How do I clear up green water?
This depends on what caused the green water. Several culprits are possible. Algae is the most common answer, and an algaecide normally will take care of the problem. If copper caused the problem, a chelator will do the trick (or a clarifier). But, remember, you need to find out how the mineral is getting into the water (copper heating elements, source water and the like) or it will just continue to happen.

How much will I have to spend on chemicals?
This depends on a variety of factors: pool size, bather loads, temperature, wind conditions, surrounding environment, whether the pool has a cover, and so on. Also, the type of chemical is key to cost.

Even within the chlorine family, the price line is pretty diverse. For example, lithium chloride is much, much more expensive than the more common sodium hypochlorite (aka bleach). And a nonchlorine sanitizer such as a biguanide system is significantly more money than chlorine. Pools with small bather loads will use up fewer chemicals than those with large bather loads and, of course, pools with covers that are closed after each use also will hang onto their chemical residuals much longer. As for cost, it can run anywhere from $15 to $75 per month depending on the aforementioned variables.

What do I do to keep the water clear?
Good water balance is key. Keep the pH and total alkalinity (TA) in the proper ranges and, above all, be sure the chlorine (or sanitizer) residuals are maintained at the proper levels. Covers help keep dirt and debris out and reduce cloudy water. For turbid water situations, there are chelators, flocculants and clarifiers to fix most problems.

How often should my water be checked?
Again, this depends on many variables: size of the pool, bather loads, temperature, wind conditions, surrounding environment, whether the pool has a cover and so on. Pools with small bather loads will require fewer chemicals than those with large bather loads and, of course, pools with covers that are closed after each use also will hang onto their chemical residuals much longer. Note: There is nothing wrong with pool owners testing their water for chlorine, pH, TA and the like between visits of their pool service technician. The tech could find the information useful.

How often do I have to add chemicals?
Whenever testing reveals a deficiency, it’s time to add chemicals. How often that will be depends on bather load, location, weather, temperature, wind conditions, whether you use a cover and so on. Typically, however, residential pools require added chemicals every week.