Home
Get updates
Swimming Pools
Want to take a dip the pool on a hot day? Have it ready! Questions in this category are about swimming pool sanitation and equipment. Some things you can ask about are automatic pool cleaners, skimmers, filters, brushes, chemicals, tests, technical questions on filtration equipment and more.
Total questions 10700
What is so special about black-bottom pools?
Nothing aside from them looking deep and misterious
Popularity: 1107 • Tools: Recategorize
Why would pool water be green?
Algae makes swimming pool water green. Here is advice and input: Your pool water turned green most likely because of an algae...
Popularity: 424 • Tools: Recategorize
What are the advantages and disadvantages of a saltwater swimming pool?
Saltwater is an expense when it is installed, but after that you do not have to add chlorine as salt makes chlorine. This saves...
Popularity: 412 • Tools: Recategorize
Why would pool water be cloudy?
Cloudy water can be caused for a number of reasons: poor filtration, imbalance of chemicals in your pool such as total...
Popularity: 352 • Tools: Recategorize
What are the advantages and disadvantages of vinyl vs fiberglass pools in northern Illinois?
The advantages of vinyl are many, but first understand the true facts: -- First, no manufacturer of fiberglass pools guarantees...
Popularity: 319 • Tools: Recategorize
Which above-ground pool is better - steel... stainless steel... panel or aluminum?
You can customize your Dream Pool by clicking here Above Ground Pools Here are some opinions: I am not a pro, but I would...
Popularity: 317 • Tools: Recategorize
How much water evaporates from a pool?
The evaporation rate depends on the surface area of the pool, the temperature, and the relative humidity and the wind. I'm sure...
Popularity: 298 • Tools: Recategorize
How do you convert your in-ground pool from chlorinated to saltwater?
Make sure your water is balanced and add salt (potassium chloride). You need to purchase a saltwater chlorine generator and...
Popularity: 281 • Tools: Recategorize
How can you prevent birds from pooping in your swimming pool?
I had the same problems regarding birds pooping in the pool. My neighbor advised me to use an alligator float chlorinator. I...
Popularity: 273 • Tools: Recategorize
Which pool is better - fiberglass or plaster?
That is a lot like the Question: Which is better Ford,Chevy or GMC. It is all personal preference. A pool manufacturer has to...
Popularity: 263 • Tools: Recategorize
What will make muriatic acid dissipate and the pH increase in a swimming pool?
You have two things that contribute to your high use of acid. The walls of your plaster pool actually absorb some of the acid...
Popularity: 241 • Tools: Recategorize
How can you get the green out of your hair after swimming in a pool?
Malibu 2000-Crystal Gel Normalizer is not a shampoo, but rather a deep conditioner. It is a powder that is mixed with warm water....
Popularity: 239 • Tools: Recategorize
Can a saltwater swimming pool cause itching?
Community pools are notorious for spreading various diseases -- and skin infections are among them. Although saltwater pools can...
Popularity: 237 • Tools: Recategorize
Can you empty and then refill your dirty gunite pool?
Yes, you can drain it. DO NOT leave it empty, however, but refill promptly. If the pool is empty and there is a lot of water in...
Popularity: 237 • Tools: Recategorize
What chemicals are needed for a new swimming pool?
Most folks will only need one chemical to start a new pool: Chlorine. Most common is "tri-chlor" which contains both chlorine and...
Popularity: 235 • Tools: Recategorize
Is a gunite or vinyl pool better?
In the long-run, gunite is the best choice for Southern regions. With proper care, it lasts about ten-twenty years longer than...
Popularity: 233 • Tools: Recategorize
What sort of bug looks like a fish with legs when it swims... and how do you keep them away from your pool?
I think what you are seeing is what we here call "boatmen." Once in a while, I find one or two in my pool, and I scoop them up...
Popularity: 233 • Tools: Recategorize
Is pebbletech or quartz better for the pool surface?
The only advantage to quartz over standard pebles is that quartz does not impart any hardness to the water. However, this is...
Popularity: 233 • Tools: Recategorize
Where can you get starting blocks for school swimming pools?
KDI Paragon is a popular brand used in many pools. http://www.paragonaquatics.com/platforms.html speedo.com probably has some...
Popularity: 229 • Tools: Recategorize
How many gallons of water are in a pool 16 x 32 feet that is 8.5 feet in the deep end and 3 feet in the shalow end?
Many pool chemical products require that you know the amount of water your pool holds so that you correctly use their product. I...
Popularity: 228 • Tools: Recategorize
Will a salt water pool keep bees away?
Are they better for bees? Here is input and advice: The answer is yes! The fact that the surface tension is reduced on the water...
Popularity: 227 • Tools: Recategorize
What plants will survive next to a salt water pool?
Popularity: 227 • Tools: Recategorize
What is pool gunite?
Summary: A mixture of cement and sand sprayed onto contoured and supported surfaces to build a pool. Gunite is mixed and pumped...
Popularity: 225 • Tools: Recategorize
What signs need to be posted around a pool?
Generally just an oxidizer sign is required on a pump house or chemical storage. Your local fire department will be happy to help...
Popularity: 224 • Tools: Recategorize
How do you lower the chlorine level?
If you are not in a great hury wait and the chlorine will disipate of its own accord in a day or 2 do not put on a pool cover. ...
Popularity: 223 • Tools: Recategorize
If you have mallard ducks landing in your pool are the duck droppings harmful?
For two reasons: 1) The way the contribution is constructed, the reader might be led to believe that chlorine and Baquacil...
Popularity: 218 • Tools: Recategorize
Is a chlorine system or a salt water system better for a Gunite pool?
Asaltwater pool chlorinating system works just fine in a gunite pool. It makes Little difference what sort of pool you put it in....
Popularity: 210 • Tools: Recategorize
What kinds of plants will survive chlorine splashing on them from a nearby pool?
Around the central PA area I'm noticing a lot of decorative grasses being used. I think that might be my first choice when we...
Popularity: 207 • Tools: Recategorize
If you have too much cynaruic acid do you need to drain the pool?
I usually tell my customers to watch the pool, keep the chemicals balanced, and if it stays clear, then the chlorine is not being...
Popularity: 206 • Tools: Recategorize
What are all the steps to repainting a chipping gunite pool?
I am having the same situation, my pool is coated with rubber chlorinated (I presume). Chips are mostly caused by different...
Popularity: 199 • Tools: Recategorize
What should you do if your pool water freezes?
If you have an in ground pool, in freezing weather, make sure you leave your on pump constantly to circulate the water, if not...
Popularity: 198 • Tools: Recategorize
Can an unused outdoor pool be converted from chlorine to salt water?
Yes, Any pool can be converted to a salt water pool All that is needed to do this is the installation of chlorine generator this...
Popularity: 198 • Tools: Recategorize
Where can you take classes to learn how to clean and care for pools?
The National Swimming Pool Foundation's Certified Pool Operator (C.P.O.) course is an excellent way to learn all about operating...
Popularity: 198 • Tools: Recategorize
What can you do to get rid of foam in a pool using a salt chlorine generator?
Foam can come from: 1. Soap 2. Certain algaecides 3. Organic debris Answer: Soap- Thoroughly rinse toys and swimsuits before...
Popularity: 198 • Tools: Recategorize
How many gallons of water do you need to fill a 14 x 24 ft pool so the deep end is about 5 and a half ft deep and the shallow end is 3 ft deep?
10,710. 10,710. The calculation for a rectangle pool is: ((Shallow end depth + deep end depth) / 2) * length * width) =...
Popularity: 196 • Tools: Recategorize
For concrete pools is a chlorine or bromine feeder or salt chlorinator best?
If you calculate the cost of chlorine over a 10 year period of time and the cost of purchasing, servicing and maintaining a salt...
Popularity: 196 • Tools: Recategorize
What is the easiest way to locate a leak in the bottom of a patterned vinyl inground pool?
I had a leak in the bottom of our gunite mosiac tile covered pool and was able to find it by lowering the water level to about 1...
Popularity: 193 • Tools: Recategorize
Can you add softened water to a pool?
Soft water basically is the process of removing calcium and other minerals to "soften" the water or make less "hard". To answer...
Popularity: 192 • Tools: Recategorize
How much does adding a pool and spa increase the value of a home?
I am a Realtor, and in general a pool adds about $10,000 to a property here in Arizona. It may add a little less if the pool is...
Popularity: 192 • Tools: Recategorize
How often should you replace the sand in your pool filter if replacing it causes foam in the pool?
It sounds like you may have phosphates in the water, do you have lots of leaves or the aftermath of seeds from the trees blowing...
Popularity: 192 • Tools: Recategorize
What pool alarm is recommended?
The Good Housekeeping Research Institute tested seven pool alarms (they tell you when the water is disturbed) and six gate alarms...
Popularity: 190 • Tools: Recategorize
Is it safe to swim in a pool that has algae in it?
The Algae won't hurt you. But if the chlorine isn't killing the algae, then other microorganisms might be present also. But then,...
Popularity: 187 • Tools: Recategorize
What are the all yellow bees that swarm Arizona pools?
Out in san diego, it has to do with nearbye ground covers. the only ground cover that provides little or reduced "bee action" is...
Popularity: 185 • Tools: Recategorize
Can a 20 year old gunite pool be converted to a vinyl liner pool?
The answer is absolutely! Secondary market products are readily available for a conversion such as this. A plastic, resin, or...
Popularity: 183 • Tools: Recategorize
When having a vinyl liner replaced are a few small folds and wrinkles in a corner acceptable?
This is more of a judgment call then a question. If you feel that the contractor didn't do a good job have them come back and...
Popularity: 179 • Tools: Recategorize
Are saltwater pools cheaper or better?
Salt water pools produce "chlorine," so it is cheaper. It is also more troublesome. Yugos were also cheaper ... you get what you...
Popularity: 179 • Tools: Recategorize
Is the water in a salt water pool harder on surrounding plants than traditional chlorine pools?
Saline systems being sold today operate on a pool water salinity of only 3000ppm or so. Older systems used higher salinities -...
Popularity: 175 • Tools: Recategorize
Should you get a release from the parents when their children play in your pool?
It can't hurt, but whether it will stand up in court or not is anybody's guess. It depends on the law in your state. In many...
Popularity: 171 • Tools: Recategorize
What is the difference between concrete and ceramic pools in terms of quality price and maintenance and which one is better for a desert climate?
Concrete would be better for desert climate i live in vegas and i love mine.Concrete would be the best for all your qustions.
Popularity: 170 • Tools: Recategorize
How do you keep sweat bees away from your pool?
Because honey bees are are a social insect -- living in colonies of up to 60,000 individuals -- they need lots of food and water...
Popularity: 168 • Tools: Recategorize
How do you repair cracks and chips in the concrete of inground pools?
How to repair cracks chips in pools concrete Marcite repairs are done by swimming pool professionals, you may find diy kits...
Popularity: 166 • Tools: Recategorize
Is a salt pool 'slower' or 'faster' then a chlorine pool?
If by chlorine pool, you mean a pool filled with fresh water that uses chlorine (or bromine) as a sanitizer, then the question...
Popularity: 165 • Tools: Recategorize
How do you keep frogs from laying eggs in a pool?
raise the clorine level to 4.0ppm and if still not working lover pH level to 7.2
Popularity: 163 • Tools: Recategorize
Where can you find barbecue pit designs?
Search on google for sure, I tried this site for a pig roast and it worked out...
Popularity: 163 • Tools: Recategorize
How do you find a hole in your above ground pool liner if it is very small and cannot easily be seen?
Let your pool sit for a few days without filling it back up with water. Every day the water level will slowly go down. If your...
Popularity: 162 • Tools: Recategorize
Should the surface water in your pool be moving a lot?
Yes, I believe it means your pump and filter are running correctly. You may want to adjust your jet so that the water discharge...
Popularity: 161 • Tools: Recategorize
What do you put in the pool to eliminate the rust when you fill a 15' x 42 inch pool with city hard water?
It's very tough to remove rust stains if they are already established. It sounds like you have an aboveground pool, possibly...
Popularity: 160 • Tools: Recategorize
Why does blonde hair turn green in a chlorinated pool?
Its blonde. & its light. thats whyy. the pool can get it to better than brown or any other specific color; its the...
Popularity: 156 • Tools: Recategorize
What skimmer do you recommend for inground pools?
I have used the "ICK" Stractor on an above ground pool for years and it does a good job of gathering leaves and some debris but...
Popularity: 156 • Tools: Recategorize
How do you get wrinkles out of a pool liner?
Here is advice: I ended up with a few large wrinkles in our new IG pool. We had a bad winter and a wet spring. The water table...
Popularity: 151 • Tools: Recategorize
What are gunite specs?
"Gunite",is a name used to typically designate a mixture of 1 part Portland Cement and 4 parts sand thoroughly mixed dry, passed...
Popularity: 145 • Tools: Recategorize
Is plaster or combination aggregate surface better for a gunite pool in the North East?
Combination aggregate finishes are stronger and just as smooth if applied correctly. 1 part white cement and 2 parts marble dust...
Popularity: 143 • Tools: Recategorize
Is there a special type of paint to use in a pool house?
I think a waterproof paint would be a good idea. I would use an exterior paint, even though it's inside; because of the...
Popularity: 126 • Tools: Recategorize
Would the backwash or wastewater from a saltwater pool harm plants flooded by that water?
Yes. The salt water will cause soil salinity which will damage most plants currently growing and will have lasting and...
Popularity: 126 • Tools: Recategorize
Can you use the same pump for your pool and spa?
My pool is about 15 yrs old. It is 15,400 gal, with a 600 gal spa next to it, and they both run off the same 1.5hp pump. Works...
Popularity: 120 • Tools: Recategorize
Are there any requirements for the installation of starting blocks at school swimming pools?
To find the exact height requirements for starting blocks contact state swimming officials they have set standards for pools of...
Popularity: 119 • Tools: Recategorize
Will the water from backwashing a pool filter kill sodgrass?
Popularity: 119 • Tools: Recategorize
Are pool covers necessary for an indoor pool?
Pool covers should be put on indoor pools, because if something harmful to swim in (such as cleaning liquid) gets in the pool if...
Popularity: 115 • Tools: Recategorize
Where can you find estimated operating costs for an indoor 8 lane competitive pool?
This is a really tough question because there are so many variables - where is the pool located, type, what type of water...
Popularity: 113 • Tools: Recategorize
Who are and where are the Doughboy Pool businesses located in San Diego and North San Diego counties in California?
Go to the Doughboy website and do a search using your zipcode to find the dealer locations nearest you...
Popularity: 111 • Tools: Recategorize
Can you use muriatic acid to clean plastic lawn chairs and if so what ratio?
Muriatic (hydrochloric) acid is great, and will clean anything that it won't dissolve. But it's VERY DANGEROUS. Even when...
Popularity: 109 • Tools: Recategorize
What does buffer and added hardness do for a saltwater pool?
Buffer and added hardness do the same thing in a salt water pool as in a fresh water pool. The buffer (sodium bicarbonate aka...
Popularity: 108 • Tools: Recategorize
What causes blonde hair to turn green after swimming?
Why That Turquoise Hair? or Good Grief � Goldilocks Goin' Green! Based on an article first appearing in AQUATICS INTERNATIONAL...
Popularity: 108 • Tools: Recategorize
If the neighborhood restricts above ground pools does that help increase the home value in the neighborhood?
Difficult question for an above-ground pool company to answer. The premise of the question suggests your answer. Many realtors,...
Popularity: 107 • Tools: Recategorize
Does adding an in ground pool add to the market value of your home?
I would think it depends on what state you reside. Obviously if you live in Maine, a pool is not going to be used in the same...
Popularity: 107 • Tools: Recategorize
How do you get rid of these flying orange bugs that land on the pool and on you?
You can keep the water moving, it does not allow the bugs to land on the surface. Turn on the aireator more often, they do not...
Popularity: 107 • Tools: Recategorize
Do salt water pools cause excessive corrosion to pool equipment and cause damage to plaster pools?
No, pools sanitized with a salt water system do not cause corrosion or damage to a standard pool or equipment because the amount...
Popularity: 106 • Tools: Recategorize
Can the depth of an existing pool be adjusted?
Yes it can. It will require replastering afterward, though.
Popularity: 105 • Tools: Recategorize
What are the pros and cons of DE filtering compared to sand filtering?
After six years in this home with a 15 year old pool cartridge filter, I junked it for a DE filter. I'm very very satisfied with...
Popularity: 105 • Tools: Recategorize
Is it bad to allow a dog to swim in an in-ground pool with a vinyl liner and a sand filter?
It shouldn't do the system any harm if you let the dog have a swim the only thing is that you may have to keep a closer eye on...
Popularity: 105 • Tools: Recategorize
What should the Delta T temperature difference be between the water inlet and the water outlet on a swimming pool heat pump?
Popularity: 104 • Tools: Recategorize
How much water can be safely removed from an inground vinyl pool and for how long?
I've owned an in-ground vinyl pool for many years. I have used several pool companies over the years. Each pool person I have...
Popularity: 104 • Tools: Recategorize
Should snow be removed from the pool cover?
I'm a new pool owner. My wife & I bought our house in October so the in ground pool was already closed. I bought a small pump...
Popularity: 103 • Tools: Recategorize
What is the best way to get rid of water mold in a non-chlorine pool when chlorine loops are not effective?
I have found Proteam's System support product to be very effective against it. Hmmm, What are chlorine "loops"
Popularity: 103 • Tools: Recategorize
What are the pros and cons between a fiberglass and gunite pool?
I am researching the same question and this is what I have found so far: having a "freeze line" is not a good condition for...
Popularity: 103 • Tools: Recategorize
Can swimming an hour a day in a salt-treated pool cause high blood pressure?
I am not so sure. I have found that swimming in the sea definitley raises my blood pressure. The older you get, the more you...
Popularity: 102 • Tools: Recategorize
What is the maximum distance you can run a 1hp pump and gas heater to a above ground pool and still have it function efficiently?
Based on your question, I will assume that there is nearly no elevation difference between the pool and the pump...
Popularity: 102 • Tools: Recategorize
What is the cost and efficiency of converting a public 'chlorine based' swimming pool into a saltwater pool?
You will need 1 chlorine generator for every 25000 gallons of water in your pool, They run 1500-1700.00 each. It takes about 2.5...
Popularity: 102 • Tools: Recategorize
How many gallons of water are in a 4'x18' pool and what is the formula for figuring it out?
For a round above ground pool, the calculation is: Diameter x Diameter x Depth X 5.9 = Number of Gallons Edit note : The...
Popularity: 102 • Tools: Recategorize
How do you determine the operating costs for an above ground gas pool heater?
Your gas pool heater should have a BTU/hr rating for input and output printed on a placard somewhere on the heater. Look for the...
Popularity: 101 • Tools: Recategorize
Where can you find photos of black bottom swimming pools?
I did a basic Google search and found the site: Cheers.
Popularity: 100 • Tools: Recategorize
How can you level an above-ground pool if it was not leveled when it was built?
3 STEPS: TAKE IT DOWN, READ INSTRUCTIONS, TRY AGAIN
Popularity: 100 • Tools: Recategorize
What do you put in a contract to sell an above ground pool and deck from your yard?
Should be simple enough. The price and everything included of course. I think I'd add an "this pool and all equipment is sold as...
Popularity: 98 • Tools: Recategorize
Can swimming in a chlorine pool cause a rash between your legs?
Maybe, but not likely. Chlorine is used in swimming pools as a sanitizer - to kill unwanted orgranisms (mostly germs like...
Popularity: 98 • Tools: Recategorize
What should you do about sand in your pool coming from your pump?
It sounds like the lateral pipes in your sand filter are broken or you have too much sand in the filter. When we first got our...
Popularity: 95 • Tools: Recategorize
How do you acid wash an inground pool?
Acid Washing an In Ground Pool: Also called a drain & acid clean. An acid wash becomes necessary if the pool has turned into...
Popularity: 95 • Tools: Recategorize
Can the chemicals in the pool make you fall asleep if not added correctly or be hazardous to your health?
I know chlorine is very bad for internal organs and sensitive skin. * I have never heard of such a thing. And the above answer...
Popularity: 94 • Tools: Recategorize
Why would the pump stop suddenly while vacuuming the pool?
We have a vinyl liner which has been stretched from water getting under it when we have extremely heavy rains. When the vacuum...
Popularity: 94 • Tools: Recategorize
Where can you buy replacement vinyl straps for pool chairs?
www.PatioDirectOnline.com has replacement vinyl straps (webbing) for pool and patio furniture -- cut to size, by the foot, or...
Popularity: 94 • Tools: Recategorize
Is regular chlorine or a salt generator or a chlorine ozone generator best?
A salt generator produces chlorine. Salt is NaCl (sodium chloride) and when it goes through the salt cell it seperates the sodium...
Popularity: 94 • Tools: Recategorize
