All articles
Overview of all articles on Zwembadwijzer. From water quality and maintenance to components and products.
46 articles
Saltwater Chlorinator: How Electrolysis Works and What It Means for Your Pool
A saltwater chlorinator produces chlorine from dissolved salt through electrolysis. Learn how the system works, the required salt level, pros and cons, and how to maintain the cell.
Read morePool Vacuum Explained: Manual, Automatic or Robotic? How to Choose
A pool vacuum removes dirt from the floor and walls of your pool. Discover the difference between manual vacuums, suction cleaners and robotic pool cleaners, and pick the right type for your pool.
Read morePool skimmer: how it works and which type to choose
A pool skimmer draws in surface water and captures floating debris before it sinks. Learn how a skimmer works, its parts (basket, weir, mouth), and the difference between built-in and hang-on skimmers.
Read morePool return jets: function, setup, and optimal circulation
Return jets send filtered water back into your pool and determine circulation patterns. Learn how many you need, how to aim them for maximum flow, and how to eliminate dead zones.
Read morePool Plumbing Explained: PVC Diameters, Gluing and Basic Hydraulics
Pool plumbing connects your pump, filter, heater and return jets. Learn which PVC diameter to use, how to glue versus thread connections, and how to calculate system resistance.
Read morePool main drain: function, safety and circulation
The main drain draws water from the deepest point of your pool and ensures full circulation. Learn how it works, why dual drains are safer and what to do if your pool has no main drain.
Read morePool heat pump: how it works, COP, inverter vs on/off, and sizing
A pool heat pump extracts warmth from outdoor air and transfers it to pool water through a refrigerant cycle. Learn how COP works, the difference between inverter and on/off models, and how to size one for your climate.
Read morePool filter pump: how does a circulation pump work technically?
The filter pump is the heart of your pool. Learn how the impeller, volute and motor work together, the difference between self-priming and flooded suction, and how to calculate the right pump size in m3/hr.
Read moreHow does a pool sand filter work? Technology, multiport valve and filter media
A sand filter traps debris in a layer of quartz sand or glass media as water flows top-to-bottom through a pressure vessel. Learn how the multiport valve works, when to backwash, and which filter medium performs best.
Read moreTest strips vs digital tester: which pool water tester is best?
Test strips or digital pool tester? Compare accuracy, ease of use, cost and what each type measures. With our top picks for each category.
Read morePool water temperature: ideal temperature and how to heat your pool
What is the ideal pool water temperature? How to heat your pool with a heat pump, solar cover or solar heater. With costs and comparison.
Read moreBest pool robot 2026: top 5 robotic pool cleaners compared
The best pool robots compared: budget to premium. Which robotic pool cleaner is right for your pool? Tested by size, floor/wall cleaning, and value.
Read morepH and chlorine in your pool: the complete guide
How pH and chlorine work together in pool water: ideal values, how to measure, what goes wrong and how to correct it. Practical guide with tables.
Read morePool after rain: what to do when it rains on your pool
Heavy rain can throw off pool chemistry in hours. Learn what to check and correct after rain, including pH, chlorine, and phosphate levels.
Read morePool without chlorine: the best alternatives compared
Looking for a chlorine-free pool? Compare saltwater, UV, ozone, bromine and other systems. Honest overview of costs, maintenance and effectiveness.
Read moreHow to get clear pool water: 7 proven methods
Pool water not clear? Discover the 7 most effective methods to clear cloudy, green or foamy pool water, with causes and solutions.
Read moreHow to clean a pool skimmer: quick guide
How to clean a pool skimmer correctly: emptying the basket, cleaning the weir flap, and checking for cracks that cause leaks.
Read morePool leak detection: how to find and fix a leak in your pool
How to detect a pool leak: the bucket test, visual inspection, and when to call a professional. Includes common causes and repair options.
Read morePool filter pump maintenance: what to check and when
How to maintain your pool filter pump: cleaning the strainer basket, checking seals, when to replace impellers and what problems to watch for.
Read moreInflatable pool maintenance: keep your paddling pool clean and safe
How to maintain an inflatable or paddling pool: daily cleaning, water treatment, when to change the water, and which products actually work.
Read morePool parts explained
Complete guide to all pool components. Redirected to the full system overview.
Read morePool cleaning guide: how to clean your pool in 7 steps
Learn how to clean your pool step by step: skimming, vacuuming, brushing, backwashing and testing. Keep your pool clean in under an hour a week.
Read moreHow to backwash a sand filter: complete step by step guide
How to backwash your sand filter correctly: when to do it, step by step instructions, and how often to rinse and backwash for clean water.
Read morePool shock treatment: when, why and how to shock your pool
How to shock a pool correctly: what type of shock to use, when to do it, how much to add per pool volume, and how long to wait before swimming.
Read morePool maintenance costs: what does owning a pool really cost?
Complete overview of pool maintenance costs: chemicals, electricity, filter media, professional services and annual totals for residential pools.
Read moreHow to use flocculant in your pool: step by step guide
How to use flocculant (flock) to clear cloudy pool water: correct dosage, when to use it and how to vacuum the sediment from the bottom.
Read morePool heating: heat pump, solar and gas heaters compared
How to heat your pool: compare heat pumps, solar heaters and gas heaters on running costs, performance and payback period.
Read moreBest pool test strips: reviewed and compared
Which pool test strips are most accurate? Compare the top pool test strips on parameters tested, accuracy, price and ease of use.
Read moreChoosing a pool cover: solar, safety and winter covers compared
Which pool cover is right for you? Compare solar covers, safety covers and winter covers on cost, insulation and ease of use.
Read moreSand filter vs cartridge filter: which is right for your pool?
Sand filter or cartridge filter? Compare maintenance, filtration quality, running costs and which type suits your pool best.
Read moreBest sand filter system for residential pools: reviewed
The best sand filter systems for home pools: compare by pool volume, pump power, build quality and price. With top picks at every budget.
Read moreHow does a swimming pool work? The complete system from A to Z
A pool works as a closed loop: skimmer and main drain draw water in, the pump pushes it through the filter, and return jets send it back clean. Here is how every component works together.
Read moreBest chlorine tablets for pools: top picks reviewed
Which chlorine tablets are best for your pool? Compare 200g trichlor tablets, mini tabs and multifunction tablets on effectiveness and value.
Read moreHow to add chlorine to your pool: step by step
How to add chlorine to a pool correctly: tablets, granules and liquid chlorine. Correct dosage, safety and the right order of adding chemicals.
Read moreHow to lower pool pH: step-by-step with pH decreaser
Use pH decreaser (sodium bisulfate) to lower your pool pH. Add 10 grams per 10,000 litres dissolved in water to lower pH by 0.1. Wait 4 hours and retest.
Read moreHow to raise pool pH: step-by-step with pH increaser
Use pH increaser (sodium carbonate / soda ash) to raise your pool pH. Add 10 grams per 10,000 litres dissolved in water to raise pH by approximately 0.1. Wait 4 hours and retest.
Read morePool water hardness: calcium hardness explained
What is calcium hardness in pool water? Ideal range, effects of hard and soft water, and how to adjust it using calcium chloride or dilution.
Read moreWinterizing your pool: complete closing checklist
How to winterize a pool step by step: lower water level, add winter chemicals, protect the pump and filter, and cover correctly for the off-season.
Read moreOpening your pool in spring: step-by-step guide
Open your pool correctly in spring: remove the cover, clean the filter, treat the water and balance the chemistry. Plan 1 to 2 weekends for the opening process.
Read morePool maintenance schedule: daily, weekly and seasonal tasks
The complete maintenance schedule for a residential pool. Daily, weekly and monthly tasks to keep your pool clear, safe and balanced throughout the swimming season.
Read moreGreen pool water and algae: causes and treatment
Why does pool water turn green? How to treat algae: shock treatment, brushing, filtration and prevention. Complete guide for residential pools.
Read moreHow to test pool water: methods, timing and best kits
Test pool pH and chlorine at least 2 to 3 times per week. Use test strips for daily checks, a digital tester or DPD kit for accurate measurements. Always test in the morning before swimming.
Read morePool pH levels: the ideal range and how to maintain it
The ideal pH for a swimming pool is 7.2 to 7.6. Test at least 2-3 times per week and correct with pH decreaser or pH increaser. Here's everything about measuring, correcting and why it matters.
Read morePool alkalinity: why it matters and how to adjust it
What is total alkalinity in a pool and why does it matter? Learn the ideal range, how to raise or lower alkalinity and its relationship with pH.
Read morePool chlorine: how much, when and how to add it
The ideal free chlorine level for a pool is 1.0 to 3.0 mg/l. Use slow-dissolving 200g tablets in a floating dispenser or the skimmer. Never throw tablets directly onto the pool surface.
Read moreCloudy pool water: causes and how to fix it
Cloudy pool water always has a cause: too little chlorine, pH out of range, clogged filter or algae growth. Identify the cause and apply the right solution. Most cases clear within 24 to 48 hours.
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