Pool Pumps 101: How They Work and Troubleshooting Tips

Whether you’ve got a brand new salt system or you’re starting up an existing saltwater pool, the process is the same.

Your pump is one of the most important pieces of equipment in your pool. Without it, your water would be disgusting and stagnant. But how does a pump actually work? And what do you do when your pump’s NOT working? 

Did you know you can replace most of your expensive pool chemicals with common household products? If you want to stop spending extra money on things like chlorine tablets or alkalinity increaser, here’s what to use instead...

Is your pool pump not working? Is it making a humming sound or a loud squealing noise? Well, before you call in a professional, there are 5 things you can do to troubleshoot it on your own. And one method actually involves hitting it with a shoe. No joke.

How do you actually test and balance your water? And what about other levels, like cyanuric acid or calcium hardness? Knowing what to test and when can save you from big pool problems in the future.

If you have debris or particles lingering in your pool but don’t want them going through your filter, you’ll need to vacuum them out on the waste setting. It’s a simple process that removes particles fast.

Once you understand how to move through this simple routine, you won’t have to worry about issues like cloudy water and algae again. 

This is the FASTEST way to clear up a green pool. And it’s NOT with algaecide. It’s called the “Shock and Floc” method. It’s a one-two punch that kills algae quickly and clumps it together so you can easily remove it from your pool.

Muriatic acid can be used to lower your pool’s alkalinity, lower your pH, and keep your pool filters and surfaces clean. But adding an acid to your pool can be dangerous if it’s not done safely.

Wondering how much shock to add to your pool? The exact amount of shock you need depends on the size of your pool, the type of shock your using, and whether or not you’ve got an algae problem.