Cara's Pool School

Since every pool can have its own individual needs and potential issues or pitfalls to be aware of, it may be best to consult with your local and trusted pool professional for the best and most-tailored advice. However, several common staples that should be kept on-hand at any pool would include: pool brush, skimmer net, telescoping pole, chlorine or bromine, and pH balance products.

Yes, repairs on fiberglass pools are possible. It's recommended that you consult with your local and trusted pool professional for further advice, rather than attempting to do any such repairs on your own.

Once the treatment has been completed and the water is clear, you should always test and confirm that proper water chemistry parameters are re-established prior to swimming.

If your pool sees a lot of scrap objects like twigs and rocks, then frequent diaphragm changes may be a necessary compromise for the convenience of automated cleaning. In such scenarios, it's always recommended to take full advantage of any purchase warranty that may be available for each new diaphragm purchased. Otherwise, verify and ensure that suction levels to the cleaner are set appropriately and per manufacturer's recommendations.

Chlorine (or bromine) is used in pools and spas as a means of sanitizing the water and ensure that it can be considered safe for swimmer or bather use. It can be measured as either Total Chlorine (all of the chorine in the water) and Free Chlorine (what is actively free and available to fight off bacteria, contaminants, and other health concerns). Typically, Free Chlorine is the common regular test performed; but Total Chlorine readings -- when greater than the tested Free Chlorine -- can directly indicate that nitrogen and other contaminants are in play and preventing the chlorine from...