Blogs

Pool equipment pad .

Pool Maintenance for Beginners: The First-Time Owner’s Checklist (Yes, Even If You Just Bought the House)

You closed on the house, and three weeks later you remembered the pool. This is the entry-level guide for brand-new owners: a labeled photo of...

Stuart Lockhart
Polaris Freedom Plus Review

Polaris Freedom Plus Review: Is It Worth It? (2026)

The Polaris Freedom Plus is a premium cordless cleaner whose real hook is a LiFi remote that controls it underwater. Here is the honest take:...

Stuart Lockhart
Bag of ice melting on a hot pool deck.

How Much Ice Would It Take to Cool Your Pool? (We Ran the Numbers)

We ran the actual math on cooling a pool with ice (it is worse than you think), then ranked every real option from a $17...

Stuart Lockhart
Dolphin Nautilus CC Plus

Dolphin Nautilus CC Plus Review: Good, But Dated (2026)

The Nautilus CC Plus is a best-seller built on an aging design. Here's the honest take: split filters that fill fast, no waterline cleaning, and...

Stuart Lockhart
Cal hypo granules, a jug of liquid pool chlorine, and trichlor tabs arranged on a pool deck for comparison.

Cal Hypo vs. Liquid vs. Dichlor: Pool Shock Compared

A no-fluff comparison of the four chlorine products people actually use to shock a pool. We cover the trade-offs, the cost per ppm, and a...

Stuart Lockhart
Hose filling a pool with freshwater

How to Lower Cyanuric Acid in a Pool (and Why Most "Reducers" Don't Work)

The only reliable way to lower pool CYA is partial drain and dilution. Here is the math, the drain steps, and an honest take on...

Stuart Lockhart
Robotic Pool Cleaner and Solar Skimmer

Robotic Pool Cleaner Buying Guide: What Actually Matters in 2026

Shopping for a robotic pool cleaner in 2026? Skip the AI navigation hype and app features. Start with what a pool cleaner is actually for:...

Stuart Lockhart
Man surprised by his lower energy bill. Text reads,

Variable Speed Pool Pump Energy Savings: Real Numbers by Pool Size

See real kWh and dollar savings from a variable speed pool pump by pool size and region. Honest payback math, not the inflated "90% savings"...

Stuart Lockhart
Saltwater vs. Chlorine

Saltwater vs. Chlorine Pools in 2026: True 5-Year Cost Breakdown

This guide is written for homeowners comparing the two systems before they build a new pool, convert an existing one, or replace a salt chlorine...

Stuart Lockhart
pH Balance

The Ultimate Guide to Balancing Pool pH (Step-by-Step for Crystal Clea

The Ultimate Guide to Balancing Pool pH — Learn how to test, raise, and lower pool pH step-by-step. Keep your water clear and your chlorine...

Stuart Lockhart
Green Pool Water

The Ultimate Guide To Clean a Green Pool

Green pool? Learn exactly how to fix it fast. We cover every stage from light algae to full swamp, with clear steps and the right...

Stuart Lockhart
Cloudy Pool Water

The Ultimate Guide to Cloudy Pool Water

Cloudy pool water? Learn the common causes and proven steps to clear it safely, including filtration, chemistry fixes, and clarifier vs floc. ...

Stuart Lockhart
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