The Ultimate Beginner's Guide To Pool Care

Table of Contents

5 Steps To Becoming A Better Pool Owner

Remember why you wanted a pool in the first place?

It probably started when you were a kid, going to pool parties at your friend’s house and declaring that someday you too would own a pool.

Was it for status? Okay, maybe a little, but more than that, it was about fun. 

When you had this pool installed, you were probably imagining all those hot days that your kids would spend splashing around with their friends, filling your backyard with noise and laughter.

Or you imagined the pool parties you would have, grilling out and eating poolside with your neighbors and friends.

Don’t lose that.

On days when your water is cloudy and you’re ankle-deep in algae and leaves, you'll need to remember why you’re still cleaning this thing and not filling it in with cement.

Remember when your first boss called and offered you a job that you weren’t sure you really wanted to take?

Well, this may be a lot like this.

Let’s face it—scrubbing concrete and cleaning filters isn’t all that glamorous, but they are jobs that have to be done.

So, you may as well buck up, take the job and make the commitment to show up for work.

Once you have a routine, it’s really not that hard, and you might even end up enjoying it!

I’m not gonna lie—when your daughter’s friends are slopping on more sunscreen than they need and wading in the shallow end with their popsicles, it’s really hard not to get aggravated.

You did, after all, spend two hours cleaning the pool last Sunday. 

But remember what I said in tip #1?

Remember why you wanted a pool!

Was it so your family could enjoy it, or so that you could have a sparkling clear body of water shimmering in your backyard?

If you did it for fun, lighten up and remember you'll be cleaning it again on Sunday no matter what. So, let them enjoy it.

Otherwise it will become a source of contention for the whole family.

We're always looking for teachable moments for our kids, right?

So, instead of taking the whole job on yourself, let your kids know up front that this is a family affair.

If they want to enjoy the benefits of the pool, then they have to share in the responsibility. Sure, eight years old is probably too young to handle the chemicals, but you can teach him to use the pool vacuum or skim the leaves out every day. 

If they feel invested in the project, they’ll be more likely to keep it clean.

This is probably the best piece of advice you'll ever get from me: 

Do not let a month go by without checking your pool chemistry levels.

Do not let a week go by without skimming it out after a rainfall.

And do not let even a day go by if you are starting to notice significant algae blooms.

The better you stay on top of keeping your pool clean, the less work it will be for you on a weekly basis!

Here are the different types of swimming pools you should know about.

1. Concrete Pools

Concrete pools are what you probably think of when you think of inground pools, but they're actually not the most popular (we’ll get to that next).

These pools are built by digging a hole in the ground (don’t try to do this yourself), and then assembling the plumbing and framework inside the hole.

The framework is usually constructed with rebar (steel reinforcing rods) in a grid-like pattern. Then they pour concrete into forms and constructed inside the rebar grid.

2. Gunite Pools

You may never have heard of gunite pools, but they're actually the most common pools built in the U.S. 

They're constructed pretty much the same way as concrete pools, but the gunite is sprayed into place and then troweled to smooth it out. After it dries for several days, they then apply a finish to or paint it. 

Gunite is a mixture of cement and sand and is used more than concrete because it’s a little easier to work with.

It’s also very durable and can be finished in a variety of different mediums, such as tile or fiberglass, making it a highly versatile option.

3. Fiberglass Pools

Fiberglass pools are constructed from a plastic that is reinforced with fiberglass and molded into its pool shape.

These are installed in holes dug in the ground as well, but the shape of the pool is already formed before it even arrives.

The plumbing is put in before the pool is set and hooked up once the pool is lowered in. 

4. Vinyl Inground Pools

Vinyl inground pools are constructed with a frame of wood, plastic or metal inside a hole dug in the ground—sand is then poured along the bottom and as filler.

The vinyl liner is then secured into place to fit the shape of the formed construction. 

5. Above-Ground Pools

Most above-ground pools are constructed in a factory or assembled in kits for the pool owner to put together themselves.

But even though they're easier to build, they still require leveling with sand and plumbing that has to be laid.

Once the frame has been constructed, the vinyl liner is smoothed into place and secured with the rim or fasteners.

5 Steps To Achieving Ideal Pool Circulation

1. Beware Of Dead Areas

Certain areas in the pool are harder to get water moving through than others, making them dead areas or dead zones. These areas are commonly right by the skimmers, in the corners, and behind the ladder.

So, to address the problem, you need to position your returns down so that water will circulate more thoroughly around the bottom and corners.

You can also put special fittings on your returns that rotate to hit all the areas around them. 

2. Keep the Filter Clean

Dirty filters mean slow moving water.

And, they don’t just get clogged with leaves and debris: calcium buildup can also be a problem.

That’s why you need to properly clean your filters regularly.

Sand and DE filters will have to be backwashed, and cartridges will have to be removed and hosed off. 

3. Brush and Vacuum

Because you probably won’t be able to completely bring the dead areas back to life, you'll need to regularly brush the surface of the pool.

Pay special attention to the dead zones we talked about and then run the vacuum.

This not only circulates the water while you’re doing it, it also keeps debris from gathering harmful bacteria.

4. Swim in It

Sounds simple enough, but when you use it for its intended purpose, you'll naturally keep the water stirred up and moving around.

5. Run Your Pump

Your pool has a filtration system for a reason, and none of the other steps will make much difference if you don’t use it.

The pool pump is what keeps the water constantly moving and skimming out debris.

Run it a minimum of 8 hours a day, longer during times of heavy use. 

The 3 Types Of Pool Filters

1. Sand Filter

A sand filter is one of the oldest types of filters available, but still a good option for most pool owners.

These types of filters are equipped with tanks that are kept filled with a sand product made especially for pools.

The water travels from the drain through the tank of sand to clean and filter the water as it passes through on its way back to the pump and out the returns.

Sand filters have to be backwashed regularly as a way of keeping them clean.

2. DE Filter

A DE filter works pretty much like the sand filter except that it uses “fingers” coated with DE powder to filter the water as it passes through.

Note: DE filters have to be backwashed also.

3. Cartridge Filter

A cartridge filter comes in models that use either a single or multiple cartridges that are usually made out of plastic tubes with accordian-folded polyester/fiberglass fabric wrapped around the core.

These folds of fabric are what catch dirt and debris as the water passes through.

Cartridge filters are easier to clean than sand or DE filters: you simply replace the cartridges as needed.

6 Pieces Of Pool Maintenance Gear Every Pool Owner Should Have

While owning a pool is a lot of work, the truth is that there aren't that may pieces of equipment you need to buy.

1. Automatic Vacuum

​​​​​An automatic vacuum won’t completely eliminate your need for a manual vacuum, but it will save you tons of time and energy when it comes time to clean out your pool.

Automatic vacuums connect to your pool’s system in one of three different ways and the movement of the water pushes it along the surface while it sucks up debris. 

Suction-side cleaners are automatic vacuums that connect to the suction side of the plumbing.

It uses the pressure of the suction to move it along the surface, and then pumps the mess through its hose into the skimmer baskets. Most of these are used for dirt and microscopic particles, while leaves and larger debris still need to be skimmed out manually.

Pressure-side cleaners uses the pressure side of the plumbing to move it along the surface.

These are typically equipped with their own debris bags so that they cut down on the strain to the pool’s pump and filter system.

They also require a little less work since you can dump out the bag occasionally instead of having to spend so much time cleaning all the skimmer baskets. These are best for clearing out leaves and larger debris. 

Robotic cleaners are connected to your pool’s GFCI outlet so they move along the bottom and even up the sides of the pool regardless of the current of the water. 

They also have their own debris bag so it frees up the pump and filter system on your pool. 

Overall, these are the most convenient and effective cleaners, but they can also be more expensive. 

2. Vacuum Head

A vacuum head is part of the manual vacuum system you'll probably still need to use from time to time. 

You’ll connect the vacuum head to a telescope pole and then to a vacuum hose and the whole system is then attached to the skimmer. 

If you simply don’t want to buy an automatic vacuum, this one will do the job. You'll just have to use it a lot more often.

3. Vacuum Hose

The vacuum hose will serve as the connector between the vacuum head and the skimmer.

It helps contain the suction that cleans out the debris.

4. Pool Brush

A pool brush is an important part of pool maintenance since there is some debris, such as algae, that clings to the surface of the pool and can only be removed by force.

A pool brush usually connects to the same telescopic pole you use for the vacuum. There are different pool brushes made with different materials, and the one you choose will depend on the type of pool you have. Their bristles are usually made of steel, nylon or a combination.

Steel-bristles brushes should only be used on gunite or unpainted concrete. These are particularly useful when you have a severe algae problem that you can’t get a handle on.

Nylon brushes can be used with all pool types and they are the only kind you should use for fiberglass or nylon pools so that you don’t damage the surface.

Combination brushes that are nylon and steel mixed should also only be used on gunite or unpainted concrete. 

5. Skimmer Net

A skimmer net is designed to attach to a telescopic pole so you can reach all areas of a large pool.

It's what you'll use to skim out debris floating in the pool such as leaves and bugs.

6. Telescopic Pole

The telescopic pole is the pole we speak of.

It's what you'll connect all your tools to to give you a farther reach when brushing, vacuuming or manually skimming.

6 Pool Chemistry Terms To Know

When you're reading up on pool chemistry, you'll start to see there are certain terms that are thrown around often, so it's good to familiarize yourself with them so you can follow along.

1. pH Balance

The pH level is what measures the acidity of your pool water.

If your pH levels get too low (below 7.4), the water is too acidic. If they're too high (more than 7.6), they're too basic.

>>Read: How to lower pH in your pool

Levels that are out of balance in either direction can cause issues like skin and eye irritation, pool liner and equipment erosion, scaling and ineffective chlorine.

The ideal pH range is between 7.4 and 7.6.

If your test determines the levels are out of range, use sodium carbonate or sodium bicarbonate (baking soda) to raise it, or use muriatic acid or sodium bisulfate to lower it.

You'll be able to purchase these items at your pool store or online and they will usually be called pH reducers or pH raisers. 

They will also give you complete instructions on how much product to add and how to distribute it.

2. Alkalinity

pH balance is an unstable factor, so it needs a moderator, which is what alkalinity is.

If you keep this level balanced, your pH levels will be more likely to stay within range.

The ideal alkalinity level  is between 100 and 150 ppm.

Usually if there is a problem with alkalinity, it is that it is too low.

Sodium bicarbonate (baking soda) is the best chemical to regulate it; it's usually just sprinkled around the edge of the pool, but if you buy the bags especially packaged for swimming pools, it will come with complete instructions for use.

3. Calcium Hardness

Calcium hardness is what determines how hard or soft your water is.

If your water is too soft, it will feel slimy and dirty. It can also cause corrosion to your pool’s surface. But if your water is too hard, it will cause scaling on pool equipment and become cloudy.

The ideal level for calcium hardness is 150-400 ppm.

In order to raise the calcium hardness level should it test too low, add muriatic acid according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

To raise it, add calcium chloride. 

4. Sanitization (& Chlorine)

Sanitization is the most important part of pool care since it is what fights off germs and algae that make your water dirty and unhealthy.

Chlorine is the most common chemical used to sanitize pools because it is simply the most effective, but some people choose to use other products such as biguanide, bromine, or mineral systems for various reasons.

Chlorine comes in liquid, granule, or chemical form. They all do the same job but have different application methods.

Ideal chlorine levels are 2.0-4.0 ppm (parts per million).

5. Pool Shock

You've probably heard people say you need to “shock your pool.” And all that means is that you're going to super chlorinate it at shocking levels.

Pool shock is also the name of the actual product you'll buy to perform the process and they all come with their own instructions. 

There are some non-chlorine products on the market buy they don’t work quite as effectively and absolutely will not work if you have a major algae problem.

But if you don’t have an algae problem and wish to continue swimming pretty soon after treatment, then a non-chlorine shock might be a good product to use occasionally. 

6. Algae Control

Most algae is not harmful to humans, but some do produce toxins.

 However, even the algae that isn’t harmful will muck up the water and harbor bacteria that can be harmful. It also throws of your pool chemistry balance, making it more difficult to clean and sanitize.

There are three main types of algae commonly found in pools—green, black and yellow—but there are literally hundreds of other species on the planet.

Chlorine is the only chemical known to completely eradicate it, but a good algaecide can help you control it.

Smart Tips to Contending with 6 Common Pool Issues

While there are dozens of issues that could give you trouble with your pool, here are six of the most common you should be familiar with.

1. Cloudy Pool Water

If you have cloudy pool water, first you'll need to figure out what is causing the pool water to be murky, and testing the pool chemistry is a good place to start.

If any of the levels are off, they can cause cloudy water for various reasons. Get those levels balanced.

If that doesn’t fix the problem, check your filters.

If they are clogged or the pump isn’t running right, they won’t be cleaning the water like they should. If your filters need to be cleaned, hose them off well and use the appropriate chemicals when necessary.

If you're having regular issues with cloudy water, but everything seems to be working right and your chemicals are balanced, you might need to use a pool clarifier every week after cleaning.

This product will clump tiny particles of debris together so they can be more easily filtered out.

2. Algae

Algae can usually be controlled by consistently shocking your pool.

You'll also need to use a pool brush to scrub the surface so that you are removing any algae spores from the sides that you might not be able to see. Using an algaecide after shocking the pool is also key to keeping it under control.

But if you are still having problems with it, you may need to double shock your pool, brushing and vacuuming after each treatment.

If you're still unable to remove the algae yourself, you'll need to call in a professional as soon as you can to get it under control.

Large black algae infestations sometimes require the pool be completely drained and scrubbed to eradicate it. (Read: how to drain an above ground pool).

3. Green Pool Water

Green pool water is simply an indication that it has been taken over by algae and you'll have to follow the proper steps to remove it. 

Brushing, cleaning and shocking will be required, possibly over several days to clean it up.

4. Pool Foam

A foamy pool can be caused by several things—cheap chemicals, shampoos or other personal hygiene products, too much algaecide or other chemicals, or plumbing problems.

To fix the problem, you'll need to figure out what's causing it. 

First, check the algaecide you are using and make sure it says on the label that it is “non-foaming.” If not, that may be your culprit.

Scoop as much foam from the pool as possible with your skimmer and discontinue use of the product until you can buy some that is actually non-foaming.

If the problem stems from the products people are wearing to the pool, make sure you tell everyone to rinse off quickly in the shower before entering the pool.

If this fixes it, you may be able to narrow down the product to a specific lotion or other product someone is using.

You should also check your pool’s chemistry. Almost every pool problem can be solved by balancing its chemistry, so make sure all your levels are in check.

If none of these things seem to help, check for tears in the pool lining or damage to your return jet fittings. The foam could be caused by leaks that are bubbling to the surface.

5. Stains

Stains in your pool can be caused by all kinds of things, but you'll probably need to find out what's causing it to properly remove and prevent them.

Brownish stains, for example, are often caused by metal found in your water supply. You may not be able to completely prevent them, but you can usually remove them if you act quickly. Try adding an acidic citrus-based cleaner directly to the stain and scrubbing it with a brush.

If the stains are caused by algae or other debris, such as berries or other organic matter, you should probably be able to easily remove it by putting chlorine directly onto it and scrubbing it.

For large stains or stains that are in too many areas to scrub individually, you might try doing a complete brushing and shocking in addition to your regularly scheduled days.

6. Leaks