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Swim University
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

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 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.

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 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.

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.

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 Rid of White Water Mold and Pink Slime in a Pool

How to Get Rid of White Water Mold and Pink Slime in a Pool

Pink, white and blue isn't a good look for your pool. Kick the white water mold and pink slime out to avoid illness and keep your pool swimmable.

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 Fix Air in a Pool Pump

How to Fix Air in a Pool Pump

Air can be a good thing in lots of places. But you know what's not so good? Air in a pool pump. To fix it, you need to know where to look.

Why There’s Sand in Your Pool and How to Get it Out

Why There’s Sand in Your Pool and How to Get it Out

You have a pool, not a beach, so you don't want any sand in your pool. To get it out and keep it from returning, you have to understand how it got there.

How To Get Rid Of Water Bugs In Your Pool

How To Get Rid Of Water Bugs In Your Pool

Water bugs in your pool? Not for long! All you need is a few tools, a couple of chemicals, and a little time, and you can get rid of them for good.

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Pool Water Chemistry

When is it Safe to Swim After Adding Pool Chemicals?

When is it Safe to Swim After Adding Pool Chemicals?

Your levels, like pH and chlorine, should all be in range before anyone gets in the water. But how long does that usually take?

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

How to Safely 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.

The Complete Guide to Pool Mineral Systems

The Complete Guide to Pool Mineral Systems

Tired of dry skin, brittle hair, and stinky "chlorine" smell? Want to spend less time balancing the water? Might be time to try a pool mineral system.

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 Raise The pH Level In Your Pool: The Easy Way

How To Raise The pH Level In Your Pool: The Easy Way

A step-by-step guide on how to raise ph in your pool with three inexpensive solutions: Soda ash, baking soda, or pH increaser.

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.

How Much Salt to Add to Your Pool (Easy Pool Salt Calculation)

How Much Salt to Add to Your Pool (Easy Pool Salt Calculation)

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

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 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.

Alkalinity Too High? Here’s How to Lower Alkalinity in a Pool Quickly

Alkalinity Too High? Here’s How to Lower Alkalinity in a Pool Quickly

If your total alkalinity levels are too high, here's how to how to lower alkalinity in a pool with either muriatic acid or pH reducer.

How to Shock a Pool The Right Way

How to Shock a Pool The Right Way

Been a while since you shocked your pool? You're laying out a doormat for algae and other contaminants. Put up a keep out sign with a dose of pool shock.

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.

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Pool Maintenance

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.

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.

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 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.

How to Drain Water Out of Your Pool (FAST)

How to Drain Water Out of Your Pool (FAST)

Do you know how to drain a pool? Above ground is simple. But draining an inground pool incorrectly could destroy it. Learn the right ways for both.

The Best Pool Supplies You Absolutely Need in 2024

The Best Pool Supplies You Absolutely Need in 2024

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.

What is a Pool Skimmer? (How to Clean and Troubleshooting Tips)

What is a Pool Skimmer? (How to Clean and Troubleshooting Tips)

Learn how pool skimmers work, how to keep them clean and running properly, and how to troubleshoot them when things go wrong.

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.

How to Change Pool Filter Sand

How to Change Pool Filter Sand

Save money, clarify pool water, and keep your family safe from dangerous water-borne illnesses by changing pool filter sand yourself, quickly and easily.

How to Instantly Patch Any Pool Liner

How to Instantly Patch Any Pool Liner

Learning how to patch a pool liner could save you thousands of dollars and prevent extensive damage. Plus, it's easy enough that almost anyone can do it.

11 Common Pool Maintenance Mistakes

11 Common Pool Maintenance Mistakes

Pool care entails a lot of little details. It's easy to forget one or two of them from time to time. Luckily, all pool maintenance mistakes are fixable.

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.

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Pool Equipment

The Best Inground Pool Heater in 2025

The Best Inground Pool Heater in 2025

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

The Best Solar Pool Covers in 2024

The Best Solar Pool Covers in 2024

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 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...

The Best Inground Pool Cleaner in 2024

The Best Inground Pool Cleaner in 2024

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

Best Gas Pool Heaters in 2024

Best Gas Pool Heaters in 2024

Looking for the best gas pool heater? Whether you want natural or propane gas, here's what to look for based on your climate and pool size.

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.

The Best Above Ground Pool Heater in 2024

The Best Above Ground Pool Heater in 2024

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

Best Solar Heaters for Above Ground Pools in 2024

Best Solar Heaters for Above Ground Pools in 2024

Looking for the best solar heater for an above ground pool? Here's how to find the right one for your pool.

The Best Pool Alarms To Keep Kids Safe in 2024

The Best Pool Alarms To Keep Kids Safe in 2024

A pool alarm is an easy way to keep your family safe. But some alarms are safer than others. Here are the best pool alarms of the year.

6 Best Pool Lights in 2024

6 Best Pool Lights in 2024

Don't dive into a dark pool and right into the arms of a waiting swamp monster. Add illumination with pool lights, and make night swims safer and more fun.

The Best Above Ground Pool Cleaners in 2024

The Best Above Ground Pool Cleaners in 2024

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!

The Best Pressure Side Pool Cleaner in 2024

The Best Pressure Side Pool Cleaner in 2024

We tested and found the best pressure side pool cleaners for inground and above ground pool owners. Here are our top picks...

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Pool Opening and Closing

The Best Pool Cover Pumps For Winter Maintenance in 2024

The Best Pool Cover Pumps For Winter Maintenance in 2024

Using a cover is only half the battle to protect your pool during winter. Use a pool cover pump to keep that cover clean.

How to Winterize a Pool in 9 Steps

How to Winterize a Pool in 9 Steps

We've broken down how to winterize a pool into 9 easy steps (including a VIDEO). Watch the video, read through the steps, and close it up.

How to Start Up a Salt Water Pool in 8 Steps

How to Start Up a Salt Water Pool in 8 Steps

Before you add anything to the pool, adjust and add the right chemicals in the right order. Here’s a quick guide on starting up a salt water pool.

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!

The Best Winter Pool Covers in 2024 (Inground and Above Ground)

The Best Winter Pool Covers in 2024 (Inground and Above Ground)

We picked the best winter covers that'll keep out dirt and debris, reduce the number of opening chores, and protect the pool from damage.

11 Off Season Pool Care Tips

11 Off Season Pool Care Tips

Taking care of your pool doesn't end when you put the cover on. Maintain your pool during the winter, and make next season's opening a lot easier.

How to Keep Your Pool Cover From Sagging

How to Keep Your Pool Cover From Sagging

No-nonsense strategies to fix your sagging pool cover, keep it snug, and ensure it doesn't get destroyed over the winter months.

Pool Closing Kits: What Chemicals Do You Actually Need to Close Your Pool?

Pool Closing Kits: What Chemicals Do You Actually Need to Close Your Pool?

Is a pool closing kit worth it? Before you buy one, here's what comes in a kit and which chemicals you actually need to close your pool.

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.

When Is The Right Time To Open Your Pool?

When Is The Right Time To Open Your Pool?

It’s better to open your pool sooner than later. Otherwise, algae could start growing. So here’s the right time to open your pool.

How to Remove Snow From a Pool Cover

How to Remove Snow From a Pool Cover

Snow on your pool cover may look pretty, but too much, and you're just asking for damage to the cover and your pool. It's easy to avoid.

How to Winterize An Above Ground Pool in 11 Steps

How to Winterize An Above Ground Pool in 11 Steps

Think you can just cover your above ground pool, and it'll be fine until spring? Think again. Do just a few more things, and opening will be a breeze.

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