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Pool Cleaning Mistakes That Are Costing You Hundreds in Wasted Chemicals
Most pool owners spend more on chemicals than they need to. The usual cause is a few repeatable pool cleaning mistakes. Fix these and your water stays clearer for less money. Always follow the label on any pool product.
Common target ranges
| Item | Why it works |
|---|---|
| Free chlorine | About 1 to 3 ppm |
| pH | 7.2 to 7.8 |
| Total alkalinity | 80 to 120 ppm |
| Cyanuric acid (outdoor) | About 30 to 50 ppm |
| Calcium hardness | About 200 to 400 ppm |
Testing mistakes
- Guessing instead of testing at least twice a week.
- Using old test strips past their expiry date.
- Adding several chemicals at once without retesting in between.
Chemistry mistakes
- Ignoring pH, which makes chlorine far less effective when high.
- Shocking in full sun at midday, when UV burns chlorine off fast.
- Overusing stabilized chlorine tablets until cyanuric acid builds up too high.
- Adjusting alkalinity and pH in the wrong order; fix alkalinity first.
Cleaning mistakes
- Skipping brushing, letting algae get a foothold on walls and steps.
- Leaving leaves in the pool, which eat chlorine as they rot.
- Not emptying skimmer baskets.
- Running the pump too little so water stagnates.
Equipment mistakes
- Letting the filter get clogged, which forces more chemicals to do the work.
- Not using a cover, which loses chlorine and adds debris.
Tip: Shock in the evening and run the pump overnight. Chlorine lasts much longer without strong sunlight.
FAQ
How often should I test pool water?
At least two or three times a week in swimming season, and after heavy rain or a pool party.
Why does my pool use so much chlorine?
High pH, sunlight, low stabilizer, debris and a dirty filter are the usual causes.
Is it safe to mix pool chemicals?
No. Add chemicals separately to the water, never to each other, and store them apart.
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