1. How often should I test my pool water?

  • We recommend testing your pool water weekly to keep it balanced and safe for swimming. With Pool St's free water testing service, you can ensure that your pool's pH, chlorine, and alkalinity levels stay just right. Regular testing also helps prevent costly issues like algae and equipment damage.

2. What chemicals do I need for pool maintenance?

  • For routine maintenance, most pools need:

    • Chlorine or sanitizer to kill bacteria
    • pH balancer to keep the water comfortable
    • Alkalinity and calcium increasers to prevent corrosion
    • Shock treatments to handle contaminants

  • Pool St carries a full line of pool chemicals to keep your water clear and balanced. Visit us for tailored recommendations based on your specific pool needs!

3. Why is my pool water cloudy?

  • Cloudy pool water can result from:

    • Imbalanced chemicals, especially high pH or low chlorine
    • Poor filtration or clogged filters
    • High levels of contaminants or total dissolved solids (TDS)

  • Our experts at Pool St can help you diagnose and correct these issues to restore crystal-clear water.

4. How do I treat algae in my pool?

  • To remove algae:

    • Brush the pool surfaces to loosen algae
    • Shock the pool with a strong chlorine treatment
    • Run the filter continuously until the water clears

  • Pool St offers specialized algaecides and shock products to tackle even the toughest algae. Stop by for expert advice on the right products and application methods!

5. How long should I run my pool pump daily?

  • Generally, running your pool pump for 8-12 hours daily is recommended for optimal filtration. Factors like pool size, pump efficiency, and usage can affect this duration. At Pool St, we can help you determine the ideal pump schedule to maintain clear, clean water without overusing energy.

6. What is the best way to clean my pool filter?

  • To clean your pool filter:

    • Rinse with a hose to remove debris
    • Use a filter cleaner to dissolve oils and grime
    • Soak in a chemical solution if buildup is heavy

  • Regular filter cleaning ensures proper water flow and extends filter life. Pool St stocks quality filter cleaners and provides guidance on the best practices for each filter type.

7. How do I raise my pool’s cyanuric acid (CYA) levels?

  • Cyanuric Acid, or pool conditioner, protects chlorine from UV breakdown. If levels are low, add a CYA increaser like our Instant Pool Water Conditioner. For best results, have our team test your CYA levels to avoid overuse.

8. Why does my pool lose water, and how do I stop it?

  • Pools can lose water from:

    • Evaporation due to high temperatures
    • Leaks in pipes, liner, or fittings

  • If you notice rapid water loss, contact Pool St for help in identifying and fixing the issue. We offer products and advice for leak detection and repair solutions to save on water costs.

9. What’s the difference between free chlorine and total chlorine?

  • Free chlorine is the active sanitizer in the water, while total chlorine includes both free chlorine and combined chlorine (used-up sanitizer).
  • If total chlorine is higher than free chlorine, it’s time to shock the pool. At Pool St, we can help explain these levels and recommend the right shock treatment for your pool size.

10. How do I prepare my pool for winter?

  • To winterize your pool:

    • Clean and balance the water
    • Lower water levels if required
    • Add winterizing chemicals
    • Cover the pool to keep out debris

  • Our team at Pool St can guide you through each step and provide all the essentials for proper winterizing to protect your pool until spring.

11. What do I do if my pump is not priming?

1. Air Leak on Suction Side

  • Check the pump lid O-ring: Make sure it's clean, lubricated, and seated properly.

  • Ensure the lid is tight: Even a small gap lets air in.

  • Inspect the pipe fittings before the pump: Especially unions or valves — a tiny crack or loose fitting causes loss of suction.

  • Check the drain plugs: On the pump housing — ensure they're tightened and have intact O-rings.

2. Not Enough Water in Pump Basket

  • After a filter clean, air gets into the lines.

  • Fill the pump basket with water from a hose before turning the pump back on.

  • Sometimes you need to do this more than once to get full prime.

3. Multiport Valve Not Set Correctly

  • If you cleaned a sand or DE filter, make sure the multiport valve is set to Filter (not Waste, Recirculate, or Backwash).

  • A wrong setting will prevent proper water circulation.

4. Dirty Filter or Internal Valve Issue

  • If your filter was reassembled incorrectly (e.g., DE filter grid misaligned or cartridge not seated), it may restrict flow.

  • Try removing the filter element temporarily and see if the pump primes — this can isolate the issue.

5. Pump Impeller or Basket Clogged

  • If debris made it past the skimmer, it might be jammed in the impeller.

  • Turn off power, open the pump lid, and check for debris inside the pump basket or reach in behind the basket to feel for clogging.

Priming Tips

  • Try setting your multiport valve to “Recirculate” if available — this bypasses the filter, making it easier to prime.

  • You can also close all but one return line (if your pool has valves), which focuses suction and helps get prime started.