ABC’s of Pool Water Chemistry
There are several items things every pool owner should know about swimming pool water. We share details on the basics of Pool Water Chemistry.
Table of Contents - Trouble Free Pool
Pool Care basics
Recommended Levels
We wish to help you understand optimal levels for your pool. Follow the chemical levels in this article and you’ll enjoy a clear pool with little effort.
Chlorine / CYA Chart
We help our users know just how much chlorine they need in their pools. Using this chart you will see ideal chlorine range and your Shock Level for a Slam.
Recommended Pool Chemicals
There are thousands of different pool chemicals companies attempt to sell you. These pool chemicals are cheap, easy to find, and have little side effects.
Non-Recommended Pool Chemicals
Over time TFP has seen its fair share of products that were sold to Pool
Basic Pool Care Schedule
Daily Look at the water, notice the clarity and color. Test the chlorine level and
How long to wait between adding pool chemicals
The wait times between adding pool chemicals is usually around 10 minutes each, as that is also sufficient time for the chemicals to mix in the water.
Troubleshooting your Pump/Filter
This section covers some of the most common problems that can occur with pool equipment.
Pool Circulation Systems
The circulation system of a pool plays a major role in cleaning, sanitizing and heating
Algae
Defeating pool algae Before it Starts
Fighting off pool algae can often be difficult once it starts to develop in your
Should you swim in a green pool and other sanitation related questions?
You’ve been planning all month long to host your daughters birthday party, and it’s all
SLAM – Shock Level and Maintain
SLAMing your pool is the best way to eliminate algae, sanitize your pool and get
Perform the Overnight FC Loss Test (OCLT)
The purpose of the overnight FC test (OCLT) is to determine if you have living
Mustard Algae
Mustard algae is a particularly persistent kind of algae, that appears to go away when
Black Algae
Black algae can be the bane of pool ownership. The spores enter swimming pools through
Pool Equipment
Pump Basics
Purchasing a pool pump can often be frustrating and expensive process. Pool builders often steer
Pool Filter Comparison
There are three basic types of pool filters, all in widespread use – Sand, DE
Determine Pump Run Time
The actual pump run time you need primarily depends on the relative size of your
Routine Pump/Filter Maintenance
One of the most important pieces of equipment for your pool may be the filter
Maintenance and Cleaning of Pool Filters
While most people know that a filter is a key component of a swimming pool’s
Salt Water Chlorine Generators
Overview A salt water chlorine generator (SWG) uses electricity to convert salt into chlorine. As
Water Balance for SWGs
These water balance tips for SWGs will help you maintain your salt pool with the
Pool Heaters Explained
You’re standing there looking at your clear water. You want so badly to get in,
Automatic Pool Cleaners
Automatic Pool Cleaners are one of the most labor-saving (and expensive) accessories for your pool.
Test Kits Compared
We have completed pool test kit reviews to show you the best kit. Check out the following comparison table for your best choice.
How To
How to Chlorinate Your Pool
Your pool must be protected from germs, bacteria, algae and a variety of other organics.
Calcium Scaling
It is important to be aware of the calcium hardness (CH) level of your water.
Calcium Saturation Index (CSI)
In general, most TFP members who follow the TFP Pool School – Recommended Levels page
Stains in Your Pool
In this article we will help you determine if you have Organic Stains caused by
Guide for Seasonal/Temporary Pools
This guide covers smaller pools that have the advantage of a simple water change if
Leak Detection
It’s a sad truth that owning a pool sometimes means having a leak either in
Suction Side Air Leaks
If you see air bubbles coming out of the return lines in your pool, you likely have a leak. Some signs that a suction side plumbing leak has occurred include: Read more
Start-up New Plaster
If you have a new plaster pool or just had your pool plaster resurfaced, the
Convert Your Baqua Pool to Chlorine
This following step-by-step article will help you transform your pool from Biguanide (Baquacil, SoftSwim hereafter
Add DE to a Sand Filter
A clean pool filter will increase the efficiency of your pool! … your filter are to backwash it, clean the manifolds and grids, and add new DE.
Lower Total Alkalinity
There are two reasons to lower your total alkalinity (TA) right away, because you want
Spa & Hot Tub Maintenance A Basic Guide
The snow is falling and the stars are bright. You’ve got the urge to take
Opening Your Winterized Pool
Digging out the pool equipment with spring in the air is one of the most
Closing an In Ground Pool
There are many ways to winterize a pool, varying both by how far North/South you
Closing (Winterizing) Your Above Ground Pool
With a heavy heart, it’s time to put your jacket on and trudge out to
Pool Construction
How to Pick a Pool Builder
For most of us, building a pool fulfills a bit of a personal dream. We
Before You Build
Water When it comes to pools, water is obviously the key ingredient, but it’s something
Pool Surfaces
Vinyl Liner Vinyl liner pools are usually the least expensive to install, and go in
Pool Plaster Tips for the Average Homeowner
When a homeowner is looking to plaster their pool the last thing they frequently wish
Deck Choices Reviewed
Aside from the type and size of the pool itself, perhaps the most important decision
Swimming Pool Plumbing Repair
It’s one of the parts of pool ownership that makes most new pool owners a
Miscellaneous
Where to find Liquid Chlorine
In these uncertain times, We understand these times are making liquid chlorine VERY difficult to
Pool Furniture Buyers Guide
Selecting your pool furniture can make a huge difference from just a simple functional area
Extended Test Directions
We’ve all done it, we’ve all lost the directions or ruined ours by getting them
PoolMath
PoolMath is a handy app based tool that does all of the calculations required to
Read This BEFORE You Post
We’d like to give you a few basic pointers of items that will help us, help you. From filling out a signature to posting test results.
What is TFPC?
We believe any pool owner can achieve and maintain safe, crystal clear pool water, without
Pool Safety
DISCLAIMERTFP is not a medical authority, nor do we provide medical advice. The following items
Bonding vs Grounding
Bonding and grounding are two very different things that are often confused. Grounding serves two
Common Swimming Pool Myths Dispelled
This article looks at some of the more common swimming pool myths and the truth
Further Reading
Although Pool School is designed to be a one stop resource for pool care information,