Swim University

Swimming Pool Care

Save Hundreds with Our Pool Care Cheat Sheets

Download these FREE printable cheat sheets to help you simplify pool maintenance for crystal-clear water.

Pool Care Cheat Sheet

Pool Troubleshooting

How to Clear Cloudy Pool Water in 48 Hours or Less

How to Clear Cloudy Pool Water in 48 Hours or Less

Here are the 4 common issues that cause cloudy pool water and how to clear your cloudy pool fast using pool clarifier or flocculant.

How to Remove Calcium Buildup on Pool Tile

How to Remove Calcium Buildup on Pool Tile

White, chalky calcium buildup means your pool chemistry is unbalanced. Learn how to remove pool scale and stop it from coming back.

How to Get Rid of Mustard Algae in a Pool

How to Get Rid of Mustard Algae in a Pool

Got mustard algae? Here's a very simple tutorial that will walk you through how to remove stubborn mustard algae from your swimming pool.

How to Keep Mosquitoes Away From Your Pool

How to Keep Mosquitoes Away From Your Pool

West Nile Virus. Zika Virus. Both transmitted by mosquitoes. Learn how to keep mosquitoes away from your pool, and protect your family from these diseases.

How to Kill Black Algae in Your Pool

How to Kill Black Algae in Your Pool

Got black algae in your pool? It's extremely difficult to get rid of because it's actually a type of bacteria. But knowing that is half the battle won.

The Fastest Way to Kill Pool Algae

The Fastest Way to Kill Pool Algae

Get rid of pool algae fast by following this sequence of pool cleaning steps. The quicker you act, the faster you can kill algae in your pool!

How to Identify and Remove Pool Stains

How to Identify and Remove Pool Stains

Finding the occasional pool stain? Learn how to identify them and apply the correct pool stain remover to quickly get rid of them.

Pool Leak Detection: How To Quickly Find The Leak Yourself

Pool Leak Detection: How To Quickly Find The Leak Yourself

Pool leak detection is the first step to fixing what can be a very damaging and expensive problem. Here's how to quickly find and fix a leak.

How to Get Your Pool Liner Back in the Track

How to Get Your Pool Liner Back in the Track

If you have an inground vinyl liner pool, you may occasionally find that your liner has come out of its track. Here's how to fix it.

Pool Pump Making a Loud Noise? 5 Tips to Silence It For Good

Pool Pump Making a Loud Noise? 5 Tips to Silence It For Good

Before you call a professional, there are 5 things you can do to troubleshoot your pool pump making a loud noise.

How to Clear a Green Pool in 24 Hours

How to Clear a Green Pool in 24 Hours

You remove the pool cover and yikes! It's a green pool! You have an algae problem. Just a few steps and a few chemicals will clear the water in no time.

How to Drain an Above Ground Pool (Even Without a Pump)

How to Drain an Above Ground Pool (Even Without a Pump)

Need to drain your pool? Here's how to drain an above ground pool with either a garden hose siphon or a sump pump.

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Pool Water Chemistry

Above Ground Pool Chemicals: How to Balance Your Water

Above Ground Pool Chemicals: How to Balance Your Water

Did you know you should be adjusting your above ground pool chemicals once a week? Here’s a quick guide on how to test and balance your pool.

How to Add Chlorine to a Pool (Tablets, Granules, Liquid)

How to Add Chlorine to a Pool (Tablets, Granules, Liquid)

Whether you’re using tablets, granules, or liquid chlorine, you need to add chlorine to your pool about once a week. So here’s a quick guide...

CYA Levels Low? Here’s How To Raise Cyanuric Acid in a Pool

CYA Levels Low? Here’s How To Raise Cyanuric Acid in a Pool

Need to raise the cyanuric acid in your pool? Here are two simple ways to bring up the CYA levels in your pool.

How Much of Each Chemical to Add to Your Pool

How Much of Each Chemical to Add to Your Pool

You know you have to add chemicals to your pool, but how much? Here’s a quick guide on how much of each pool chemical you need to add.

How to Lower pH in a Pool Quickly with These Common Chemicals

How to Lower pH in a Pool Quickly with These Common Chemicals

Are your pool's pH levels too high? Here's how to lower pH in a pool using either pH decreaser or muriatic acid.

How to Raise Free Chlorine Levels in a Pool

How to Raise Free Chlorine Levels in a Pool

There are a few causes of low chlorine in a pool. But they're easy to fix. So here's a quick guide on how to raise free chlorine in your pool.

How to Balance the Calcium Hardness Level in Your Pool

How to Balance the Calcium Hardness Level in Your Pool

Learning how to manage and control the calcium hardness in your pool is a big step toward keeping it clean, clear, and swimmable all season long.

How Much Chlorine Should I Add to My Pool?

How Much Chlorine Should I Add to My Pool?

How much chlorine does your pool need? It depends on the size of your pool and what type of chlorine you buy. Here's our complete guide...

Stabilized vs. Unstabilized Chlorine: What’s the Difference?

Stabilized vs. Unstabilized Chlorine: What’s the Difference?

Learn the difference between stabilized and unstabilized chlorine so you can choose the one that will work best in your pool.

Pool Flocculant: How Does It Work and Is It Better Than Pool Clarifier?

Pool Flocculant: How Does It Work and Is It Better Than Pool Clarifier?

Pool flocculant can clear up cloudy pool water fast. But when should you use flocculant over clarifier? Here's exactly how to use pool floc.

How to Add Muriatic Acid In Your Pool (to Lower pH and Alkalinity)

How to Add Muriatic Acid In Your Pool (to Lower pH and Alkalinity)

Muriatic acid is a cheap way to balance your pool's chemistry, but it can be dangerous. Here's how to use muriatic acid safely in your pool.

Cyanuric Acid: Why Your Pool Needs It and How To Balance It

Cyanuric Acid: Why Your Pool Needs It and How To Balance It

At the right levels, cyanuric acid protects chlorine in your pool and helps keep your water sanitized. Here's how to balance cyanuric acid.

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Pool Maintenance

How to Backwash a Pool Filter

How to Backwash a Pool Filter

Need to backwash your pool filter? This step-by-step guide will help keep your filter running better and your pool water clear.

14 Pool Cleaning Hacks That Save Money

14 Pool Cleaning Hacks That Save Money

Are you really saving as much money on pool maintenance as you could be? Check out our money-saving swimming pool tips and start lowering your costs today!

How to Remove Pollen From Your Pool

How to Remove Pollen From Your Pool

Finding pollen in your pool is no fun. Removing it isn't much fun either. But at least it's easy as long as you have the right tools. Learn more here.

How Long Should I Run My Pool Pump Every Day?

How Long Should I Run My Pool Pump Every Day?

Learn how long to run your pool pump based on pool size, pump type, and season. Use our formula to save energy and keep your water clean.

How to Get Leaves Out of a Pool

How to Get Leaves Out of a Pool

Learn how to get leaves out of a pool with skimmer nets, leaf vacuums, and automatic tools. Stop clogs and algae before they damage your pool.

How to Keep Your Pool Clean While on Vacation

How to Keep Your Pool Clean While on Vacation

Learn essential vacation pool care steps to prevent algae and equipment damage while you're away. Keep your pool clean with this complete pre-trip checklist.

A Beginner’s Guide to Pool Maintenance

A Beginner’s Guide to Pool Maintenance

Learn proper pool maintenance with easy tips on cleaning, balancing chemicals, and troubleshooting common issues to keep your pool water clear.

The Best Pool Supplies You Absolutely Need in 2025

The Best Pool Supplies You Absolutely Need in 2025

Do you have everything you need to take care of your pool? If you don't have these few essentials, your pool maintenance is a lot harder than it has to be.

6 Ways to Protect Your Pool In Hot Temps and Heat Waves

6 Ways to Protect Your Pool In Hot Temps and Heat Waves

When it’s hot outside, your pool needs extra help to stay sanitized. So here are 6 ways to protect your pool water in hot weather.

Can You Put Bleach in a Pool to Keep It Clean?

Can You Put Bleach in a Pool to Keep It Clean?

Did you know you can replace most of your expensive pool chemicals with common household products? Here’s what to use...

How to Clean a Pool Filter (Sand, Cartridge, D.E.)

How to Clean a Pool Filter (Sand, Cartridge, D.E.)

Do you know how to clean a pool filter? Are you sure? Get crystal clear, pristine pool water by keeping any type of filter clean with a few easy methods.

How to Drain an Inground Pool

How to Drain an Inground Pool

Knowing how to drain an inground pool before you start can help the process go more smoothly, and help you avoid costly damage.

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Pool Equipment

The Best Variable Speed Pool Pumps in 2026

The Best Variable Speed Pool Pumps in 2026

Should you upgrade to a variable speed pool pump? Learn all the benefits of upgrading, plus a few perks that might surprise you.

The Best Robotic Pool Cleaners in 2026

The Best Robotic Pool Cleaners in 2026

Robotic pool cleaners save you hours of work and don't need your filter system to run. See our top picks and must-have features before you buy.

The Best Solar Pool Covers in 2026

The Best Solar Pool Covers in 2026

A solar cover can save you money on chemicals, your electric bill, and even reduce water evaporation. We picked the best solar pool covers in 2024.

How to Select the Best Pool Pump in 2026

How to Select the Best Pool Pump in 2026

The pool pump is the heart of your pool's circulation system. Choose the right type, learn how to troubleshoot it, and save yourself time and money.

Pool Plumbing and Anatomy for Beginners

Pool Plumbing and Anatomy for Beginners

Keeping every part of your pool plumbing system in mind will help you maintain your clean, sparkling pool, and extend your equipment's longevity.

The Best Inground Pool Heater in 2026

The Best Inground Pool Heater in 2026

Looking for the best inground pool pool heater? Here's how to find the best and most efficient heater for your pool setup.

How to Buy The Best Pool Heater in 2026

How to Buy The Best Pool Heater in 2026

Is your pool a little too cold? Warm it up with an efficient, cost-effective, eco-friendly pool heater. Who says winter can't be pool season?

The Best Above Ground Pool Heater in 2026

The Best Above Ground Pool Heater in 2026

Looking for the best above ground pool heater? Here's how to decide which type (gas, electric or solar) is right for your pool.

The Best Solar Cover Reel for an Inground Pool in 2025

The Best Solar Cover Reel for an Inground Pool in 2025

Stop struggling with that solar cover, and don't cut it up. Get the right solar cover reel, and make deploying and removing that cover easier on yourself.

The Best Inground Pool Cleaner for 2025

The Best Inground Pool Cleaner for 2025

We tested, reviewed, and picked the best inground pool cleaner for every type of inground swimming pool. Here are our top picks...

The Best Above Ground Pool Vacuums For 2025

The Best Above Ground Pool Vacuums For 2025

Got an above ground pool and looking for an automatic vacuum? Check out what we ranked as the best above ground pool vacuums this year!

How Does a Pool Pump Work to Keep Your Pool Perfect?

How Does a Pool Pump Work to Keep Your Pool Perfect?

Your pool pump is one of the most important pieces of equipment. But how does it actually work? Here’s everything you need to know...

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Pool Opening

What’s in a Pool Opening Kit?

What’s in a Pool Opening Kit?

A pool opening kit has everything you need to balance your water after winter. Here's what's included and how to use each chemical correctly.

When To Open Your Pool in 2026 (Based On Where You Live)

When To Open Your Pool in 2026 (Based On Where You Live)

You should open your pool when the outside temperature stays consistently above 70 degrees Fahrenheit (or 21 degrees Celsius). Learn more.

How Much Does It Cost to Open a Swimming Pool in 2026?

How Much Does It Cost to Open a Swimming Pool in 2026?

Opening your pool doesn't have to break the bank. Learn what pros charge, what chemicals cost, and how to save money doing it yourself.

New Pool Start Up Checklist

New Pool Start Up Checklist

Use this new pool startup checklist to balance alkalinity, pH, calcium, and chlorine in the correct order. And start swimming sooner.

6 Opening Pool Chemicals (Add These in This Order)

6 Opening Pool Chemicals (Add These in This Order)

Get your pool ready fast. Learn the 6 essential chemicals to add after opening, in the right order, so your water is balanced and clear. Start here!

Pool Opening Tips to Get Your Pool Ready Fast

Pool Opening Tips to Get Your Pool Ready Fast

Get your pool swim-ready fast by opening it the right way. Learn the chemical order, shock timing, and setup steps for crystal clear water.

How Long Does It Take to Open a Pool?

How Long Does It Take to Open a Pool?

A properly winterized pool can be swim-ready in as little as 8 hours. Learn the 7-step opening process from cover removal to chemical balancing so you can dive in sooner.

How to Clear a Green Pool After Opening

How to Clear a Green Pool After Opening

Open your pool to green water? Clear it in 48-72 hours with brushing, shocking, and filtering. Follow these 8 steps to remove algae fast. Learn more!

How to Fix Cloudy Pool Water After Opening

How to Fix Cloudy Pool Water After Opening

Clear cloudy pool water after opening with proper filtration, balanced chemistry, and shock treatment. Follow our proven 5-step process. Start now!

How to Open an Inground Pool in 13 Steps

How to Open an Inground Pool in 13 Steps

Thinking it'd be easier to just leave your pool closed when winter ends? Don't worry. Learn how to open your inground pool and get right back to the fun!

How to Open an Above Ground Pool in 11 Steps

How to Open an Above Ground Pool in 11 Steps

It's pool season again! Open your above ground pool with just a few pieces of equipment, some basic chemicals, and a little elbow grease.

Stress-Free Intex Pool Setup

Stress-Free Intex Pool Setup

Get an Intex pool, they said. Easier than a regular above ground pool, they said. Well, they weren't wrong. You just need some Intex pool setup guidance.

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Pool Closing

Pool Winter Maintenance

Salt Water Pools

Salt Water Pool vs Chlorine Pool: Which is Better?

Salt Water Pool vs Chlorine Pool: Which is Better?

Comparing a salt water pools vs a chlorine pool? Learn the real differences in cost, maintenance, and water quality so you can pick the right pool.

How to Clean a Pool Salt Cell

How to Clean a Pool Salt Cell

Cleaning a pool salt cell regularly prevents calcium buildup and keeps your system running. Follow these steps to do it safely and correctly.

Salt Water Pool Maintenance 101: How to Keep it Clean and Clear

Salt Water Pool Maintenance 101: How to Keep it Clean and Clear

A salt water pool needs everything a normal pool needs, but with a few major differences. Here's an easy guide to salt water pool maintenance.

The Best Pool Test Kit For Saltwater Pool Owners in 2026

The Best Pool Test Kit For Saltwater Pool Owners in 2026

Find the best pool test kit for saltwater pool owners. Compare liquid kits, test strips, and digital testers to keep your water balanced and clear.

How to Convert Your Chlorine Pool to Salt Water

How to Convert Your Chlorine Pool to Salt Water

Learn how to convert your chlorine pool to salt water, including costs, step-by-step instructions, and maintenance tips to keep it running right.

The Best Pool Shock for Salt Water Pools

The Best Pool Shock for Salt Water Pools

Learn which pool shock to use for your salt water pool and in which scenario: dichlor shock, liquid chlorine, or non-chlorine shock.

Pool Salt Calculator: How Much Salt to Add to Your Pool

Pool Salt Calculator: How Much Salt to Add to Your Pool

Wondering how much salt to add to your pool? Here's a simple pool salt calculator for figuring out how many bags of salt you need.

How to Open a Salt Water Pool in 8 Steps

How to Open a Salt Water Pool in 8 Steps

Learn how to start a salt water pool with the right chemicals in the right order. Follow our 8-step guide to protect your salt cell and swim sooner!

The Best Salt Water System for Above Ground Pools in 2024

The Best Salt Water System for Above Ground Pools in 2024

‌Looking for the best salt water system for your above ground pool? Here's what to consider before you buy and our recommendations.

Salt Water Pool Systems: What’s the Best One and Are They Worth It?

Salt Water Pool Systems: What’s the Best One and Are They Worth It?

Wondering if a salt water pool system is right for you? Here's a quick guide on how salt water generators work and how to choose the best one.

Salt Water Pools: How Do They Work and Are They Worth It?

Salt Water Pools: How Do They Work and Are They Worth It?

Should you convert your chlorine pool to a salt water pool? Before you buy a salt water system, here are the must-know pros and cons.

9 Common Salt Water Pool Maintenance Mistakes

9 Common Salt Water Pool Maintenance Mistakes

Salt water pools are different than traditional pools. So here are the common salt water pool maintenance mistakes and how to avoid them.

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