Owning a pool gives your family a place to relax, swim, exercise, gather with friends, and enjoy more time outside. It also comes with a bit of a learning curve.
New outdoor pool owners often have the same types of questions: When should I open my pool? How often should I test the water? Why is the water cloudy? How long should I run the pool pump? Is a saltwater pool really easier? What should I do after a storm?
With that in mind, consider class officially in session! Welcome to our handy Pool School Guide, where Swimming Pool Services answers some of the most common questions pool owners ask throughout the season. Use this as your cheat sheet and watch our Pool School YouTube videos for better water care, stronger pool equipment habits, and a smoother, more enjoyable pool season.
Pool Opening and Pool Closing Questions
When should I open my pool, and how long should I keep it open each season?
In Wisconsin, many pool owners open their pools in late April or early May, depending on the weather, water temperature, and how soon they want to swim. Opening during spring can help prevent algae from getting ahead of you once warmer weather arrives. Most pools stay open through Labor Day in September, though some owners choose to extend the season with a pool heater.
What chemicals should I use for opening versus closing my pool?
Pool opening chemicals are meant to clean, balance, and restart the water after winter. They may include shock, algaecide, stain and scale control, pH adjusters, alkalinity adjusters, calcium hardness products, and stabilizers. Pool closing chemicals are designed to protect the water while the pool sits covered. These may include winter algaecide, winterizing shock or oxidizer, and stain-and-scale protection. The exact products depend on your pool type, cover, sanitizer system, and water test results.
What chemicals should I add to my pool during opening?
At pool opening, start with cleaning and circulation before adding several products. Remove debris, reinstall pool equipment, fill the pool to the proper level, and start the pump. After the water has circulated for 24 to 48 hours, bring a sample for free water testing into our showroom in Waukesha. Our team is happy to help. Common pool opening products may include shock, algaecide, pH increaser or decreaser, alkalinity increaser, calcium hardness adjuster, stabilizer, and stain prevention. Testing first prevents overcorrecting.
Do I need to clean my winter pool cover after opening the pool?
Yes. Clean and dry your winter cover before storing it. Leaves, standing water, and organic debris can stain the cover, create odors, and shorten its life. Rinse it thoroughly, let it dry, and store it in a dry place away from pests, sharp tools, and damp conditions. Need help? Choose a pool opening plan with a pool cover cleaning add-on from Swimming Pool Services.
What should I do with my pool after heavy rain or storms?
After heavy rain, check the water level, empty skimmer and pump baskets, skim debris, brush the pool, and test the water. Rain can dilute sanitizer, shift pH and alkalinity, and wash dirt, pollen, leaves, fertilizer, and other contaminants into the pool. If the water level is too high, lower it to the correct range. Then run the pool pump and balance the water based on your test results.
Does hot or cold weather affect pool chemistry?
Yes. Hot weather can burn through chlorine faster, encourage algae growth, and increase swimmer use. Cold weather slows chemical activity, but it can still affect water balance and pool heater use. During heat waves, storms, or high-use periods, test your pool water more often.
Weekly Pool Maintenance and Cleaning Questions
What does a good weekly pool maintenance routine look like?
A strong weekly pool maintenance routine includes testing the water, emptying skimmer baskets, cleaning the pump basket, brushing walls and steps, vacuuming or running a pool cleaner, checking water level, reviewing filter pressure, and adjusting pool chemicals as needed.
How often should I test my pool water, and what levels should I monitor?
During swim season, test sanitizer and pH several times per week. During heavy use, hot weather, storms, or algae cleanup, daily testing may be needed. Other important levels include free chlorine, combined chlorine, pH, total alkalinity, calcium hardness, cyanuric acid, salt level for saltwater pools, and metals when staining is a concern.
What should my chlorine, alkalinity, pH, and calcium levels be?
Common target pool chemical ranges include:
- Chlorine: 1–3 ppm for chlorinated and saltwater system pools
- pH: 7.2–7.6
- Total Alkalinity: 120-150 ppm
- Calcium Hardness (CH): 175–225 ppm
- Cyanuric Acid (CYA): 30+ ppm
- Total Dissolved Solids (TDS): 1,000–2,500 ppm
- Salt (for saltwater pools): 3000-3500 ppm
Your exact range may vary based on your pool surface, sanitizer system, equipment, and water care program. A professional water test from Swimming Pool Services gives the most accurate direction for balancing your pool water.
How much time per week should I spend adjusting pool chemicals?
Many pool owners spend about 15 to 30 minutes per week testing and adjusting chemicals. If the water is cloudy, green, foamy, stained, or unable to hold chlorine, it may take more time. The goal is to test often enough that small chemical adjustments and cleaning keep the water steady.
How should I clean my pool, and how often?
Skim the surface of your swimming pool daily as needed, brush walls and steps weekly, and vacuum weekly or whenever dirt collects on the floor. Pools near trees, lawns, construction, or heavy pollen may need more frequent cleaning. Brushing matters because algae and biofilm can cling to corners, ladders, steps, lights, returns, and other low-circulation areas. Don’t forget to keep an eye on your filter pressure gauge and backwash when pressure is 8-10 psi over the normal range. This will keep your filter and vacuum operating well.
How do I vacuum my pool?
To vacuum manually, attach the vacuum head to the extension pole and connect the hose. Remove air from your pool vacuum hose by submerging it and filling the hose completely with water from your return jet. After all bubbles are out of the hose, keep the end of the hose under water.
Next, connect the open end of the hose to the skimmer, vacuum port, or skimmer vacuum plate. If you turned the pump off to install your vacuum, turn the pump back on. You should feel suction through the hose. Move the pool vacuum slowly across the floor. Moving too quickly stirs dirt into the water instead of removing it. Vacuum until the floor, steps, tanning ledge, benches, or other horizontal surfaces are completely clean. Watch the filter pressure, and clean or backwash the filter as needed.
What options are available beyond manual pool vacuums?
Pool owners can choose suction-side cleaners, pressure-side cleaners, robotic pool cleaners, or professional cleaning service. Suction and pressure cleaners rely on the pool’s circulation system. Robotic cleaners run independently and can scrub, vacuum, and filter debris. Robotic pool cleaners save time and improve routine cleaning. They don’t replace water testing or brushing (unless you choose one that has wall and waterline scrubbing capabilities), but they make maintenance easier.
How often should I shock my pool?
Many pools benefit from routine oxidation or shock, but the right timing depends on water test results, bather load, weather, sanitizer level, and water clarity. Pool shock may be needed after heavy swimming, storms, algae growth, cloudy water, or a strong chlorine odor. Always follow product directions and test before swimming again.
What should I do after a heavy bather load in my pool?
After a pool party or busy swim day, skim debris, empty baskets, run the pump, test sanitizer and pH, and shock if needed. Sunscreen, sweat, body oils, hair products, and organic material can use up sanitizer quickly. A quick response helps prevent cloudy water and algae.
Pool Chemistry and Water Quality Questions
How can I tell if my water chemistry is off?
Signs of poor pool water chemistry include cloudy water, algae, strong chlorine odor, eye irritation, skin discomfort, scaling, staining, foaming, liner fading, and difficulty holding chlorine. Clear water can still be unbalanced, so regular testing is the best way to know what your pool needs.
Why is my pool cloudy?
Cloudy pool water can come from low sanitizer, poor filtration, high pH, high alkalinity, high calcium hardness, early algae growth, heavy swimmer use, rain, or fine debris. Start by testing the water, cleaning baskets, checking filter pressure, brushing the pool, and running the pool pump longer. Make sure your filter has been backwashed if you have a pool sand filter or DE filter, or that the cartridge filter has been changed according to manufacturer’s instructions. Avoid adding random products before identifying the likely cause of your cloudy water issue.
What causes algae, and how do I get rid of it?
Algae in your pool can grow when sanitizer drops too low, circulation is weak, brushing is skipped, pool filters are dirty, or warm weather increases chlorine demand. Algae love to feed on phosphates, and phosphate bioavailability can increase when pH ranges are off. To treat algae, brush the entire pool, clean baskets, test and balance the water, shock according to product directions, and run the pump continuously until the water clears. Severe algae may require repeated brushing, filter cleaning, and professional guidance and pool supplies.
What is chlorine demand, and how do I prevent it?
Chlorine demand means contaminants are consuming pool chlorine faster than it can remain active in the water. Although you may apply the correct amount, it can be used up quickly if your pool chemical balance is off. This can happen after algae growth, heavy swimmer use, spring opening, ammonia contamination, or organic debris buildup. Prevent it with regular testing, proper filtration, brushing, routine oxidation, and quick cleanup after storms or heavy pool use. Make sure your total free chlorine is between 1–3 ppm.
Why can’t I use Smart Shock® to troubleshoot pool issues?
Smart Shock® and similar products can be useful as part of a regular maintenance program, but they are not meant to diagnose every water issue. If your pool is cloudy, green, stained, foamy, or unable to retain chlorine or bromine levels, you need a full water test and a targeted treatment plan. Guessing at any pool chemical product use for an unknown issue can waste valuable time and money.
Can I use liquid shock weekly?
Liquid shock can be helpful in certain situations, but weekly use may not be the best choice for every pool. Liquid shock is a fast-acting solution, but it is a form of unstabilized chlorine, meaning it is quickly destroyed by UV rays and may not remain in your water as long as a stabilized shock product will. Too much use can adversely affect pH and may not match your water care system. Pool chemical treatment should be administered based on water testing. If you have questions about the proper sanitizer, chlorine, or shock for your pool, bring a water sample in-store, and we can help you find exactly what you need.
Why can’t I put chlorine tablets in the skimmer?
Chlorine tablets should not be placed in the skimmer because concentrated, acidic chlorinated water can pass directly through the pump, filter, heater, and other equipment. When the pump is off, chemical-heavy water can sit in the skimmer and plumbing, degrading your system from the inside out.
Can I use generic or big-box-store pool chemicals?
You can find pool chemicals in many places, but the strength, ingredients, fillers, and instructions can vary. Cheaper products may cost more over time as they often have fillers and binders to extend shelf life. This can contribute to cloudy water, staining, scaling, or poor sanitizer performance. Quality, professional water care products give you better guidance and help reduce guesswork.
Why is it important to use chemicals from the same brand?
Many pool chemical systems are designed to work together. Mixing brands can create overlap, product conflicts, or confusing results. Using one trusted system makes dosing and troubleshooting more predictable, especially with specialty products, mineral systems, enzymes, algaecides, and shocks.
What is the purple stuff floating in my pool?
Purple residue may be related to metals, manganese, copper, or a chemical reaction in the water. It may appear as film, flakes, or staining. Do not add shock or scrub aggressively before testing. Bring Swimming Pool Services a water sample and take photos so one of our pool professionals can help identify the cause.
What is the brown sandy material on the bottom of my pool?
Brown sandy material may be dirt, pollen, dead algae, filter sand, or mustard algae. If it returns quickly after vacuuming, pay attention to where it collects and how it behaves when brushed. If it appears near return jets, filter sand may be entering the pool.
Can pool stains be removed from liners or plaster?
Many pool stains can be reduced or removed, but treatment depends on the stain type. Organic stains, metal stains, rust stains, scale, and algae staining all require different solutions. Do not use harsh scrubbing tools on vinyl liners. Stain identification and water testing are important first steps.
Pool Equipment Operation and Maintenance Questions
How long should I run my pool equipment each day?
Many pools need 8 to 12 hours of circulation per day during swim season. The right runtime depends on pool size, weather, pump type, sanitizer system, bather load, and water condition. Variable-speed pumps often run longer at lower speeds for efficient circulation. If the water is cloudy, algae is present, or chemicals were recently added, a longer runtime may be needed.
How do I turn my pump on and off and adjust pump speeds?
Single-speed pumps are usually controlled by a switch, timer, or automation system. Variable-speed pumps may have programmed settings for filtration, cleaning, heating, water features, or spa mode. Before changing speeds, understand what each setting controls. Some pool heaters, cleaners, and water features need a certain flow rate or an additional pool pump to operate correctly.
How do pool valves work on the pool plumbing?
Pool plumbing valves direct water from skimmers, main drains, returns, heaters, cleaners, spas, and water features. Turning a valve changes where water is pulled from or sent back to. Move valves slowly and never force them. If you do not know what a valve controls, ask for help labeling the pool system during a pool service appointment.
How do I backwash my filter?
For a sand filter or DE filter, turn the pump off, select backwash on the multiport valve, then turn on the pump, and run until the sight glass clears. Next, turn the pump off, set the valve to rinse, run briefly, turn the pump off again, and return the valve to filter mode. Never move a multiport valve while the pump is running.
How often should I change filter sand or cartridge filters?
Filter sand often lasts around 5 years, although water quality, debris, and maintenance habits can change that timeline. Cartridge filters may last 1 to 3 years with proper care, but they should be replaced sooner if they are torn, crushed, clogged, or no longer cleaning well. Clean and replace pool filter cartridges according to the manufacturer’s directions, and avoid harsh pressure washing that damages the pleats.
How long do pool pumps, heaters, and liners last?
Pool pumps often last 8 to 12 years. Heaters often last 7 to 12 years. Vinyl liners commonly last 8 to 12 years. Product quality, water chemistry, maintenance, winter care, and usage all affect lifespan. When you are ready for replacement pool equipment, Swimming Pool Services has the most updated equipment from the best brands in the pool industry.
How loud should my pool pump be?
A pool pump should have a steady operating sound. Grinding, screeching, rattling, humming, or sudden loud operation can point to worn bearings, air leaks, debris, motor trouble, or cavitation. If the sound changes, turn the system off and schedule professional pool service and pool equipment repair before the damage gets worse.
What does the “SW OPEN” heater error mean?
“SW OPEN” often means a pressure switch, water pressure switch, or safety switch is open. In plain language, the heater may not be sensing proper water flow or a required safety condition. Check water level, pump operation, filter pressure, and valve positions. If the error remains, call for service.
What happens if the water level drops below the skimmer while the pump is running?
If the water drops below the skimmer, the pump can pull air instead of water. This can cause loss of prime, overheating, poor circulation, and pump damage. Turn the pump off, raise the water level, and restart only after the system can pull water properly.
Pool Water Level, Covers, and Heating Questions
Where should my pool water level be?
Your pool water level should sit right around the middle of your pool skimmer opening. If the water is too low, the pump can pull air and shut off. If the water is too high, the skimmer may not remove surface debris properly. Check the level after heavy rain, long dry stretches, and busy swim days.
Should I drain water if my pool level is too high?
Yes, if the water rises above the proper range, you should drain it to the right level. Heavy rain can overfill the pool and reduce skimming performance. Lower the water carefully based on your pool setup. Avoid draining too much from a vinyl liner pool, since low water can cause liner movement or damage.
Why would I need to drain my pool?
You may need to drain some water after heavy rain, during certain repairs, at pool closing, or to lower high levels of stabilizer, salt, calcium, or dissolved solids. Full draining is rarely recommended without professional supervision, especially for vinyl liner pools.
How can I tell if my pool is losing water or just experiencing evaporation?
Try this quick at-home check before assuming evaporation is the problem. Set a 5-gallon bucket on a pool step and add pool water to it until the level in the bucket is even with the surrounding pool water. Use tape or a marker to note both starting points: one for the water inside the bucket and one for the pool level on the outside. Leave the pool and bucket undisturbed for 24-48 hours, then compare the change in both water lines. If the pool level falls noticeably farther than the water in the bucket, the loss may be coming from a leak instead of normal evaporation. If you have concerns, contact Swimming Pool Services for professional leak detection service.
Should I cover my pool when it’s not in use?
Yes. A pool cover can reduce heat loss, evaporation, debris, and chemical loss, and prevent unwanted access to your swimming pool. Pool safety covers, solar covers, winter covers, and automatic covers all serve different purposes. The right cover depends on your pool, safety needs, season, and daily routine.
Do I need to clean or maintain my automatic pool cover?
Yes. Automatic pool covers need regular care. Remove debris, clean the tracks, keep the cover box clear, and watch for uneven movement. Proper care helps protect the fabric, ropes, tracks, motor, and cover mechanism. Use a pool cover pump to remove water from the cover after rain or snow melt.
Should I leave my automatic cover open after adding chemicals?
In many cases, yes. Leaving the cover open after adding chemicals allows gases to escape and gives products time to circulate. This can help protect the cover fabric and hardware. Follow product directions and ask your pool professional for guidance based on your chemical system.
What is the maximum safe heater temperature for a vinyl liner pool?
Many pool professionals recommend keeping vinyl liner pools at or below the mid-80s, often around 84 degrees, unless the liner manufacturer gives different guidance. Higher water temperatures can shorten liner life, increase chemical demand, and raise operating costs.
What temperature should I keep my pool at during the week if I want it warmer on weekends?
If you want warmer water for weekends, keep the pool at a moderate baseline during the week and raise it a few degrees before use. The best setting depends on heater type, outdoor temperature, cover use, and energy costs. Using a cover helps hold heat and reduces heater runtime.
Saltwater Pool Questions
What are the pros and cons of saltwater pools?
Saltwater pools create chlorine from salt through a salt chlorine generator. Many pool owners like the steady chlorine production, softer-feeling water, and reduced handling of traditional chlorine products. That said, saltwater pools are not chemical-free pools.
Do saltwater pools still require chemical maintenance?
Yes. Saltwater pools still need regular testing and balancing. You still need to monitor pH, alkalinity, calcium hardness, stabilizer, salt level, sanitizer level, and overall water balance. A salt system makes chlorine, but it does not manage every part of pool chemistry for you.
Pool Cost and Ownership Questions
How much does it cost to run a pool each summer?
Pool operating costs vary based on pool size, pump type, heater use, chemical needs, water rates, electric rates, and maintenance choices. A pool with a variable-speed pump, a good cover, balanced water, and consistent care usually costs less to operate than a pool with poor circulation, frequent algae, and neglected equipment.
How much will a pool heater increase my energy bill?
A pool heater can increase energy costs, especially during cool nights, windy weather, frequent use, or high-temperature settings. Gas heaters use more fuel when they run often. Heat pumps depend on air temperature and electric rates. Using a cover is one of the best ways to reduce heat loss and control heating costs.
How much does professional pool maintenance cost?
Professional pool maintenance cost depends on pool size, service frequency, cleaning needs, chemical program, equipment condition, and location. Ask what is included in the service. Some plans include water testing, chemicals, vacuuming, brushing, basket cleaning, equipment checks, and filter care. Others may charge separately for chemicals or repairs.
How much does a sand change cost for your pool filter?
A standard pool filter sand change from Swimming Pool Services for $350, not including any damaged internal parts found during service. If filter sand is old, clumped, channeled, or no longer clearing your water well, sand replacement may be a smart investment for a good season ahead.
How many gallons is my pool?
Pool gallons are calculated using the pool’s shape, length, width, and average depth. For a rectangular pool, use this formula: length × width × average depth × 7.5. For a round pool, use this formula: diameter × diameter × average depth × 5.9. Accurate gallons matter because chemical dosing is based on water volume.
Pool Repair, Pool Safety, and Insurance Questions
Why is one of my pool lights a different color than the others?
One pool light may show a different color because of programming, sync issues, bulb age, LED failure, wiring problems, or a different replacement model. Try resetting the light sequence according to the controller instructions. If the color still does not match, service may be needed.
How long do pool liners last?
Vinyl pool liners often last 8 to 12 years. Some last longer with excellent care, and some need replacement sooner due to harsh chemistry, high heat, sharp objects, or poor winter care. Good water balance is one of the best ways to protect a vinyl liner.
What pool safety equipment is required by code?
Pool safety requirements vary by municipality and property type. Common requirements may include fencing, self-closing gates, approved barriers, pool alarms, drain covers, life rings, reaching poles, safety covers, and proper electrical bonding or grounding. Check local code before building, opening, or modifying a pool.
Do I need insurance coverage for my pool?
Yes. Let your insurance provider know you have a pool. Your policy may need liability coverage, specific safety requirements, or additional protection.
Get Expert Help for Your Wisconsin Pool from Swimming Pool Services
Pool ownership becomes much easier when you have the right support, reliable water testing, quality products, and a clear maintenance plan.
As your trusted pool builder, hot tub store, and pool and hot tub service company in Waukesha, we’ve served Milwaukee and the surrounding areas with unmatched customer care and support for more than 50 years. Find everything you need all in one place, including pool safety cameras, toys, pool chemicals, maintenance supplies, and so much more.
Swimming Pool Services is your turn-key solution for everything you need to create the backyard of your dreams, including pool school education for successful pool ownership.
Need assistance or professional pool service? Contact us for expert pool and hot tub care, dependable service, and practical guidance to help you enjoy your pool with greater confidence. Or, stop in or call our showroom anytime to connect with one of our pool experts. We are always here to help you create the best backyard memories.
