Free Chlorine vs. Total Chlorine: What’s the Difference?
You just tested your pool water, and now you’re staring at two chlorine numbers that don’t match. One says 2 ppm, the…
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For First-Time Pool Owners
Own a Pool. Not the Stress That Comes With It.
Plain-English guides, honest equipment research, and a simple weekly routine — written for people who'd rather not call the pool guy.
15 min
Your entire weekly routine
$0
Sponsored reviews, ever
24 hrs
Typical green-pool fix
Your First-Time Owner Routine
- ✓ Test chlorine & pH 2x / week
- ✓ Empty skimmer baskets 2x / week
- ✓ Brush walls & steps Weekly
- ✓ Vacuum or run robot Weekly
- ✓ Check filter pressure Weekly
- ✓ Shock after heavy use As needed
Pool Emergency? Start Here.
Pick your problem. Get the exact fix, step by step, with real amounts and real timelines.
Green Pool
Algae bloom. Fixable in 24-48 hours with shock and filtering.
Fix time: 24-48 hrsCloudy Water
Usually a filtration or pH issue - often free to fix.
Fix time: 12-24 hrsChemical Help
Which chemicals, what order, how much. No chemistry degree needed.
Read time: 10 minPump Problem
Not priming, humming, or leaking? Diagnose it before paying $150.
Fix time: 30-60 minAlgae
Green, yellow, or black - each type has a different kill plan.
Fix time: 1-4 daysJust Moved In
Inherited a pool with the house? Your first 30 days, mapped out.
Read time: 15 minFind Your Answer, Fast
Every guide on the site lives in one of six shelves. Pick the one that matches your question.
Getting Started
Brand new to pool ownership? Everything you need for your first 30 days.
New owner basicsPool Chemicals
Which chemicals you actually need, in what order, and how much to add.
Chemistry made simpleEquipment Reviews
Robotic cleaners, pumps, and test kits - tested and ranked honestly.
Hands-on reviewsMaintenance & Fixes
Green water, cloudy water, pump problems - fix it yourself and save.
DIY problem fixesBuying Guides
Exactly what to buy (and what to skip) for every budget and pool size.
Smart shoppingSeasonal Guides
Opening, closing, winterizing, and storm prep - timed to your calendar.
Year-round plansLatest Guides
Fresh, tested, and written for real backyards - not pool company brochures.
How Much Shock to Add to Pool (By Size and Condition)
You’re standing next to a bag of pool shock or staring at water that’s gone hazy after a weekend of heavy use,…
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Black Algae in Pool: How to Kill It and Stop It Coming Back
You shocked the pool. You brushed it. A week later, those dark blue-black spots on the floor and walls are still there…
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Updated 2026Guides re-checked every season