Q&A for How to Maintain Your Swimming Pool

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How do you know when it's time to resurface your pool?

Rob Litman
Licensed Landscaper & General Contractor
Rob Litman is a Landscaper, General Contractor, and the CEO of Vitoli Inc., a landscaping, hardscaping, ecoscaping, and swimming pool design company in Los Angeles, California. With over 20 years of experience in construction, Rob specializes in energy-efficient and drought-tolerant landscaping. He holds General Building Contractor (Class B) and Registered Pool/Spa Contractor Licenses. In 2007, Rob won House of the Year in Gardena, California.

Rob Litman

Licensed Landscaper & General Contractor

Expert Answer

Only replaster your pool when you can visibly see cement underneath. Most people see creases at the bottom of the pool as a failure of the plaster, but that is not the case. Plaster is very clear when it fades. If you notice the top layer of plaster peeling, you're still fine—you won't have to resurface your pool for another 2-3 years.

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Question

Why does the water turn green?

Community Answer

Algae is growing in your pool. To get rid of the algae, shock your pool, then backflush your filter. Add an algicide to the water.

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Question

How do I clear a cloudy pool?

Community Answer

It is important to understand the chemistry of clear water in a swimming pool. The right balance of chemicals ensures you have clean, clear water that does not harbor algae. Become familiar with the testing kit containing dyes and ingredients that help you take an inventory of what your pool water needs to be clean and clear.

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Question

If I am not going to use the pool should I empty it or cover it and treat the water periodically?

Community Answer

Cover the swimming pool and treat the water as required -- make sure that you scoop leaves off the cover if required, otherwise it will make your cover weak and it might fall into the middle of the pool and that's not a lot of fun to get out of the pool.

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Question

How are the control valves set on normal running?

Community Answer

The valves can control many different functions of your pool's plumping system. It can be used to control water flow from the drain, skimmer, jets, water features (waterfall), the amount of water that flows through the heater (if equipped). You have to be familiar with them because turning the wrong valves may lead to expensive damage to your pumps and plumbing. The best thing to do is get a pool service person out to explain the system to you.

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Question

How do I maintain the proper pH of my pool?

Community Answer

You will need to regularly test the pool's pH and adjust it as necessary with a variety of chemicals.

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Question

Why does my creepy not work properly?

Community Answer

It's impossible to say for sure, but maybe your water pump has some problems. You can buy a new pump and see if that fixes the issue.

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Question

What chemical should I add if the pH is too high?

Community Answer

Add some pH minus to your pool, following the manufacturer's instructions. This should help to adjust your pH.

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Question

Is it safe to run the filter motor during freezing weather?

Community Answer

No. There will be water in the pump reservoir that will freeze and potentially crack the cylinder and water lines.

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Question

If I just bought a house with a pool, would a local pool store be the best place to get lessons on what I need to do?

Community Answer

Yes, that would be a good place to go (unless you already have pool maintenance experience and understand chemicals and pool procedures).

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Question

How can I lower the bromine levels in my pool?

Al Fournier

Community Answer

I would suggest you do nothing, just don’t add any more doses of bromine. The bromine levels will naturally decrease. After a couple of days, test your water. If the bromine is still high, then dilute with fresh water if the pool water levels have gone down due to evaporation. If not, simply remove some water and replace it with fresh water to reduce the concentration of bromine.

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Question

Can I turn the filter off on my swimming pool?

Community Answer

Yes you can, but it is not advised as it can lead to algal growth.

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