Swimming Pools & Spas

Alkalinity is important in pool water to keep pH levels stable. A low or high pH level can result in skin irritation and corrosion of pool filters and plumbing lines. Pool test strips show you the...

Concrete pool decks need to be resurfaced every now and then when they begin to deteriorate and wear down. Water absorption and weathering are the two main causes of deterioration. Resurfacing...

Water in an above-ground pool usually stays warm during the hot summer months, but in early or late pool seasons the water might become chilly. To extend the pool season, you need to warm the pool...

Pool liners cover the bottom and sides of pool walls and keep the water inside the pool. Liners are resilient, but leaks can occur from punctures or tears in the liner. If you notice the pool...

With the new trend of "going green," salt water pools have increased in popularity. These types of pools use salt instead of harsh chemicals to keep the pool sanitary. In order to maintain a...

Aboveground pools have protective vinyl liners installed along the bottom and sides of the pool walls. Liners can shrink from chemicals in the water and shift from people moving or bumping into...

A swimming pool's plumbing system is the most important aspect of maintaining clean and clear water. The plumbing system includes the pool skimmer, pump and filter. The pool filter removes dirt,...

Hot tubs need to have chemicals added regularly to ensure the water is clean and safe, as untreated water breeds harmful bacteria and promotes algae growth, making it unsafe to sit in. Sanitizing...

Your swimming pool filtration system is the most important aspect in keeping the pool water clear, balanced and sanitary. The pool filter is responsible for filtering out dirt, debris and algae...

Sand filters work together with the swimming pool pump to ensure the pool water is clear and sanitary. Sand filters use a special sand media that catches particles, debris and algae as the water...

Above-ground pools can last for years with proper maintenance. Eventually, rust holes appear on the metal pool walls and must be treated to stop the hole from spreading. Patching small holes will...

Concrete deterioration due to weathering, water absorption and the growth of microorganisms is inevitable inside the pool and on the deck. Resurfacing the concrete is the best way to relieve those...

Losing water in your swimming pool may simply be the result of normal evaporation. If you think the water level is going down too quickly and you're sure it's not due to everyday evaporation, you...

Filtering your pool keeps the water clean and clear, for healthy swimming. Waterco pool filters employ sand as the filtering media, running the water constantly through a layer of sand to remove...

Adjusting pool chemicals is one of the required tasks of pool ownership. Pool water can breed bacteria and produce algae if proper chemicals are not maintained. Chlorine is one of the most...

Underwater swimming pool lights are standard features in most in-ground swimming pools and are common to above-ground pools as well. Like any electrical bulb, a pool light only lasts so many hours...

Swimming pool liners can last up to 20 years if maintained properly. These liners can be used in hot and cold climates and in above-ground and in-ground pools, but a number of factors can damage them.

Emptying an in-ground pool is not a task to be taken lightly. In-ground pools hold an enormous amount of water, and draining them takes time and due diligence to ensure the water is emptied...

Vinyl swimming pools offer many hours of backyard entertainment for your family. No matter how careful you are, though, at some point the vinyl pool liner may need a pool patch kit to take care of...

Cracks and holes in concrete pools are be a common problem. Over time, the concrete eventually breaks down, making it easy for cracks to occur throughout the inside of the pool and the concrete...

Above-ground pools are easier to drain than built-in pools because the water level is higher than the ground. This allows you to use a simple garden hose to siphon out the water instead of having...

Many factors cause concrete pool decks to deteriorate. Constant weathering that stains and removes the top layer of concrete, and exposure to moisture are the two biggest culprits. Resurfacing the...

The Intex corporation manufactures a variety of above ground swimming pools and equipment such as pool filters, inflatables and swimming gear. The above ground pools come in four different styles...

Hot tubs need regular maintenance and certain chemicals to keep the water sanitized. Chlorine kills bacteria that breed in water, and pH chemicals maintain a proper pH balance to ensure that skin...

Easy Set Pools are above-ground pools manufactured and marketed by the Intex Company. Easy Set Pools come in inflatable varieties and as liners supported by plastic pipe frames. These types of...

If you live in an area with freezing and thawing during the winter or an area with shifting ground, your in-ground concrete swimming pool may develop cracks over time. While small, hairline cracks...

An in-ground pool is a great addition to any yard. It will provide enjoyment for the whole family for many years to come. The pool and plumbing installation should ideally be done by...

The proper installment of an above-ground pool cover will prevent the pool liner from falling into the pool, eliminate debris in the pool and will not blow off during high winds. In addition, a...

A spa cover keeps unwanted objects and debris out of a hot tub or jacuzzi when it's not being used. Keeping things like leaves, sticks, bugs and runaway toys out of a hot tub is an important part...

Determining the proper size for a heat pump pool heater is based on several factors. These include the surface area of the pool, the desired temperature of the pool water and average air...

If your pool or hot tub has scummy, discolored foam on the surface, then you likely have an algaecide foam problem. While you may think that this is just something that you have to live with in...

Cooling off in the heat of the summer in your own pool is convenient, relaxing and economical. A metal frame Easy Set pool takes minimal effort to assemble and provides ample amounts of enjoyment...

Your in-ground swimming pool may need repair work from time to time. One area that you may be able to repair as a do-it-yourself project is the pool coping. This is the lip of the pool that runs...

Cleaning an above ground pool without a vacuum can be accomplished using several methods. Depending on the size of the pool, one person using limited tools and resources can complete the project....

The opening of a swimming pool signifies the beginning of summer. Most homeowners eagerly anticipate their first swim of the season. A solar pool cover will allow anxious swimmers to enjoy their...

A possible point of failure during or after a spa installation is the GFCI or ground fault circuit interrupter that powers the spa pump. These failures often trace to improper installation of...

Pool coping is the cap that edges an in-ground swimming pool wall. It adds a finished look to the pool deck as well as the area above the water line. As you design your swimming pool, you have a...

Silver algaecide stains in pools and hot tubs are actually not the result of silver but of copper, which can interact with other pool chemicals to create silver, light blue and light gray stains....

Algaecides are great for getting rid of algae, but their ingredients can cause bluing and staining on your pool or spa walls over time. While your water may be clear, this can create a serious...