris · Archive date: · 3 min read

What to Do When Heavy Debris Overwhelms the Pool Skimmer Basket

When a skimmer basket fills with leaves and twigs, stop the pump, clear it safely, remove surface debris, and check for clogs before restarting.

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 Manage Pool Chemistry After a Big Refill or Top-Off

A major refill can dilute sanitizer and shift pH, alkalinity, and calcium hardness. Test, circulate, correct carefully, and retest before anyone swims.

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 pressure should my pool filter be at?

Your pool filter should match its normal clean reading, not a universal PSI number. Watch the pressure gauge for a rise of about 8–10 psi, then clean or backwash.

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

Filtration & Circulation · Archive date: · 3 min read

Is Pool Filter Sand Silica Sand?

Yes—most pool filter sand is silica sand, but the correct media depends on your filter model. Always check the manual before replacing sand or opening equipment.

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 Much Evaporation Is Normal for a Pool?

A small daily water loss is normal, especially in hot, dry or windy weather. Faster drops can point to a leak, equipment problem, or too much splash-out.

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

Pool Care · Archive date: · 3 min read

What Is a Beaded Pool Liner?

A beaded pool liner is a vinyl pool liner with a molded bead that fits into a receiver at the top of the pool wall, making replacement and alignment more straightforward.

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 Keep Pool Debris from Clogging the Vacuum Line

Keep your pool vacuum hose clear by removing loose debris first, checking suction-side parts with the pump off, and vacuuming in a steady sequence.

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 Pick a Pool Skimmer Net for Delicate Pool Surfaces

Choose a pool skimmer net that lifts leaves and debris without scuffing vinyl, fiberglass, tile, or polished finishes. Match mesh, frame, and control.

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 Pool Water Turns Cloudy After Shocking

Cloudy water after shocking often means debris, dead algae, or mineral particles are still in the water. Check circulation, filtration, and balance first.

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