All articles
Overview of all articles on Zwembadwijzer. From water quality and maintenance to components and products.
66 articles
Saltwater pool: water values, start-up and maintenance
Saltwater pool guide: which water values to monitor, how to start up your system and why algae can still appear. Complete guide to saltwater pool care.
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Keeping Your Pool Clean: Routines for Clear Water in 30 Min/Week
Keeping a pool clean takes 15 to 30 minutes a week. Daily routines, products and prevention per pool type: above-ground, inground and hot tub.
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How to Choose a Pool Cover: Solar, Winter or Safety Cover?
Pool cover buying guide: compare solar covers, winter tarps and safety covers on heat retention, cost and ease of use for residential pools.
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Hot Tub Water Quality: Chlorine, pH and Maintenance Guide
Hot tub water quality care: chlorine 3-5 ppm, pH 7.2-7.6, weekly testing. Complete guide covering dosing, maintenance and fixing common problems.
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Chlorine Too High in Pool: How to Lower It Fast
Chlorine too high in your pool? Above 3 ppm you need to lower it by aeration, dilution or sodium thiosulphate. Learn symptoms, risks and the fastest fix.
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Intex Pool Buying Guide: Compare All Models in 2026
Buying an Intex pool in 2026? Compare Easy Set, Prism Frame and Metal Frame models, pick the right size, and learn which accessories you actually need. Includes price ranges, yearly cost breakdown and timing tips.
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Intex Hot Tub for 6 People: Complete Buying Guide 2026
Buying an Intex hot tub for 6 people? Compare PureSpa Sahara, Greywood and Onyx Jet & Bubble on price, shape, jets and yearly running cost. Includes placement, water care and maintenance advice.
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Intex vs Bestway pool: which above-ground pool is right for you?
Intex or Bestway pool? Compare both brands on size, filtration, price, and spare parts availability. Buying guide for above-ground pools with model comparison table.
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Above-ground pool maintenance: the complete weekly routine
Above-ground pool maintenance for Intex and Bestway pools: test water 3x per week, keep chlorine between 1-3 ppm and pH between 7.2-7.6. Full routine with dosage chart.
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Salt Electrolysis Pool: Complete Guide to Saltwater Treatment
Salt electrolysis pool: how the cell works, what salt level you need, pH effects, maintenance, and cost comparison with chlorine tablets.
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Pool ORP/Redox Value: What's the Ideal Range?
Pool ORP redox value: what mV means, ideal ranges by pool type, how it differs from measuring chlorine in ppm, and how to maintain the sensor.
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Automatic pH and Chlorine Control for Pools: What Pool Owners Need to Know
Automatic pH and chlorine control for pools: how sensors and dosing pumps work, safety features, remote access, and what the complete system costs.
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Choosing a pool filter pump: which flow rate do you need?
Pool filter pump buying guide: size your pump for a full turnover in 6 to 8 hours. 30,000-litre pool needs 4 m3/h. Variable speed pumps cut energy costs by up to 80%.
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Pool Tiles: Choosing, Installing and Maintaining Tiles For Your Pool
Which tiles work in and around a swimming pool? A guide to materials, slip resistance ratings, frost resistance, costs and maintenance advice.
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Pool Pump Guide: Choosing, Installing and Maintaining Your Pump
Everything you need to know about pool pumps: which type fits your setup, how to connect it, what pipe sizes to use and how to keep it running well.
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Pool Liner Guide: Choosing, Replacing and Maintaining Your Liner
Everything about pool liners: which type fits your pool, what thickness you need, how long a liner lasts and what replacement costs to expect.
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Pool Flocculant: When and How to Use It
Pool flocculant clumps microscopic particles into sinkable flocs that settle on the bottom. Learn when to use it, how to dose it and how it differs from pool clarifier.
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Building a Pool in Your Garden: Choices, Costs and Planning (2026)
Pool installation guide: pool types, indicative costs (€15,000 to €80,000), permits, planning and pitfalls. Objective guide for anyone considering a garden pool.
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Pool enclosure: types, costs, and benefits
Buying a pool enclosure? Compare low telescopic (€2,000) to high walk-in enclosures (€25,000+). Prices, materials, permit requirements, and season extension explained.
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Pool buying guide: which type suits your garden?
Buying a pool? Compare above-ground, frame, and in-ground pools. Prices from €200 to €30,000+, sizing advice, and running costs explained.
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How to heat a pool: heat pump, solar, or wood heater?
Pool heating options compared: heat pump (COP 5), solar mats, wood-fired heater, and electric resistance. Running costs, heating speed, and which suits your pool.
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Hot tub buying guide: inflatable, outdoor, or built-in?
Buying a hot tub? Compare inflatable (€300-800), hardshell outdoor (€3,000-10,000), and built-in spas (€8,000+). With energy costs, sizing, and maintenance tips.
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Best pool cover: solar, winter, and safety covers compared
Which pool cover is best? Compare solar bubble covers, winter tarps, and safety covers. Prices, energy savings, and sizing for round and rectangular pools.
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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.
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Pool 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.
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Pool 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.
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Pool 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.
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Pool 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.
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Pool main drain: function, safety and circulation
The main drain draws water from the deepest point of your pool for full circulation. How it works, why dual drains are safer, and what to do without one.
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Pool 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.
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Pool circulation pump (filter pump): how it works, sizing and choosing
Choosing a pool circulation pump or filter pump? Learn how the impeller, volute and motor work together, calculate the right flow rate for your pool, and compare single-speed vs variable-speed models.
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How 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.
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Test 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.
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Pool Water Temperature: Ideal Range Per Use (26-28°C Guide)
Ideal pool water temperature: 26-28°C for recreation, 24-26°C for fitness, 36-38°C for spa. How temperature affects chlorine consumption and algae growth: with heating options compared.
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Best 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.
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pH 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.
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Pool 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.
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Pool 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.
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How 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.
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How to clean a pool skimmer: how often and what to do
Empty the skimmer daily and clean the basket weekly. A full skimmer cuts pump flow by 30 to 50%. How to maintain your skimmer and troubleshoot common problems.
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How to detect a pool leak: bucket test and 5 other methods
Losing more than 5 mm of water per day? Use the bucket test to check for a pool leak. 6 detection methods, common causes and DIY repair tips.
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Pool filter pump maintenance: what to check and when
Keep your pool pump running for 10-15 years with 3 habits: clean the strainer basket weekly, inspect the impeller annually and drain completely before winter.
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Inflatable 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.
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Pool cleaning guide: complete steps for all pool types
How to clean your pool in 7 steps: surface to floor, filter and walls. How often to clean? What do you need? Works for inground pools, frame pools and small inflatable pools.
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Backwash a Sand Filter: How Long, How Often, Step-by-Step
Backwash your sand filter when pressure rises 0.5 bar, or every 1-2 weeks. Takes 3-5 minutes, uses 200-400 litres. Step-by-step guide with multiport valve for residential pool owners.
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Pool Shock Treatment: How Much, When and How (Dosage per m3)
Pool shock dosage: 10-30 mg/l free chlorine. Use calcium hypochlorite or sodium hypochlorite. Wait 12-24 hours before swimming. When does shock work and when does it fail?
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Pool Maintenance Costs: Realistic Annual Overview (2026)
Pool maintenance costs 600 to 2,500 euro per year for a typical residential pool. Chemicals, electricity, filter media, water top-up, repairs. Complete annual cost breakdown with money-saving tips.
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How to use flocculant in your pool: step by step guide
Flocculant clumps fine particles so they sink. Add 150 ml per 10,000 litres, run pump on filter for 12 hours, then vacuum the floor. Sand filters only.
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Best pool test strips 2026: reviewed and compared
Best pool test strips: 6-in-1 strips measure pH, free chlorine, alkalinity and more. EUR 12-20 for 100 strips, enough for a full swimming season.
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Sand filter vs cartridge filter: which is right for your pool?
Sand filter or cartridge filter? For pools over 20,000 litres a sand filter wins on long-term cost. Compare filtration quality, maintenance and 5-year running costs.
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Best sand filter systems for home pools 2026: reviewed
Best sand filter system for pools up to 26,500 litres: a complete 4 m3/h kit with pump, filter and hoses for EUR 120-200. Larger systems also compared.
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How 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.
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Best chlorine tablets for pools 2026: reviewed and compared
200g trichlor tablets dissolve in 7-10 days and are the best choice for home pools. A 5 kg bucket costs EUR 30-45 and covers a full swimming season.
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How to add chlorine to your pool: step by step
Add chlorine using a floating dispenser or skimmer. Never throw tablets onto pool surfaces. Wait 4 hours before measuring chlorine levels after adding.
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How to lower pool pH: dosage calculator and step-by-step plan
Pool pH too high? Add 10 grams of pH decreaser per 10,000 litres to lower pH by 0.1. Always dissolve in a bucket first, wait 4 hours and retest.
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How to raise pool pH: step-by-step with pH increaser
Use pH increaser (sodium carbonate) to raise pool pH. Add 10 g per 10,000 litres dissolved in water to raise pH by 0.1. Wait 4 hours and retest.
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Pool water hardness: calcium hardness explained and how to adjust it
Ideal calcium hardness for a pool: 200-400 mg/l. Too low attacks pool surfaces, too high causes white scale. How to measure and correct it step by step.
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Winterizing your pool: complete closing checklist
Winterize your pool before the first frost: lower the water level, add winter chemicals, blow out the pipes and cover correctly. Full step-by-step checklist.
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Opening 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.
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Pool maintenance schedule: daily, weekly and seasonal (complete guide)
Complete pool maintenance schedule: daily, weekly and seasonal tasks. Monthly checklist for clear water and a long-lasting pool. Includes inground pool schedule and seasonal breakdown.
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Green Pool Water: Clear Algae in 3-5 Days (Step-by-Step Guide)
Green pool water from algae? Shock to 10-30 mg/l chlorine, add algicide and backwash daily. Clears in 3-5 days. Also: how to prevent green algae and remove algae from pool walls.
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How to test pool water: methods, timing and best kits
Test pool pH and chlorine 2 to 3 times per week. Use test strips for daily checks, a digital tester for accurate readings. Best kits compared.
Read morePool pH levels: ideal 7.2-7.6 (fix high or low pH)
The ideal pool pH is 7.2-7.6. Too high? Use pH decreaser (sodium bisulfate). Too low? Use pH increaser (sodium carbonate). How to test and correct pool pH step by step.
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Pool alkalinity: ideal range and how to adjust it
Total alkalinity in your pool should be 80-120 mg/l. Too low causes pH swings. Raise with sodium bicarbonate, lower with pH decreaser. Complete guide.
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Pool Chlorine: Dosing Chart, Tablets, and Levels (Complete Guide)
Chlorine dosing for pools: ideal 1-3 ppm. Chart for tablets, shock, and liquid chlorine per cubic meter. What to do with too much or too little chlorine.
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Cloudy pool water: causes and how to fix it
Cloudy pool water causes: low chlorine, pH off, clogged filter or algae. Identify the cause and apply the right fix. Clears in 24 to 48 hours.
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