Swimming Pools & Spas

Swimming pools develop calcium scale buildup if the water's calcium hardness is high (above 250 parts per million). Calcium deposits have a white, caked-on look and appear on tile work and stone...

In-ground swimming pools can be delightful backyard additions to any home. However, there often comes a time when the pool is no longer used or wanted, or it becomes a hassle to maintain. The...

When making the decisions involved with installing an in-ground pool, the most important factors to consider are its location, style and any extra amenities it may incorporate. Make sure that you...

If you're currently using a chlorine-based chemical system to sanitize your inground pool, you may want to consider a salt-based chlorine generator as an alternative. The saltwater generator...

A pool liner is typically made of vinyl and is installed inside the pool's frame to hold the water inside the vessel. The pool water exerts pressure on the liner, holding it securely in place...

You can significantly improve the appearance of an older above ground pool by repainting the support walls. But you can inject additional style to your yard by color-coordinating the pool to match...

Gunite pools can accumulate filth and mineral deposits over time. This unsightly scale can be rather challenging to remove if you aren't armed with the proper tools or instructions. Methods are...

Rust stains are caused by the presence of iron in the water, small shards of metal which may have flaked off into the water, or in some cases, actual metal items in the pool water, such as pool...

Above-ground pools are one of the most popular swimming vessels in the United States. On properties that are hostile to in-ground pools because of the topography or soil conditions, above-ground...

A swimming pool is a valuable addition to any home, especially if it is lined with well-crafted tile. Whether made from ceramics, stone or even glass, swimming pool tile adds not only monetary...

Frogs often mistake swimming pools for their habitat, jump in and can't escape. You find the frog in the skimmer the next morning after it has drowned or consumed harmful pool chemicals. To avoid...

Many factors will come into play when making the decisions involved with your underground pool and accessories. The decision to go with a concrete pool is the best option as it the easiest to...

A solar pool heater can reduce or totally eliminate the need for grid power to heat a swimming pool. The sunlight is absorbed into the black coils of pipe within the panel, and the heat is...

The number of gallons of water in your pool is an essential piece of information for pool owners. You'll most often need this value to calculate the amount of chemicals to add to the pool. It's...

For years, backyard swimming pools have controlled algae and bacteria levels using chlorine-based chemicals that were directly added to the water. The chlorine actually displaces the oxygen atoms...

If you're planning a move or just wanting to change your landscape, disassembling your aboveground pool will require some time and help. Get someone to assist and find a dry place to store the...

Swimming pools can provide entertainment for the entire family and are an ideal place for playing games. With the fun comes an equal amount of work. Many things can go wrong with pools, and...

Many homeowners dream of having a hot tub to relax in on the back deck or in the yard; however, purchasing a new hot tub is quite expensive and can be cost-inhibitive. The alternative is to go...

Swimming pools are a luxury item enjoyed by people all over America. One of the most popular and least expensive building materials for pools is fiberglass. These pools are quick to install, but...

Kiddie pools are set up in backyards all across our country, and little children enjoy hours and hours of splashing and fun times in the water. These pools, although smaller than the larger above...

Swimming pools are great – especially if you live in the Sunbelt (I do). But they’re also a lot of work and expensive to maintain, and costs can jump suddenly if the proper level of chemicals in...

This article is based on working with an inground concrete Swimming Pool. Nothing is more disturbing than to see a swimming pool that's suppose to be inviting, but instead, looks like a dark...

A natural swimming pool, also called a natural swimming pond, is a body of water that uses no chemicals or electrical equipment to disinfect the water. All the cleaning and maintenance is done...

In this article you will learn how to build your own affordable in-ground pool step-by-step. The article is based on experience while building my own pool. I will elaborate on how to do things,...

Converting your swimming pool from the Baquacil sanitizing system to a chlorine sanitizing system is possible but will take a week to ten days depending on the level of Baquacil still present in...

Maintaining a safe pH level in your pool (either private or public) is imperative for ensuring patron (or self) enjoyment of the pool and facilities. By following these steps, you will learn how...

Maintaining a safe pH level in your pool (either private or public) is imperative for ensuring patron (or self) enjoyment of the pool and facilities. By following these steps, you will learn how...

Maintaining the chlorine level in your pool (either private or public) is imperative for ensuring patron (or self) enjoyment of the pool and facilities. Also, it is the primary way to prevent the...

Maintaining the chlorine level in your pool (either private or public) is imperative for ensuring patron (or self) enjoyment of the pool and facilities. Also, it is the primary way to prevent the...

Even in a small space, you can still enjoy the benefits of having a beautiful pool on your property. The design of the pool should blend with the unique characteristics of your yard. Curves,...

Pool equipment is necessary to keep a pool running and clean, but it is unattractive and is noisy as well. Hiding pool equipment is also a good idea if the equipment could be damaged by children...

Before you can clean algae from a pool, you must know what type of algae you have growing and then treat it correctly. There are three forms of algae that you could have in your pool, each...

With proper care and maintenance, pools will provide many years of enjoyment for you and your family. However, every few years or so, a pool will need to be repainted. Not only does a good paint...

It's important to build a sturdy fence around any swimming pool to prevent tragic accidents. Accidental death by drowning is the No. 2 cause of death in and around the home for children under 5,...

Rebuilding a Proline pool pump motor can save you money and add years of use. It's important, though, to know when the motor is salvageable and when it's more economical to cut your losses and buy...

A leaking pool can be big trouble. Not only will it increase your water bill, it will also cost more to keep the pool chemicals balanced if you are constantly adding fresh water. If the water...

Summer is upon us now and its time to get that green pool opened. We never cover our pool or for that matter close it properly at the end of the season so opening it is a HUGE challenge so we...

It's the beginning of pool season and you pull back the cover to find a slimy green pool overrun by algae. How can you get the water crystal clear in time for a pool party?

Your swimming pool water is comprised of different components, which collectively form your water's chemistry. The balance required among these components is critical to achieve a clean and clear...

Spa water is in limited quantity, measuring in the hundreds of gallons range. You must balance the water's chemistry each week throughout the three-month duration it is in use. After that time,...

Chemicals need to be added to spa water for various reasons. Some of them are used to alter the water's chemistry, enabling sanitizers and oxidizers to work properly. Other chemicals are used to...

Your swimming pool should be an oasis for you, your family and friends throughout the swimming season. It should not only look as good as it can through proper maintenance, but it should feel and...

In order to keep your above-ground swimming pool sparkling clean, there are a series of steps to follow each week during the swimming season. Regular, weekly maintenance includes brushing the...

Super chlorination is the process of sanitizing pool water with a large dose of chlorine. Weekly sanitizing maintains water that is free from disease and parasites. Chloramines are formed in your...

A concrete garden pool adds beauty, tranquility and an entertaining focal point to every garden landscape. Any size pool, from a small 3-foot-diameter reflecting pond to a large free-form pool...

Making a natural swimming pond is a cost effective, creative and greener alternative to concrete, chlorinated outdoor pools. Learn how to make a swimming pond and transform your backyard into a...

The pool filter motor is the most important piece of equipment in the pool filtering and cleaning system. The motor drives the pump which moves water from the pool through the filter, and in...

A salt chlorine generator is used with pool systems to make chlorine out of ordinary table salt. It is not an alternative to chlorine since the end result puts chlorine in the pool. It is a way,...

The pool filter and pump are critical pieces of equipment in maintaining good water chemistry and keeping the pool water clean. The pump is the most critical piece because it moves water from the...

Your swimming pool, as simple as it looks, is similar to a complex organism. It undergoes filtration and excretion. Pool pumps circulate the water in your swimming pool to the filtering machine...