The Swimming Pool Steve Blog

The Swimming Pool Steve Blog

SwimmingPoolSteve.com is user-supported. In order to keep this resource about pools and spas available for free to all readers I earn commissions for purchases made through links on this page. For more information see the full disclaimer page. By using this website you are agreeing to the terms and conditions.




The Swimming Pool Steve Blog is an ongoing source for information, articles, videos and pictures relating to life in the swimming pool and spa industry. If you operate a blog, podcast or content driven website and you would like to feature Steve in an article please contact Steve directly via email.


Please feel free to share the articles listed below in the Swimming Pool Steve Blog through social media if you enjoy them or find them specifically useful. Sharing this content so that more people will have the opportunity to read it is always appreciated!

April 2024

How Much Does A New Pool Cost? Learn about above ground pools, on ground pools, inground vinyl liner pools, inground fiberglass pools and inground concrete / gunite / shotcrete pool installation prices.


Tips for choosing a new vinyl liner - The stock of vinyl that you choose for your new liner will determine how good or bad your liner will look a few years down the road. Watch this video to help you pick the best liner for your pool.


Why is my pool deck cracking? Learn about concrete pool decks, why they crack and what this means for the health of your swimming pool. Deck cracking almost always will continue to get worse until the issue is addressed.


How To Lower pH In Pool Water - Learn about the relationship between acids and bases in swimming pool water. Balance your pool water chemistry and learn how to manage your pH levels.

March 2024

What Are The Best Valves For Pools? - Both ball valves and diverter valves are very common choices for use in swimming pool systems. Learn about which valves are better and more importantly which valves you need to make sure to avoid!


How To Make My Pool Pump Quieter - Learn about techniques to help with vibration and noise from swimming pool pumps including traditional solutions as well as modern day solutions to pump noise problems.


What Is The Difference Between Salt & Chlorine? - Learn about pool sanitizers and the differences between salt water pools and traditional chlorine pools.


Things To Know Before Getting a Pool - Helpful advice for hiring a pool contractor and have a new swimming pool installed. Learn how to ask the right questions and protect your own interests when getting a new swimming pool.

February 2024

Bromine In Swimming Pools - Learn why bromine and outdoor pools are a very poor combination and why you rarely ever see pools using bromine versus chlorine.


Best Place To Buy Pool Salt - Not all salt is created equal so read this article to find out where you should (and should not) buy salt for your swimming pool.


Benefits of Vinyl Liner Pools - Learn about why vinyl liner pools have come a long way in the past few decades and you might want to consider a vinyl liner pool versus a concrete pool or fiberglass pool.


Can Draining a Concrete Pool Ruin The Plaster? - Learn about concrete pool interior surface coatings and why draining your pool and allowing the surface to dry out may damage your plaster finish.

January 2024

DIY Pool Maintenance - Learn about DIY pool maintenance and if (how) you can take care of and maintain your own swimming pool instead of hiring a professional pool maintenance company to do it for you.


Pool Consulting Price Increase - This article talks about the recent increase to the Swimming Pool Steve online pool consulting packages for Ask Steve, pool renovtions and new pool installations.


Is It Hard To Ruin a Pool? - You would think with how big and expensive swimming pools are they would be resistant to damage...but that is not always the case! Read these easy ways you can accidentally ruin your pool.


Conflicting Advice About Pool Maintenance - Different approaches to pool care and why it is easy to get bad advice about how to care for your swimming pool maintenance.

December 2023

2023 Review For Swimming Pool Steve - A recap of important milestones passed in 2023 and a look forward to 2024 for Swimming Pool Steve


Hot Tub Water Level Drops - Do you have a shared pool and spa system and your hot tub water level drops when the pump is off? You should read this!


Swimming Pool Steve Contracting - Local swimming pool contracting in Ontario Canada from Swimming Pool Steve as well as international swimming pool contracting for swimming pool installations and unique projects requiring a swimming pool specialist.


Germicidal UV In Pools - Learn about how germicidal UV and chlorine are the perfect pairing for chemical maintenance of swimming pool water.

November 2023

Hidden Swimming Pool Costs - Learn about unexpected ways in which your swimming pool might cost you more than you were expecting.


How To Add Salt To A Pool - These steps will help to make sure you add the right amount of salt to your swimming pool and how to do it without damaging anything in the process.


Safe To Swim In Green Water? - A question that many pool owners ask at some point and the important answer that every swimming pool owner needs to know.


Artificial Intelligence Pool Care? - Do we have the technology in 2023 to remove pool professionals from the equation of pool maintenance and care and get all the information we need from AI? Not quite...

October 2023

Tips For After Winterizing Your Pool - Here are some things to consider / do after you have completed the winterizing and closing of your pool for the year.


Where To Install a Flow Meter? - Swimming pool flow meter installation information for both Flowvis and Blue-White style flow meters - Where to install a flow meter on a pool system.


How To Blow Out Pool Lines - Learn what tools you need and the process to use in order to blow out the water from the pipes in your swimming pool.


Inline Versus Offline Chlorinators - Find out which you should use (and which to avoid) for your swimming pool chlorine erosion feeder.

September 2023

Winter Closing With a Mesh Safety Cover - Learn about how and when you should close (and open) a pool with a mesh cover to avoid green water in the spring.


Can You Use Bleach In a Pool? - Learn about the similarities and differences between pool chlorine and household bleach including information about using it as a replacement for chlorine in your pool.


What Is A Sweep Elbow? - Learn about PVC sweep elbow long radius 90 degree fittings for plumbing pressure rated swimming pool systems.


Cheapest Chlorine Option For Pools - How and where do you find pool chlorine for the lowest price and highest value for the most cost effective chlorine.

August 2023

Can a Pool Pump Be Too Powerful? - Learn about how to safely size a swimming pool pump for your pool system and why a pump which is too large can be a serious problem!


Winterizing a Pool Pump - Learn about the most common ways to properly winterize a swimming pool pump to prevent from freeze damage over the winter season.


Hayward TriStar or Hayward Super Pump - Compare these two popular models of pool pumps from Hayward to help determine which one is a better fit for your swimming pool filtration system.


Pool Chemistry Start Up - Learn about chemicals and initial balance for new pool startup / fresh fill for existing swimming pools.

July 2023

Stabilized VS. Unstabilized Chlorine - Learn about the difference between chlorine types and why using stabilized chlorine might end up with green water in your pool.


Buying a House With a Concrete Pool - The last thing you want is to buy a concrete pool with hidden, expensive problems. Learn how to inspect a concrete pool and what signs of deficiency you should look for.


Buying a House With a Vinyl Pool - Learn what you should be looking for with your initial inspection of a house with a vinyl liner swimming pool to determine to condition of the different parts of the pool.


Why You Should NEVER Drain a Pool - Learn why every pool, concrete, vinyl liner, fiberglass and even above ground pools should never be drained and what happens if you decide to drain it anyway.

June 2023

Hayward Tristar 900 Unboxing - See what comes in the box with a new Hayward Tristar variable speed pool pump SP32900VSP 1.85hp stand alone model.


Are Swimming Pools Dangerous? - Learn about the reality of owning a swimming pool and what kind of safety considerations you should have for a backyard swimming pool.


Swimming Pool Secrets (They Don't Want You To Know) - Learn about four things they don't want you to know about pools like chemicals you can buy much cheaper than from a pool and spa store to maintain your pool water!


How To Install a Pool Pump - Learn better tips and techniques for installing swimming pool pumps from pipe size, threaded connections and suction manifolds to PVC primer and glue selections, pipe materials and efficient flow rate limitations.

May 2023

How To Take Care Of A Pool - Through this step by step guide you will "fire your pool guy" and learn how to take care of your own swimming pool including all maintenance, water chemistry and pool equipment information.


Copper Pipe In Pool Skimmer? - Is this copper pipe hack a new way to help prevent algae in your pool water and reduce the amount of chemicals that you need to use to keep your pool water clear?


Green To Clean Pool Instructions - Learn about how to take a green pool and clear the water using a step by step systematic approach. This video will definitely help you to clear green water from your pool!


What Pressure Should My Pool Filter Be? - This is a very important question that pool owners need to know and this article (and video) will show you how this is an impossible question to answer!

April 2023

Sand VS. Glass Filter Media - Learn about silica sand filter media options for your filtration system - Glass is a newer alternative to silica sand in pool filters but is it really worth it?


Unsafe Conditions In Your Pool - Consider these situations that make your pool no longer safe to swim in - Safety first for swimming pools!


How To Fix A Leaking Pool Light - Learn about a common defense repair against a well known leak location in swimming pool lights.


What's The Problem With Chlorine Pucks? - Learn about stabilized chlorine pucks or tabs and why using them in your pool might be a bad idea. Most pool owners figure this out after the water turns green!

March 2023

How Many Returns Does A Pool Need? - Find out how many returns swimming pools should have and why modern swimming pool designs have more return pipes than previous generations of pools.


Are Robotic Pool Cleaners Worth It? - Learn about robotic pool vacuums and the unique advantages they have over both suction and pressure based traditional pool vacuum cleaners.


How Far From The Pool Can The Pump Be? - Learn about distance limitations for swimming pool filtration equipment and why locating the pump and filter closer to the pool is an advantage for your pool efficiency.


Fast Start For New Pool Owners - Learn the first things that you need to do to take care of your swimming pool including vacuuming, skimming, water chemistry and balancing as well as filtration equipment maintenance.

February 2023

Will Pool Plaster Seal Active Leaks? - Learn about waterproofing in a concrete pool and how plaster is not designed to be a waterproof surface.


What Is The Best Kind Of Swimming Pool? - Learn about concrete pools, vinyl liner pools and fiberglass pools to determine which would be the best pool for you to have installed.


Filling a Swimming Pool With a Hose - Many pool owners assume that a water truck is the best method to fill their swimming pool however most pools would be better off simply filling with a garden hose.


Can I Use Bromine In My Pool - When you are looking for an alternative to chlorine one of the oldest and most common options is bromine sanitizer but you might not want to use it in your pool for a very specific reason.

January 2023

Pump Loses Prime While Vacuuming - What would cause your pool pump to lose prime every time you connect the vacuum and hose and try to vacuum the pool?


Plumbing Upgrades When Renovating A Pool - Should you make any upgrades to the plumbing system of your swimming pool during your pool renovation? Learn what a professional pool installer and renovator thinks.


Is It Worth It To Switch To Salt Water? - Expert opinion about whether it is a good idea to upgrade to a salt water chlorinator for your pool and which brand, make and model would be best for your pool.


New Hot Tub Fast Start Guide - Learn how to fill and start your hot tub - Initial fill, chemical balance and important spa maintenance information for new hot tub owners.

December 2022

Emergency Freeze Protection For Pools - Learn about how to protect your swimming pool against freezing damage caused by cold temperatures.


Cloudy Pool Water - What causes cloudy swimming pool water? Learn how you can fix cloudy pool water quickly and easily in any swimming pool.


Best Variable Speed Pool Pumps - Learn about the most popular brands and models of variable speed pool pumps and how you can compare them based on purchase price, warranty coverage and flow rates.


Common Mistakes With Variable Speed Pumps - Learn the most common ways that pool owners are using variable speed pumps incorrectly. Buying a VS pump is only the first step. Learning to use it is the most important part.

November 2022

Removing Stains From Pool Plaster - Learn about the methods commonly used to fix organic and metal stains on swimming pool plaster surfaces including spot treatments and stain identifying tests.


Water Leaking Through Backwash Port - Learn about pool sand filters and why they can leak water through the backwash port when running normally on filter mode as well as what you can do to solve this problem.


How To Make Fake Rocks - This tutorial on how to make fake rocks and artificial rock garden statues has been re-written with new content and new videos. You can now find all of the information about how to make fake rocks and garden statues from artificial rock on my new "Creating Concrete With Steve" Youtube channel.


Chlorine Prices In 2023 - Learn about chlorine prices for the upcoming swimming season and how you can prepare your pool for higher than normal operating costs.

October 2022

Is My Pool Leaking? - Learn the easy do it yourself steps you can take to find out if your pool is leaking, how much it is leaking and even where the leak is likely located.


Adding A Heater To An Existing Pool - Learn about adding a heater to an existing swimming pool system and some common problems that can prevent you from installing a new pool heater.


What Size Pool Pump Should I Get? - Learn about pool pump and motor sizing for pools and steps to help you understand what pump size you need for your swimming pool filtration system.


How To Make Pool Drains Safe - Every swimming pool owner should read this information about pool drains and submerged suction outlets. WARNING this article contains sensitive information that may trigger some readers.

September 2022

Upgrading From Sand To A Cartridge Filter - Learn about why cartridge filters are better than sand filters and what you need to know before switching from sand to cartridge.


Why Acid Washing Is Bad For Your Pool - Learn why the quick clean process of acid washing for concrete pools might actually be a bad idea and even harmful for your swimming pool.


Tips For Closing Pools With Tarp Covers - Important steps you need to know about closing and winterizing a swimming pool with a tarp and water bag cover system.


Pool Valves You Should Avoid - Learn about PVC ball valves and diverter valves for swimming pool systems as well as which valves you should definitely avoid using.

August 2022

Why Would You Close A Pool? - If you do not need to winterize your swimming pool because you live in a perpetually warm climate you might not understand the need to winterize and cover swimming pools during freezing weather. Learn more about this process here.


Threaded Pool Pump Connections - Learn about the one and only fitting that you should be using for making threaded connections to swimming pool pumps. Hint; it is not a threaded male adapter.


Pool Maintenance Costs Keep Increasing - Is my pool service company ripping me off? They just increased my monthly service price again. Should I take care of the pool maintenance myself to save money?


Protect Your Pool Pump From Damage - A few simple steps now can save you a bundle of money in the future when it comes to swimming pool pumps! Learn more about how pool pumps fail and some of the ways you can help to avoid early failure of your pool pump.

July 2022

What Size Pump Do I Need For My Pool - Learn about why it is hard to find a pump well sized for your pool and how to choose a pump that will work with your pool and your existing equipment.


How Deep Is Good For Swimming? - Learn about the ideal water depth for swimming and treading water without having to change your stride to avoid hitting the bottom and the best depth for a natural treading water feel.


Benefits Of Small Swimming Pools - Learn why swimming pools keep getting smaller and smaller, and this is a good thing for swimming pool owners.


No Chlorine After Adding Chlorine - You added chlorine to your pool water and yet the water test still shows zero / no chlorine. Does this sound like the problem you have with your pool?

June 2022

Help With Pool Water Chemistry - Get help with your pool water problems by following this information about water chemistry variables. You must do this for anyone to be able to help with your water!


Top Content from Swimming Pool Steve - With 500 articles about swimming pools and spas it can be hard to find your favorite Swimming Pool Steve articles. This page highlights some of the top content that you definitely do not want to miss!


Cost Savings Comparison With Black + Decker VS Pump - See the same cost comparison test that was done with the Pentair Superflo recreated with the new Black + Decker 1.5hp variable speed pump. In total over $3000 in electrical savings!


Swimming Pool Steve YouTube Channel 10,000,000 Views - This is a quick up date to let you know of the milestone marker passed this week on the Swimming Pool Steve YouTube channel, now with over ten million views. That is a lot of zeros!

May 2022

Inflatable Spa Set Up Time - Is it hard to set up an inflatable spa and how long does it take? How long before the water is warm enough to use it? Learn more about inflatable hot tubs in this article.


How To Fix Pool Liner Out Of Track - When the liner brad slips from your coping track and pulls down this looks like a big problem but it usually has a simple and quick fix.


How To Clean Green Pool Water Fast - This short video walks you through the causes for and solutions to green swimming pool water in under three minutes.


Variable Speed Pool Pump Filtration Schedules - This page looks at some common VS pool pumps and how to design a variable speed pump filtration schedule for your pool.

April 2022

Salt Water Versus Traditional Chlorine - One of the most commonly asked questions from pool owners is whether they should go with salt water or a traditional chlorine treatment for their pool. This page will help you to make a more informed decision.


Black + Decker Filtration (20x40) - This is a filtration schedule for a large pool (20x40) using a 1.5hp Black + Decker variable speed pool pump on a system with two inch plumbing lines.


Black + Decker Pump Schedule - This page looks at a pump schedule for a large swimming pool with small 1.5" plumbing lines using the Black + Decker 1.5 horsepower variable speed pump. In total 95,000 gallons of water filtered for less than three dollars per day.


20x40' Pool Filtration With Hayward Super Pump VS (2 inch pipes) - Design and program a 24 hour dynamic filtration schedule for a 20x40 foot pool using a Hayward Super Pump VS (SP2603VSP). This example system uses 2 inch plumbing lines.

March 2022

20x40' Pool Filtration With Hayward Super Pump VS (1.5 inch pipes) - This is a filtration schedule for a 20x40' pool using a Hayward Super Pump VS along with 1.5 inch plumbing lines.


Finding A Good Pool Builder - Learn why it can be difficult to find a good pool installer and what you can do to increase your chances of finding the right builder for your pool project.


Swimming Pool Steve Copywriting Services - Hire Swimming Pool Steve, author of hundreds of technical articles both in print and online, read by millions of people every year, to write your next company communication. Technical articles, product reviews, compelling page copy, newsletters or general marketing materials available from a marketing and content specialist.


3 Things All Hot Tub Owners Should Be Doing - Learn about three critically important maintenance and care steps that many hot tub owners neglect to do which are pipe flushing / line flushing, (more) regular filter cleaning and more frequent draining and refilling.

February 2022

How To Use Less Chemicals In Your Pool - The request for methods to use less chemicals and less chlorine in pools has to be one of the most requested things from swimming pool owners. This article explains exactly how to use less chemicals than you use now.


Black + Decker Pool Pump Initial Review / Unboxing - See what comes included with a new variable speed Black + Decker pool pump and learn what features these pumps have that make them so popular with pool owners.


Hayward Super Pump VS Filtration Schedule - In this example you will see a dynamic 24 hour filtration schedule design, measurement of flow and electrical consumption for a 2 inch PVC system, and then programming it into a Hayward Super Pump VS. Over 66k gallons for only $1.05!


Buzz About Black + Decker Pool Pumps - Why these new consumer direct variable speed pumps from Black + Decker are causing heated debates within the swimming pool industry.

January 2022

Charging More For Pool Services - Listen as I spill the beans about my secret to success in the pool industry. Learn what happens if/when you increase prices for swimming pool related services, repairs, renovations and even new pool installations.


What Might Happen To Your Pool In 2022 - Find out what your swimming pool might have to deal with with in this next calendar year. If you thought frozen pools, a chlorine shortage and a global pandemic was bad just wait until you read this!


Is It Hard To Paint A Swimming Pool? - Learn why painting a swimming pool is probably harder than you might expect and where you would most likely encounter a problem if you try to paint your own swimming pool. Includes acylic pool paint, rubber pool paint and epoxy pool paint examples.


Variable Speed Pool Pump Mistakes - Learn about the common mistakes pool owners make when using a new variable speed pump for their pool. A variable speed pump can increase the quality of your water filtration while reducing costs at the same time but not if you make these mistakes.

December 2021

2022 Swimming Pool Season Predictions - Learn what might be in store for pool owners in this upcoming year and what you should do to protect your pool and your budget from labor and material supply shortages.


Edge Effect New Pool Consulting - I have increased the scope of my consulting offerings to now include a provision for edge effect pools. This service will help you review your edge effect pool designs for errors or opportunities to improve the efficiency and design.


Do Pools Need To Be Covered For The Winter? - Do Pools Need A Cover For The Winter? Learn about swimming pool covers and which pools should be using a cover during the winter season and when it might be okay to skip on the pool cover.


Flexible PVC Pipe For Swimming Pools - Learn about flexible PVC hose versus rigid PVC pipe and which you should use for plumbing your swimming pool. This is a subject that divides many swimming pool industry professionals.

November 2021

Can I Rent Out My Swimming Pool? - Renting private swimming pools by the hour is a growing trend. This article looks at some of the reasons why you might want to avoid taking money in exchange for access to your pool.


4 Ways Pool Owners Make Problems Worse - Learn four common mistakes that pool owners often make that can lead to more extensive and expensive problems with their pool.


Variable Speed Pump Pool Pump Reviews - This is a new article for 2022 that includes the most popular variable speed pumps currently on the market. Learn which brands and models of pumps you should be considering as well as more information about why variable speed pumps are the best choice for filtration systems.


Is Your Pool Builder Taking Too Long To Finish Your Pool? - If your new pool installation is delayed or overdue then this article might help you to understand some of the potential reasons for this delay. The pool industry is busier than normal and experiencing a high rate of shortages across multiple product lines and this might affect how long your pool takes to build.

October 2021

3 More Tips For Working With Concrete - Building on the three tips for working with concrete from the first lesson here are three more tips for working with concrete. All three of these tips relate to hydration for the concrete as this is such an important part about concrete mixing and finished strength.


3 Tips For Working With Concrete - Concrete is the most widely used construction material on the planet and this article will teach you the first three things you need to know if you want to be able to start working with concrete successfully.


Filtration Schedule For 16x32' Pool - See an example of how to operate a cost saving 24 hour filtration schedule with a variable speed pump in a 16x32' pool with approximately 15,000 gallons of volume.


Common Concrete Working Mistakes - Learn the fundamentals for how to work with concrete to increase your chances of success including how much water to use in your mix, when to seal concrete, when is concrete safe from rain and how to increase the tensile strength of concrete with encapsulated steel.

September 2021

Pool Repairs That Do Not Work - If you attempt any of these (bad) pool repairs yourself you might end up costing yourself extra money instead of saving any!


Water Level For Winterizing Pool Pipes - Learn the ideal water level for winterizing pool pipes, specifically the return pipes. Do you need to drain the water level below the returns or is there a way to safely evaculate the water from the pipes while they are still underwater?


How To Winterize A Pool Skimmer - This article looks at each skimmer type and plumbing configuration winterizing process including above ground pools, inground pools and skimmers with passive equalizer lines.


How Hard Is It To Build A Pool? - Learn about the technical complexity of installing a swimming pool before to decide you want to build your own swimming pool.

August 2021

Pool Equipment Consulting - If you want to upgrad your pool equipment, or are planning a new pool installation but want help selecting the best filtration and circulation equipment then consult with Swimming Pool Steve.


Are Infinity Edge Pools Worth It? - One of the single most impressive upgrades you can add to a swimming pool is to make it an infinity edge / negative edge / zero edge pool. This article explores why you might want to pump the breaks on adding this feature to your new pool installation.


3 Steps To A More Efficient Pool - If you are thinking about having a new swimming pool installed be sure to consider these three important efficiency upgrades to reduce the long term operational costs of your pool while actually improving the performance of the filtration, cheamicals and heating.


The 1 Hour Pool Closing - This article looks at the pool closing and winterizing process to determine how long it takes an average pool professional to close a pool for the winter properly.

July 2021

Hayward Super Pump VS Bench Test (2" pipe) - Watch the flow rate in GPM and electrical consumption for RPM ranges from 750 to 3450 for the SP2603VSP model of Hayward Super Pump VS.


Wood Wall Vinyl Liner Pools - Some entry level vinyl liner swimming pool kits use wood walls instead of resin or galvanized steel wall kits. While these are less expensive upfront it is probably not a good long term plan.


Do You Regret Getting A Pool Put In? - This article talks about cold feet and why it is normal for (new) pool owners to be apprehensive about having a new pool installed.


Hayward Super Pump VS Flow Test - This article and video looks at the dedicated 230 Volt Hayward Super Pump VS (SP2603VSP) installed with a single 1.5" suction and return line. Flow rate and electrical consumption are recorded for RPM ranges from 750 to 3450.

June 2021

Advice For New Swimming Pool Workers - If I had to start again in the pool and spa industry these are seven tips that I would want to know right from the beginning.


Hayward Super Pump VS Unboxing - This is an unboxing for the variable speed Hayward Super Pump SP2603VSP (W3SP2603VSP) model, which is the 230V dedicated pump from their open product line.


Why Variable Speed Pumps Should Run 24/7 - Every hour that a variable speed pump is not running is another missed opportunity for cost savings to add up. Do not turn off a variable speed pump to save money, but instead run it more and refine your RPM and filtration schedule.


Efficient Pool Plumbing Designs - Efficient plumbing size selection and pipe orientation can make the cost of operating and maintaining your pool water a lot more affordable versus a poorly designed system.

May 2021

How To Add Color To Concrete - Concrete is gray and definitely wants to stay that way, but this article (and video series) will show you some of the more common ways to add color to your concrete.


How To Make Lightweight Concrete - Learn from this article how to make lightweight concrete, which are the most common lightweight concrete aggregates, and what is the best lightweigh concrete mix recipe.


Can You Reuse A Pool Liner? - A very common question from budget conscious pool owners is about whether a second hand liner is an option for their pool. This article looks at this common question and addresses some of the common reasons why this might not be worth your effort to try.


Pool Chlorine Shortage - Is there a shortage of chlorine for swimming pools this year? Learn what you need to know and why you might be hearing mixed messages right now online and in the news.

April 2021

Pentair SuperFlo Full Flow Test - This bench test for the Pentair Superflo VS pump (342001) includes both 2" suction and 2" return lines for maximum flow potential as well as a 150 square foot filter and 30 feet of head resistance.


New Pool Installation Tips - If you want to make smart decisions about the new pool that you are having installed this article will show you some of the ways that you can improve your design.


Common Objections To Variable Speed Pumps - Not everyone agrees that variable speed pool pumps are fantastic and there are some common objections that you might hear. This article debunks the four most common reasons you will hear not to get a variable speed pump.


Good Habits For New Pool Owners - There is a lot learn for a new swimming pool owner. This article covers some helpful tips that you can start with early to help save money on operating costs as well as help your pool (and equipment) to last as long as possible.

March 2021

Filtration Schedule For A 14'x28' Pool - Learn about how to design an energy efficient pool filtration schedule for a variable speed pump on this 14x28' pool that is approximately 13,000 gallons in volume.


Are Pool Sand Filters Good? - This article looks into why sand filters are popular, at least traditionally, and why sand filters might not be the best option for some pools especially if efficiency is a priority for your pool.


Which Way Should I Aim The Return Jets? - Learn about circulation in swimming pools and which way you should aim your return eyeballs for optimal circulation, filtration and skimming of your swimming pool water.


Not Compatible With Salt Water Pools - A lot of swimming pool equipment states that it is not suitable for use in salt water pools. It is important to understand what this warning means because it is probably different than what you are thinking.

February 2021

A Warning For Pool Owners For 2021 - The 2020 swimming pool season was a record breaking year and it is very likely that 2021 will be as well. Find out why this can mean additional risk for home owners looking to have a pool installed or renovated this year.


Damage To Swimming Pools From Freezing - Learn about how freezing temperature and ice formation can damage your pool. Learn about pumps, filters, heaters, skimmers, pool decks and buried plumbing lines that experience freezing winter temperatures and how they tend to break.


Chlorine Shortage For 2021 - Learn about pool chemical manufacturing shortages for the 2021 season and what this means for pool owners.


Do You Clean Your Pool Filter Every Day? - Do you clean your pool filter every day because you are definitely not supposed to need to clean your filter this often. Read this article to learn more about what might be wrong with your filter to cause this.

January 2021

Pentair Superflo Bench Test For 120 Volts & 2" Pipe - The final in a series of four bench tests of the Pentair Superflo variable speed pump this article shows the flow rates and electrical consumption for all motor RPM speeds on a 2" plumbing system with a 120 volt electrical supply.


When Is The Best Time To Get A New Pool Liner? - Vinyl pool owners often wonder whether it is better to get a new pool liner installed in the spring or in the fall.


When Not To Get A Variable Speed Pump - Variable speed pumps will save substantial amounts on the electricity costs to filter your water for most pools. This article looks at the rare situations where a variable speed pump is not worth getting.


Why Does My Pool Pump Lose Prime? - Look at the most common reasons that a pool pump might lose prime. From electrical issues to plumbing leaks to automation failures that deadhead the pump chances are the reason for your pump losing prime is on this list.

December 2020

Pool Filtration Cost Comparison - See how much an 8 hour filtration schedule costs for a single speed pump and compare this to the costs to achieve the same filtered water volume over 24 hours with a variable speed pump.


Why Does My Pool Turn Green After It Rains? - A common complaint from pool owners is that their pool water turns green after periods of rain. Learn why this happens and how you can prevent your pool water from turning green from rain.


How Tight Should A Pool Winter Cover Be? - There are many kinds of pool winter covers. This article outlines the different styles of cover and how the cover should be fit on the pool to minimize potential for damage to the cover or the pool.


The Good, The Bad & The Salty - Learn about the good, bad and ugly aspects of salt water swimming pools. Salt water continues to be one of the most desired upgrades by swimming pool owners but what are the risks?

November 2020

Variable Speed Filtration Schedule For Above Ground Pool - Follow along and design a 24 hour filtration schedule for a 30' round above ground pool that includes flow rates, filtration totals and total cost of electricity.


What Is The Average Pool Size? - See average pool sizes from previous generations compared to modern day pool installations for average pool sizes, depth and volume for both above ground pools and inground pools.


What Is The Best Pump RPM For A Pool Heater - In this article you will learn about the dynamic nature of swimming pools and how a set pump RPM will result in different water volumes being pumped on every pool. Also see examples of minimum flow rates for Hayward, Pentair and Jandy heaters.


Variable Speed Pool Pump Questions - This is a series of videos about variable speed pool pumps to show how they work, why they are better than single speed pumps, how they save money, how much money they save, and examples of flow rate & power consumption tests.

October 2020

Is High pH Bad For Pools? - High pH levels are one of the most common water chemistry problems that pool owners will encounter. High pH also can interfere with the function of your chlorine as well as potentially cause damage to your pool equipment.


Are Pool Main Drains Dangerous? - Learn about submerged suction outlet main drains located on the bottom of swimming pools. Are pool main drains dangerous to swimmers in the pool?


Swimming Pool Left Unfinished By The Builder - Did your pool installer abandon the project half way through building...or worse yet take your deposit money and run? Learn more about what to do when you are left with a hole in both your backyard and your wallet.


Why Are Pools Such A Nightmare? - Everyone has heard about nightmare swimming pool ownership stories that home owners have experienced. Learn about why pools can be such a nightmare for some people and how you can lessen your chances of having a pool related nightmare yourself.

September 2020

Are Vinyl Liner Pools Good? - If you are not familiar with inground vinyl liner pools you might wonder if they are any good, especially when compared to (traditionally) more expensive concrete and fiberglass pool installations. Learn more about vinyl pools, how they are built, and why you might want to consider vinyl for your new pool.


When Should You Close A Pool For The Winter? - When is the best time to close your pool for the cold winter season? Or do you even need to close your pool at all? This article teaches you when and why pools close for the winter.


How To Winterize A Sand Filter - Winterizing a sand filter is quick and easy with only a few steps in the process. Unfortunately sand filters are unforgiving if you forget any of these important steps so read this article and learn what you need to do to protect your filter from winter damage.


What Is The Cheapest Way To Filter Pool Water? - Learn about how (and why) filtering your pool costs so much money and what you can do to substantially reduce on the monthly operating cost for your pool filtration system.

August 2020

Mesh Versus Solid Pool Safety Covers - Should you get a mesh safety cover or a solid safety cover for your pool? Learn about the difference between these options and why one of these is way more popular than the other.


Can I Use Salt Water In My Hot Tub? - Learn about salt systems for hot tubs and which spas you can convert to use salt water. Also learn about the importance of water chemistry and balancing with salt water hot tubs.


Are Inflatable Hot Tubs Worth Getting? - If you have never owned a hot tub you might be tempted to purchase an inflatable spa or portable hot tub to see if the hot tub lifestyle is for you. This review for inflatable spas explains why they are so popular for testing the waters but also as a stand alone hot tub solution.


Should I Just Drain My Pool And Start Over? - Swimming pool owners frustrated with water quality problems can often look towards draining and refilling the pool instead of fixing the problems with the water chemistry. Learn about why most of the time it will be easier to fix the chemistry than to drain and refill.

July 2020

Varibale Speed Savings On Small Pools - See a step by step cost comparison between a pool pump that runs only four hours per day versus a 24 hour variable speed pump schedule for a small 12 x 24' swimming pool.


Variable Speed Pool Pump Savings - This is a step by step cost comparison between a single speed pump and a variable speed pump for a 16 x 32' pool example that is 20,000 gallons in volume. See the daily and monthly savings for an apples to apples comparison that result in $4300 in savings for the variable speed pump!


20 New Pool & Spa Articles - As part of a writing challenge to stay busy during the June 2020 pandemic lockdown this is a list of 20 new articles about pools and spas made last month. There are a lot of great tips for pool owners in these articles that deal with some commonly asked pool and spa questions.


Have Your Pool Equipment Evaluated By Steve - From the original 50 video series on pool equipment installations people often request having an evaluation of their own pool system. Now you can consult with Steve directly about how you could improve your pool equipment intallation.

June 2020

The New Pool Pump Checklist - Before you buy a new pump for your pool you should read through this article to learn about the technical considerations related to sizing a pool pump correctly for a plumbing system, filter, pipe size and pool volume.


Chlorine In Your Pool Skimmer Basket - Learn about where (and where not) to put chlorine pucks in your swimming pool as well as the proper methods for adding chlorine tabs or chlorine pucks to your water.


Does Pipe Size Matter For Pools? - Learn about efficient flow rates in PVC plumbing pipe sizes normally used for pool systems. When you exceed the efficient flow range of approximately 6 feet per second resistance to flow increases sharply due to friction and turbulence.


How Often Should You Change The Sand In A Pool Filter? - Often pool owners will look to change the sand in their pool filter after they have failed to clear the pool of green water in a reasonable time frame. In most cases the problem is not that your sand is worn out and if anything you simply need to degrease your filter, not change the sand.

May 2020

What Is Pool Stabilizer? - Stabilizer, also called CYA, cyanuric acid and water conditioner is the chemical that enables chlorine to resist the destroying effects of UV from the sun. As it turns out this is a very important aspect of pool water chemistry in more ways than one.


Draining A Vinyl Liner Pool - Draining a vinyl liner pool is something that has a technical process. This is something that pool owners often do not understand and this can end up costing you a new liner. Learn how (and when) you can drain a vinyl liner swimming pool.


Why Is My Pool Water Green? - In this step by step troubleshooting guide you will learn all of the common reasons why pool water will turn green and how to fix these problems. You will also learn about some of the less common reasons that you can end up with green water.


How Many Hours Per Day Should You Run Your Pool Pump? - Hours per day is how pool owners tend to measure their pool water filtration schedule however this article explains why this is a bad idea, and how you go about actually calculating these values.

April 2020

Swimming Pool Steve Consulting Services - Learn about the virtual consulting services available to help you with your swimming pool and spa questions. From general questions about chemicals or repairs, up to an including design and new installation consultation services.


Are Salt Water Pools Better Than Chlorine Pools? - In this article you will learn about the difference between salt water pools and chlorine pools, terminology for electronic chlorine generation, as well as a list of benefits and potential drawbacks for pool salt systems.


Pentair SuperFlo 1/2 RPM Power & Flow Test (1750 RPM) - This article looks at a popular 1.5 horsepower variable speed pump (Pentair SuperFlo 342001) to see the flow performance and electrical consumption for half-speed motor operation (1750 RPM).


Perspective Check For Covid-19 Infection - This is a personal statement about Covid-19 and the steps that are being taken by people to limit the spread, flatten the curve and protect the vulnerable. It is also a message to those failing to take these steps.

March 2020

Emergency Swimming Pool Care - In the event of a disaster and you suddenly found yourself needing to care for a swimming pool this information will help you to identify what you should start doing right away to prevent the pool water from turning bad.


Do Pools Need A Flow Meter? - Learn why almost no residential swimming pools have a flow meter installed on the plumbing system, and how this is going to change very soon. Soon every pool will be using flow meters.


How Much Flow Volume From A Pool Pump? - In a continuation of the Pentair SuperFlo bench test series this video looks at the flow rates and electrical consumption for the Superflo using a 240 Volt electrial service, a single 2" suction line and a single 1.5" return line.


50 Shades Of Green Pool Water - Learn how the passage of time can affect the quality and color of your swimming pool water in this funny article about 50 shades of green.

February 2020

Running A Pool Pump For 8 Hours Per Day - This article and video looks at a very common filtration schedule of eight hours per day of running time. Watch how a variable speed pump is easily able to save $500 per year in electrical costs versus a single speed pump running 8 hours daily.


How To Calculate Electricity Costs - With variable speed pumps becoming more popular at some point it will benefit you to know how to calculate how much an electrical appliance costs to run. Learn about voltage, wattage, amperage and how to calculate kilowatt hours with this article.


Do You Have What It Takes To Work On Pools? - Learn from this funny article some of the challenges you will need to overcome if you want to be successful in the pool and spa industry.


Variable Speed Pumps On Seasonal Pools - This article looks at a common objection to variable speed pumps to determine if pools in seasonal areas will benefit from upgrading to a variable speed pump.

January 2020

What RPM For 25 GPM? - This bench test video looks at the Pentair SuperFlo VS pump installed with 120 Volts on a 1.5" plumbing system to determine what motor RPM is needed in order to achieve 25 gallons per minute of flow.


7 Things You Need To Keep Out Of Your Pool - This article is for new pool owners to see some common things that they need to keep out of their swimming pool.


Pentair SuperFlo VS Bench Test (120 Volt) - A continuation of the VS pump bench testing series this is a test of the Pentair SuperFlo variable speed pump installed with 1.5" plumbing lines and a 120 Volt electrical supply.


Variable Speed Pump With A Salt System - Learn which variable speed pumps are compatible with salt water chlorinator systems as well as tips for setting motor RPM if you have a salt water system.

December 2019

Pentair SuperFlo VS Test - Flow Rate & Electrical Consumption - This bench test of a Pentair SuperFlo variable speed pump looks at a pump installed with a 240 Volt electrical supply, running off of a single 1.5" suction and return line. See flow rates and electrical consumption for a range of motor RPM speeds.


Why Do I Need A Variable Speed Pump? - With new laws coming into effect in just over a year many pool owners are left asking the question "Why do I need a variable speed pump?" as soon all swimming pools will need to meet a new efficiency standard for filtration pumps. Learn more about why this is happening and why this is actually a good thing for you.


How To Set Up A Pentair SuperFlo VS Pump - Learn about how to set the 12 hour / 24 hour clock as well as how to make adjustments to the priming cycle RPM speed for a new Pentair SuperFlo VS pool pump.


Running A Pool Pump At 1000 RPM - This article looks at the bench test of a Pentair SuperFlo variable speed pump running at 1000 RPM to examine the flow rates and electrical consumption for this pump running under these conditions.

November 2019

Running A Pool Pump 4 Hours Per Day - Some pool owners choose to only run their pool filtration pump as little as four hours each day. This article looks at and bench tests a pump to examine how much water is able to be filtered in four hours, and how much electricity cost there is in doing so.


How Much Power Does A Pool Pump Use? - Learn how pool pumps consume power as compared to various flow rates and motor RPM speeds in this article aimed to teach pool owners how to determine if a variable speed pump will save them money.


Inflatable Hot Tub Reviews - After three months of owning and using an Intex brand inflatable hot tub this is a detailed review including chemical and electrical costs for operating a portable hot tub.


How To Clean A Hot Tub Filter - Learn about an economy bulk household product that you can use to clean your pleated paper hot tub filters from your spa. Also learn more about how often you should be cleaning your filters and what happens to your water if you fail to clean your filters often enough.

October 2019

9 Awesome Things You Should Totally Not Do To Your Pool - Look at the risk versus reward equation for fun things that you could potentially do with your swimming pool, but probably shouldn't.


Electrical Savings With Variable Speed Pumps - This article (and video) show the real world application of one of the pump affinity laws which is the science behind why a variable speed pool pump will saving you so much money on your electricity bill.


Pool Pump Comparison - Welcome to the Swimming Pool Steve test lab. This is an introductory video that shows the new pump testing station that I have built in order to test and film pool pump electrical efficiency and flow rates. Be sure to subscribe to my YouTube channel to see more videos as they come out.


Hot Tub Foam - If you have a problem with too much foam in your hot tub water then this article will help you to understand the different reasons why this can happen and how you can resolve it permanently. You might be surprised to learn the most common thing people add to hot tubs to get rid of foam is probably not the right choice.

September 2019

Pentair SuperFlo VS Unboxing - In this unboxing video you will see exactly what comes with the Pentair 342001 SuperFlo variable speed pump.


2019 Pleatco Perfect Pool Guy Contest Entry - This year for my Pleatco Perfect Pool Guy Contest entry I have written this parody song about being a pool pro up in Canada and how it can be hard on us when winter season arrives. Don't forget to vote for Steve this year!


Common Pool Closing Mistakes Part 2 - A continuation from part 1 learn about these most common mistakes that pool owenrs often make when they attempt to close and winterize their own pools.


How Often Should I Drain My Hot Tub? - If you follow easy to find advice about how often you should drain and refill your hot tub then you might be missing out on some very important information. Learn more about how to know when to drain your spa, and what you must do before you drain the old water out.

August 2019

Quality & Integrity - Tools Of A Swimming Pool Professional - Take a look behind the scenes at why it is so hard to build a quality swimming pool and how quality and integrity are the foundation that needs to exist in order to level up in the pool and spa industry.


How To Change A Pool Light - In this article you will learn about safety considerations for working on pool lights as well as how to upgrade your existing pool light to a new LED light.


How To Save Money On A Pool - This article looks at new swimming pool installations and how costs for additional upgrades can quickly increase the price of your new pool well beyond your budget. Find out more about if you had to change your design to reduce costs how would you go about doing this?


Shared Pool & Spa Systems - Shared pool and spa systems allow you to use one set of equipment, pump filter and heater, to filter and heat both a pool and a spa. These systems can potentially save you a lot of money if you want a pool and a hot tub, but there are some limitations to these systems that you should know about.

July 2019

How To Drain Water From Pool After Rain - This article talks about the different options you have for draining water from your pool if the level is too high after heavy rains. The methods discussed cover both inground and above ground swimming pools.


Can You Put Chlorine In A Salt Pool? - Every swimming pool owner with a salt system (electronic chlorine generator) at some point needs to ask the question "can you add chlorine to a salt water pool?" and this article explains why this is not just okay to do, but recommended for pools with salt systems.


Pressure Side Pool Cleaners - This comparison review article looks at some of the most popular models of swimming pool pressure side cleaners and the features that make these models popular. Also included is quick reference information for which pressure side cleaners require a dedicated booster pump and which can operate on the pressure side of your existing filtration pump.


Which Pool Pump Should I Buy? - The world of swimming pool pumps is very deep, pun intended, and this article serves to fast track your process of picking a new one for your pool. It can be very confusing for pool owners to pick a new pump for their pool but fortunately there are a few extremely popular models that are good options for almost any pool filtration system.

June 2019

Acid Washing Pools - Acid washing pools is a very common service that pool companies offer and concrete pool owners ask for...but is acid washing a pool really a good idea and is there a better way to achieve the same results without damaging the pool plaster surface?


Why Are Pools So Expensive? - Learn about why swimming pool installations cost so much money and where the bulk of those costs end up going as well as how to keep costs as reasonable as possible when having a new pool built.


Why Does My Pool Lose Water In The Winter? - If you think that your pool lost water over the winter season this article explains what your water level should be when you open the pool in the spring, as well as information about why rates of water loss can change from season to season.


Heat Pump Tripping Electrical Breaker - This article looks at some of the potential causes for an electric heat pump for a swimming pool to suddenly start tripping the electrical breaker.

May 2019

Growing A Pool Company - 11 tips for success for pool companies looking to grow. Learn how to set your business up to be successful, stable, and profitable while exposing your business to the least possible risk from bad debt accounts and problem customers.


Why Do Pool Owners Do This? - Learn from an industry professional why pool owners sometimes make (costly) mistakes when maintaining and trying to repair their pools.


Variable Speed Pumps Explained - Why are variable speed pumps so much better than the older single speed pumps from previous generations? This article highlights some of the main areas of improvement and details why you save so much money on electricity when you upgrade your pool pump to variable speed.


How To Get Someone To Actually Call You Back About Your Pool - This article is both truthful as well as funny. Learn why pool owners have such a hard time trying to get someone from the pool industry to return their phone call and how you can increase your chances of having someone return your voicemail.

April 2019

Pool Liner Replacement - What you should consider before your next pool liner replacement. Not all estimates to replace the liner in your vinyl pool will include the same scope of work. Before you proceed with the new liner you should make sure to closely inspect each of these integral components.


How To Bond New Concrete To Old Concrete - This is a deeper look at the world of bonding new concrete to old concrete and the various methods you can employ to accomplish this. This is a very technical subject, much more so than would appear on the surface, and this article looks at PVA bonding adhesive, latex acrylic and SBR latex admixtures in particular.


Leaking Water That Changed History - In an effort to provide the best possible content on this blog this article is a true story from the other side of the world about how leaking water changed the course of history and brought down one of the largest ever ancient civilizations.


Pool Floats - What in the world is going on with inflatable pool toys and pool floats? The design and size of these (once) simple pool toys is absolutely out of control. We need to talk about pool toys - this is just madness!

March 2019

Chemical Free Hot Tubs - In this article Steve tallks about chemical free hot tubs and natural hot tub treatment options available to you. While the technology is not quite there yet to run hot water systems completely without chemicals safely there are some promosinng options just starting to hit the market now.


Hiring A Pool Contractor - If you are going to have a new swimming pool installed then you would benefit from reading this 23 page E-book guide from Swimming Pool Steve. "Getting The Most Value With A New Pool Installation" is a guide for home owners to help you understand the pool installation process better and learn how to find the best builder for your pool - all while avoiding the biggest swimming pool installation nightmares.


Do Pools Really Need Chlorine? - More than ever swimming pool owners are searching for alternatives to chlorine or other chemical sanitizers. Unfortunately this pursuit carries some very serious inherent risk. This article looks at what the best options are for maintaining safe pool and spa water, including a cameo from a leading expert of water quality and maintenance.


Variable Speed Pump Schedules - Learn how to get the most value out of your new variable speed pool pump by programming a schedule that will meet the needs of your pool, and pool equipment, while minimizing your electricity costs to run the pump.

February 2019

Are Fiberglass Pools Better Than Gunite Pools? - In this article you will learn the truth to the debate about whether fiberglass pools are better than concrete pools. You will also learn about why there is so much misinformation out there about this sensitive subject.


Best DIY Pool Options - If you own a swimming pool and you want to make some upgrades to it, it can be confusing about what is appropriate for you to do on your own versus what would be better left to the professionals. This article looks at some common items that you can upgrade on your own.


10 Common Lies You Hear Around The Pool - In the swimming pool industry there are certain things that are repeated as fact with both pool owners as well as pool technicians. This article looks at 10 of the most common lies you will hear around the pool and what the closest thing to the truth there is surrounding that subject.


Swimming Pool Steve Quits The Internet! - It seems that a lot of pool companies have been quitting the internet lately. In this article Steve talks about leaving the internet as well, and what would motivate a large company to boldly make claims to quit the internet as part of their brand marketing.

January 2019

Friction Loss In PVC Fittings - Recently a picture was going around from a Pentair training session on hydraulics and there was a mistake in the information being presented. This article examines this common error, why it is so commonly made, and what the correct friction loss numbers are for two inch PVC street elbows, short radius elbows, and sweep elbows.


How To Replace Your Own Pool Pump - If you are thinking about replacing your own pool pump instead of calling a professional to do this for you then this article will highlight some of the concerns and important information you need to know before proceeding. Learn about why some pools are harder to install a pump on than others, as well as warranty considerations for doing it yourself versus hiring a pro.


10 Stages Of Life For Owning A Robotic Pool Cleaner - If you intend to buy a robotic pool vacuum to help you keep your pool clean then you should be aware that there are 10 specific stages that you will need to go through during the time that you own it.


8 Money Saving Swimming Pool Tips - If you want to take every opportunity to reduce the operating, service and maintenance costs for your pool then this article will show you eight real world ways that you can accomplish this. Nine if you count the (very relevant) last line of the article.

December 2018

2018 In Review For Swimming Pool Steve - As per the annual tradition this year end recap includes some numbers behind this blog as well as my YouTube channel, both of which hit record high numbers this year. If you are an avid reader of the Swimming Pool Steve blog then this article also contains some important information about some things that I have been working on.


Starting A New Pool Company - This article looks at what it takes to start a new swimming pool and spa company. Over and above the technical side of working on pools here are 10 principles that you should adopt if you are going to be in business for yourself.


9 Problems That Pool Owners Ignore - Learn about 9 common problems with obvious signs that swimming pool owners tend to ignore until it is too late. If you want to avoid sudden and "unexpected" repair costs with your pool then follow these nine tips.


Which Pool Should I Buy? - In this article Steve talks about getting a new swimming pool installed and how you should decide wich kind of pool would be the best for your property.

November 2018

Vermiculite Concrete Mixes - Vermiculite is a lightweight mineral that can be substituted as an aggregate in concrete mixes to achieve a lightweight, highly insulative finished concrete. One of the most common applications for vermiculite modified concrete is as a floor option in vinyl liner swimming pools.


Best Pool Pumps of 2019 - If you are in the market for a new pool pump this year then take a look at this 2019 pump review article. It includes the three most popular filtration pumps currently being sold, and then provides three alternatives that you probably have not heard of yet. Most pool owners picking up a new pump this year will probably end up with one of the ones from this list.


Pool Pump Replacement - Before you go and buy a replacement for your pool filtration pump you should read this article that talks about the correct method to sizing a pump for your pool including matching it with the pool volume, pipe size and filter maximum designed flow rate.


Pool Liner Coving - This article talks about why your liner might have a small cove where the floor of the shallow end meets the walls of the pool. Ideally the liner should follow the exact 90 degree profile of the floor and wall, with no cove at all, however in many cases it does not. So how much coving is too much?

October 2018

Unsung Heroes Of The Swimming Pool Industry - Through humor learn about the dark origins of the swimming pool industry and how things have changed from previous generations of pool builders. What seemingly insignificant changes helped shape the face of modern day pool workers.


Pool Filter Sizing - This article walks you through the process of how to size a pool filter, including matching it to your pump, pipe size, pool volume, and filtration demands. By the end of this article you will have all of the information you need to make an informed purchasing decision for a new filter for your pool.


2018 Swimming Pool Industry Leadership Award - I am very pleased to announce that I have won the 2018 Pool & Spa Industry Leadership Award from Pleatco. This article talks about what exactly I have won, as well as the new changes that I intend to introduce to the pool and spa industry now that I am finally in charge!


How To Protect Your Pool From Freezing - This article looks at some of the more problematic areas of winterizing swimming pools and how pools can tend to break if not winterized correctly. Learn what steps a proactive person in a cold climate area might take to prevent their pool from potential damage.

September 2018

Why Did My Pool Pump Fail Early? - This article looks at what potential factors could cause a swimming pool pump to fail earlier than it should have (or at least sooner than you were expecting). The answer to your early pump failure is likely a combination of one, or more, of these reasons.


Installing Pool Equipment You Bought Online - This article is intended to help pool owners to understand why it is so hard to find a swimming pool company to install the pool equipment that you bought online. If you operate a pool company, give this article to the customers asking you to install equipment purchased online.


Salt Water Chlorinators For Above Ground Pools - If you are considering converting your above ground pool to salt water this article will guide you through some of the information you need to know first, as well as teaching you how to size a salt chlorinator for your pool, and which brands you should be considering.


What Is The Cheapest Pool Pump? - This article attempts to provide a technical answer to the very loaded question of "what is the cheapest pool pump?". Learn what the most cost effective methods to filter your pool water are, as well as which pitfalls you need to avoid when you set out to buy a cheap pool pump.

August 2018

16 Lessons That All Pool Workers Must Learn - 16 Lessons that all pool workers must learn, is a satire article about some situation specific pool problems that people who work in this industry are likely to have to deal with. Not an inclusive list, but if you are new to working on pools this article can help you to avoid some of the bumps and bruises you are likely to encounter just starting out...or at the very least allow you to commiserate with your peers.


Can You Put A Vinyl Liner In A Concrete Pool? - A very common question from people who own older concrete pools is can you install a liner in a concrete pool. This article looks at why liners sometimes get installed in concrete pools and whether or not this is a valid remediation option for aging concrete pools in need of repair.


Inground Vinyl Pool Renovations - This article looks at an inground vinyl liner pool that experienced a deck-integrated coping failure. See the chronological process for how you renovate a vinyl pool for a new concrete deck, coping and liner installation.


Swimming Pool Sinkhole Part 2 - In the continuation of this story find out how deep the rabbit (sink) hole goes once the liner was removed from this pool. The sinkhole looked enormous before the liner was taken out but you won't believe how big the hole looks now! Give us your opinion about what happened to cause this pool to fail.

July 2018

Swimming Pool Steve 2018 Pleatco Perfect Pool Guy Nomination - This year please vote for Swimming Pool Steve to be chosen as the Pleatco Perfect Pool Guy. This article includes information about my nomination, my history within the pool industry, and how you can cast your vote.


Swimming Pool Flow Meters - This article talks about the difficulties (and limitations) of calculating flow rates for swimming pool filtration systems as compared to using flow meters to monitor and dial in the exact flow rates needed for filtration requirements and to meet flow rate guidelines for other pool equipment such as filters and heaters.


Above Ground Pool Floor Sinkhole - What caused this above ground pool to develop a sinkhole in the middle of the floor which ended up resulting in a sudden failure and draining of the pool? This article looks at an unusual case where a pool less than two years old fails in dramatic (and expensive) fashion. Do you agree with the cause of failure in this article or do you have a different idea as to why this happened?


10 Reasons To Get A Pool - It can be hard to justify a purchase as expensive as a swimming pool and it is only normal to look for confirmation that this is actually a good idea for you to do. This article will reaffirm your decision to buy a pool with these 10 excellent reasons you should get a pool.

June 2018

10 Job Interview Questions You Wish You Could Ask - Since the swimming pool industry is so unique, I have developed this list of job interview questions that you wish you could ask. While these might not be the most PC questions, they will certainly help you to fast track the process of finding a new worker that will be able to actually do the job.


How To Store A Pool Cover - Learn the best tips for securely storing your pool cover during the swimming season. This article explains why protecting your cover from insects and rodents is so important and which containers provide the best protection from these pests.


Optional Upgrades For New Pool Installations - If optional upgrades for swimming pools still makes you think of a diving board and a slide then read this article. Learn which options to pick if you want your pool to be safe, economical, have reduced chemical use and stay clean all on their own (almost).


Pool Filter Pressure - Learn about what an "average filter pressure" is for swimming pools as well as the maximum safe pressure level for swimming pool equipment. Your filter pressure is the best indicator you have about the condition of your pool filtration system.

May 2018

Brown Pool Water - Brown pool water is an uncommon problem to have with a swimming pool and can be somewhat confusing as to how to deal with it. This color normally relates to water contaminated with iron, usually from a rural water supply or deteriorating pool equipment leaching metals into the pool water.


Swimming Pool Alarms - Swimming pool alarms are required for new or newly renovated pools in many areas according to UL 2017 and ASTM F2208. This article looks at pool water alarms as well as pool door alarms to be code compliant in these areas and to increase safety for any swimming pool.


How To Convert Your Pool To Salt Water - If you are thinking about converting your pool to a salt water pool then this article will help you to learn about how to install a salt system, how to protect your pool from damage and how to maintain your pool moving forward.


Why Is My Pool Losing Water? - If you are a pool owner looking for answers about unexplained water loss in your pool, then this article will teach you how, why and where swimming pools tend to break. Swimming pool leak detection 101.

April 2018

Pool Ionizer Reviews - This short article looks at pool ionizer systems and whether copper and silver ions can reduce the chemicals that you use to sanitize your pool water.


How To Know When You Need A New Pool Liner - Replacing the vinyl liner in your pool is one of the more common maintenance repairs that vinyl pools need. This article talks about how long liners tend to last and how to tell when it is time to get a new one.


Can You Get Sick From Dirty Pool Water? - This article explains some of the potential health concerns associated with dirty or poorly treated swimming pool water. If you are wondering about swimming in green swimming pool water then this will help you to understand the risks.


How To Make Caring For Your Pool Easier - A very common complaint from pool owners is that taking care of the pool is difficult and confusing. This article provides some tips for pool owners about basic maintenance that you might not be doing or simply taking for granted.

March 2018

Heavy Hot Tub Covers - Learn why hot tub covers tend to get heavy over time. Find out the difference between cheap spa covers and more expensive ones, and whether you can repair a heavy spa cover or not.


Concrete Pool Problems - Common concrete pool problems discussed in this article cover structural failures of the shell, coping problems, failure of the tiles, and how to know when the interior pool surface needs replacement.


How To Close A Pool Permanently - If you absolutely must close your pool permanently or for an extended period of time, this article will explain the risks of doing so and some tips for how to close your pool with minimal long term risk for damage.


Why Does My Hot Tub Water Smell Bad? - This article talks about why hot tub owners complain about bad smelling spa water, and whether bromine is the reason for this smell or not.

February 2018

DIY Pool Opening - If you would like to open your own swimming pool this year then this article will show you the most common tools that you will need to get the job done. Also covered are chemicals needed for your pool in the spring (as well as which chemicals to avoid!)


Why Do Pools Turn Green? - This article explains why pool water turns green, as well as which factors increase and decrease the rate of algae growth in your pool.


Pool Replastering - Replastering is the most common (and expensive) maintenance item that you need to do on concrete swimming pools. This article explains the steps involved with replastering a pool including information about how the coping stones and tile band also relate to this work.


Black Pool Liners - Black swimming pool liners are a common requst from pool owners. Find out in this article why most liner installers will try to talk you out of getting one for your pool.

January 2018

Pool Liner Coming Out Of Track - A section of pool liner slipping out of the coping track, or a "liner pull", is a very common problem for swimming pool owners to have with vinyl pools. This article explains why this happens and how you can fix the problem.


Should I Drain My Pool For The Winter? - This article answers this important question and then delves into the specifics for each type of swimming pool as to what you can expect if you were to drain your pool for the winter.


What Size Pool Heater Do I Need? - If you need to buy a new pool heater, or want to check the calculations for how large your heater should be for your pool and spa, this article will walk you through this process. Calculations included for propane and natural gas heaters as well as electric heat pumps.


Wet Or Dry - How To Install Vinyl Pool Step Flanges - When you install a vinyl liner in a pool with in-wall steps should you install the step flange right away with the pool empty, or fill the pool up to the shallow end with water first?

December 2017

Swimming Pool Steve 2017 Review - This article sums up some of the accomplishments of the www.SwimmingPoolSteve.com blog and YouTube channel including information about total pool equipment referrals to Amazon.com for the year. Also find out what is going to be new for Swimming Pool Steve in 2018.


AOP System Reviews - This article reviews some of the best AOP (advanced axidation process) swimming pool systems on the market currently. The bands included in this review are from DEL Ozone, Clear Comfort, and Prozone.


Tools That Make Working On Pools Easier - This is a great article if you work in the pool and spa industry and you are looking for tools that can help you to streamline your business and increase the type and quality of the services that your company offers.


Gift Ideas For Pool & Spa Owners - With Christmas only a few days away, this is a list of gift ideas for anyone who owns a swimming pool or hot tub. These gift ideas will help you to find something interesting, fun or unique following an aquatic theme. If you know someone who is crazy about their pool then surely you can find a great gift for them from this list.


Concrete Pool Maintenance Repairs - Learn what you need to maintain on a concrete pool in order to avoid expensive repairs down the road. This article talks about the working relationship between concrete pool coping, tiles and the interior surface and how these work together to protect your pool from water damage.

November 2017

Swimming Pool Renovation Costs - Swimming pool renovations are expensive and this list looks at the top five renovation items commonly requested by pool owners that most often result in sticker shock over the high price.


12 Rites Of Passage For Swimming Pool Workers - In an industry that largely lacks regulations and certifications for workers it can be difficult to establish yourself as a professional of the trade. This list will help you determine how experienced you are working on pools and spas based on these common rites of passage that all experienced pool technicians must go through at some point in their career.


Hayward Variable Speed Pump Comparison - See the flow rates and electrical efficiency for five Hayward variable speed pumps including the EcoStar, TriStar VS, Super Pump VS and the MaxFlo VS compared side by side. This article will help you choose the best Hayward variable speed pump for your pool.


The 10 Most Popular Hot Tub Items On Amazon - This article reviewed the 100 most popular hot tub related products that sell on Amazon.com and condensed them down to the 10 most popular items that you should consider buying for your hot tub online.


The 10 Most Popular Swimming Pool Items On Amazon - This article looks at the top 100 best selling swimming pool products for sale on Amazon.com. Learn which products other pool owners are most often buying online as well as one product that you should probably avoid.

October 2017

Pentair IntelliValve Review - The Pentair Intellivalve is a brand new product from Pentair designed to replaced the industry standard motorized valve actuator commonly used on pool and spa systems. While common in other plumbing industries, this is the first digital MVA from the big three pool equipment manufacturers and it is space saving, highly customizable and has three times the flow control settings of a Jandy valve actuator.


How To Drain A Swimming Pool - Learn some of the important considerations for how to drain a swimming pool safely to minimize the risk for damage to the pool. This article includes pool draining information for concrete pools, vinyl liner pools, fiberglass pools and hybrid pools.


Different Types Of Inground Pools - If you own a swimming pool it is important to know exactly what type of inground pool you have. In addition to the concrete, vinyl liner and fiberglass pools that you may be familiar with, there are also a few cross-over and hybrid swimming pool styles. If you are not exactly sure what kind of pool you have this article will help you understand some of the potential options.


Swimming Pool Industry Clean Water Charity Drive - Every day over 2000 children under the age of five years old die from a lack of access to clean and safe drinking water. If you own a swimming pool or work in the swimming pool industry please read this article. Together we can make a difference and help safe water reach the people that need it most.


Pentair Pool Pumps Comparison - With 10 models of IntelliFlo variable speed pump available such as the base model 011018, as well as the i1, i2, 2-VST, VF, VSF, XF and XSF plus a few SVRS models it can get a little confusing to the average pool owner. This article helps to compare the Pentair variable speed pump models including new and discontinued part numbers as well as the competing Sta-Rite brand that Pentair also owns.

September 2017

Salt Water Pool Maintenance - If you are converting your pool to salt water, or have already converted, this article will help you to learn about salt water pool maintenance. Learn about pool maintenance unique to salt water pools as well as how to protect your pool from damage as a result of the increased salinity levels.


Pool Filter Cartridge Replacement - This quick reference article covers all things related to replacing the filter elements in your cartridge filter. Learn how to properly care for your filters and how to know when they need to be replaced as well as the OEM, Pleatco and Unicel numbers for replacement filter elements for every popular brand, make and model of pool filter.


5 Ways To Make Working On Pools Safer - The swimming pool industry can be very unforgiving and sometimes even dangerous to workers for both accidents as well as concerns for long term exposure to harmful things. This article highlights five ways that you can make working on pools safer on a day-to-day basis.


Advanced Oxidation Process (AOP) & Hydroxyl Radicals - Advanced oxidation process (AOP) involves creating highly reactive hydroxyl radicals that have, by far, the most oxidizing potential of anything you use to oxidize swimming pool water. So why are you not using this in your pool? Learn more about how hydroxyl radicals are made and how they can be used for cleaning water in this article.


How To Make Your Pool More Energy Efficient - Swimming pools are a luxury however their operating costs do not need to reflect this. This article talks about the three most common ways that residential swimming pools can improve energy efficiency and where your lost efficiency dollars are being spent.

August 2017

Hayward Expert Line Dealer Exclusive Pumps - This article looks at the four variable speed pool pumps offered through the dealer exclusive "expert line" of equipment. This article compares the SP32900VSP, SP32950VSP, SP23520VSP and SP23510VSP to the same versions that are available directly to consumers and online.


Challenges Of Working On Pools & Spas - So you are considering a career in the pool and spa industry? Before you start working on pools and spas be sure to read this list of challenges that you will face while working in the pool industry.


Hidden Dangers In Swimming Pools - It is widely known that swimming pools can be dangerous. This article talks about some of the potential areas for concern and danger in both new and older, existing swimming pools.


What Is The Best Pool Cover? - If you are thinking about upgrading your old pool cover system to something newer then this article will help you to understand the options available to you. Mesh pool safety covers are slowly taking over the industry and this article explains why as well as which pools are a good candidate for this type of cover system.


Low Price Swimming Pool Estimates - If you have a lower-than-average price estimate for a new pool installation or major pool renovation then you need to know why this price is so much lower than the others. This article explains what risks you take when looking at the lowest price for your project and what you most likely will not be getting for this reduced price.

July 2017

How To Make Traditional Vietnamese Pho - Wait, what? How to make Vietnamese beef noodle soup...from Swimming Pool Steve? I will admit that it sounds like a stretch, but give me a chance. Read this recipe and you will quickly see the lengths that I went to in order to learn, directly from the source, how to make one of the best dishes in the world. Next to traveling to Vietnam to learn to cook like I did then this is the most authentic pho recipe you will find.


What A Pool Professional Does Differently Than The Average Pool Owner - There is a lot to know about owning a swimming pool. This article looks at what a swimming pool professional does differently day to day than the "average pool owner" that makes taking care of the pool easier overall.


How Much Money Can You Save With A Variable Speed Pump? - The calculation of how much you can expect to save by switching to a variable speed pump is complicated. This article breaks down the advantages of VS pumps and looks at which pools are likely candidates for a good return on investment. Also included is a financial breakdown comparison of how much you can potentially save on electricity per hour, per month, and over a 60 month service cycle.


Do You Need A Check Valve Between A Salt Cell & Your Heater? - This article attempts to find out if you need to have a check valve in between a salt chlorinator cell and a pool heater. It is known that erosion feeders (chlorine puck feeders) can damage heaters but can salt chlorine cells also cause the same damage? Find out what the big three pool equipment manufacturers had to say.


Things You Need To Know Before Going In A Hot Tub - This article talks about what goes through the mind of a water chemistry expert when they are asked to get into a hot tub with a questionable history of water chemistry maintenance. Learn about why professional pool workers tend to avoid pools, and especially spas, which they do not maintain themselves.

June 2017

Items On Your Pool You Should NOT Fix Yourself - Swimming pools can be more dangerous than the average pool owner appreciates. This article details some of the potential hidden dangers with your pool or spa and highlights which parts of your pool should never attempt to modify, repair or troubleshoot yourself.


Vinyl Liner Pool Return Leaks - Vinyl liner pool returns tend to develop leaks and break in a predictable manner. This article talks about the correct installation for return flanges and gaskets for both Hayward and Jacuzzi fittings, as well as how to avoid pipe leaks at the wall flange with correct pipe installation on the back side of the wall. If you have a vinyl pool and suspect a leak in the returns this will be a good article for you to get started with.


15 Celebrities Who Would Suck At Maintaining Their Own Pool - It is a good thing that celebrities make enough money to pay swimming pool industry professionals to renovate, repair and maintain their pools and spas. These 15 celebrities would most likely have a lot of trouble taking care of their own pools.


Buying Pool Equipment Online - This article talks about buying swimming pool equipment online versus buying from an industry professional or brick and mortar retail pool store. Follow the path of a pump from the manufacturer to the pool to see why rock bottom internet pricing is making waves in the pool industry and what the big three manufacturers are doing to change the way pool equipment is sold, installed and warrantied.


1,000,000 Views On The Swimming Pool Steve YouTube Channel - The Swimming Pool Steve Youtube Channel has just rolled over 1 Million views and this blog article highlights some of the most popular and must see videos and video playlists on this informative channel.

May 2017

Cheap Above Ground Pools - When you are looking for a cheap above ground pool there are a lot of options available to you. This article will help to differentiate between "cheap pools" and "cost effective pools" for the entry level and above ground pool market. If you are looking to buy an above ground pool online and install it yourself (or hire someone to install it) then this article will help you understand what you need to buy.


How To Fix A Floating Pool Liner - A very common problem for vinyl liner pool owners to encounter in the spring is a floating liner. If you have water behind the liner of your pool then this article will help you to understand what when wrong and what options you have to fix it.


Partying Until The Vietnamese Police Shut It Down - This article is NOT about swimming pools. This is a personal story about Swimming Pool Steve that took place exactly one year ago in Hoi An Vietnam. Find out what happens when Steve tries to keep up with the locals drinking at a party that ends up being shut down by the Vietnamese police.


Must Have Items For Above Ground Pools - Just because your pool is less permanent than an in ground pool installation does not mean that it needs to be less fun. This article talks about some of the most important upgrades you should consider if you want to get the most out of your above ground pool.


Vinyl Liner Problems - In this article learn about common problems that you can have with a vinyl liner including shrinking, wrinkles and permanent damage from adverse water chemistry. Also learn about how liner thickness is measured as well as how to ask the right questions to your liner manufacturer about where you vinyl liner was made.

April 2017

Easter Island Moai Statues - Easter Island and Moai head statues made by Swimming Pool Steve using recycled styrofoam hot tub covers. If you like Easter Island statues, or just fun and whimsical garden statuary, then take a look at some of the statues that Steve makes as a hobby.


Pool Plaster VS Paint - Concrete pool interior surface plaster versus paint broken down and compared over the course of 25 years to see if paint really is any cheaper than plaster over the long term. If you have a concrete pool then this is a very important article for you to read.


Pool Opening Mistakes - This article talks about some of the most common mistakes that people can make when opening a pool in the spring and how you can avoid these common (and often expensive) problems. If you have never opened a pool before but intend to do so this year then this article is a must read.


Pool Pump Troubleshooting - With the pool opening season around the corner this article is a troubleshooting guide for pool owners who have opened their pool but can not seem to get the pump running. If you are having trouble priming your pump, or if your pump will not run correctly, especially if you have just opened your pool for the year, this article will help you identify and fix the problem.


Swimming Pool Steve In Print - This page is a collection of links to major publications, news sites and other mainstream media such as magazines that Swimming Pool Steve has recently been featured in. This includes technical articles, satire articles, current event commentary and media mentions in newspapers, magazines and radio shows.

March 2017

Common Misconceptions About The Pool Industry - Swimming pool owners often develop preconceived notions about the pool industry and the people that work in it. This article talks about some of the most common misconceptions that pool owners tend to have as well as how these misconceptions came to be.


Pool Opening Tips - If you want to open your own swimming pool in the spring then this detailed article will walk you through the process from beginning to end. Learn tips from an industry expert about how to make the opening process go as quickly and as smoothly as possible including the cover, pumps, filters, heaters, salt water systems, ladders and handrails, lights, spring maintenance and water chemistry.


Pool Wall Rust Repair - Most vinyl liner swimming pools are built using galvanized steel wall kits. While these steel wall kits are very strong, and seldom require replacement, they can become rusted. This article explains why you would develop rust on the walls of a vinyl pool as well as how to fix them so you can hang a new liner in the pool safely.


Pools Without Chlorine - This article discusses the pursuit of chlorine free swimming pools and educates about the risks and concerns of operating swimming pools completely without chlorine or chemical sanitizers. If you are trying to find ways to reduce your chemical exposure from your pool then this is the article that you have been looking for.


7 Good Swimming Pool Maintenance Habits That You Should Adopt - In this article you will learn 7 important habits that you should adopt for maintaining your swimming pool to help you keep your pool operating for as long as possible for as little money as possible.

February 2017

Get Informed About Salt Water - This article, which closely resembles a rant, discusses the minimum information that you need to know in order to make an informed decision about using salt water in your pool. Every person who works in the pool and spa industry should be familiar with all of the information covered in this article.


Hayward Super Pump VS Pentair SuperFlo Variable Speed Pump Comparison - Both the Hayward Super Pump VS and the Pentair SuperFlo VS are designed for the same entry level variable speed pump market. This article compares some of the features of these pumps to help you decide which would be the right one for your pool.


What Is The Best Pool Heater? - In this article multiple swimming pool heater experts give their opinion as to which the best pool heater is. This article also talks about what causes a pool heater to fail and how long you can expect a new heater to last.


The Swimming Pool Hall Of Shame - The swimming pool hall of shame is a new and ongoing section where the best of the worst swimming pools are profiled through pictures, videos and stories. If you have a swimming pool experience that is worthy of the hall of shame contact Steve to discuss having your experience profiled here in this section.


Swimming Pool Industry Trade Licensing - The swimming pool industry lacks standardized trade licensing similar to how other recognized skilled trades operate. This article talks about how the pool industry still lacks an industry recognized trade license and why there is so much difficulty with implementing a trade license program.

January 2017

How To Convert A Vinyl Pool To A Concrete Pool - Converting a vinyl liner pool to a concrete pool is an extensive process. This article looks at this process and discusses the reasons why someone would want to convert an existing vinyl pool to concrete instead of just renovating it and using it as a vinyl liner pool.


Important Considerations For New Pool Shoppers - When you are researching and getting ready to have a new swimming pool installed there is so much information that you need to sift through that it can be completely overwhelming. This important article talks about some of the things that you should consider adding to your pool and backyard plans during the construction process. If you are shopping for a new pool then this article is a must read.


Common Pool Equipment Problems Explained - This article takes one example from the 50 video reviews of pool equipment installations and breaks down each deficiency and explains what the problem, and solution, is. The most common pool equipment problems discussed are restrictions to flow, signs of damage or leaks, improper salt water system installation and lack of pool equipment bonding.


Why You Should Never Ignore A Leak In Your Pool - This article talks about one of the biggest concerns for swimming pool owners which is extensive damage and repair bills from underground leaks. Even a small leak in your pool can cause serious damage if left unnoticed for an extended period of time.


Swimming Pool Steve 2016 In Review - This article takes a look back at 2016 and some of the adventures of a new digital nomad, Swimming Pool Steve. Included in this article is a video taken from half way around the world, as well as a picture of a surprise catch when fishing. With a trip to the other side of the world as well as a personal best fishing catch you might think these were the highlights of the year but the real highlight was a simple, age-old story about a father and his son.

December 2016

Salt Chlorinator Installation - Installing a salt chlorine generator is a do-it-yourself level project that most pool owners can do themselves. There are however some very important installation steps that you must do to make sure that you don't accidentally damage other components of your pool. This article will make sure you understand how to install a salt system properly.


Pool Pressure Testing - Swimming pool pressure testing is one of the worst offenders when it comes to congruency of technical process between pool companies. This article talks about standards in pressure testing within the plumbing industry and how to apply these standards to the pool and spa industry.


Concrete Pool Step Repair - Do you have a concrete pool that is experiencing failure of the step treads (especially the top step)? This article will help you to understand why this is happening and how you can repair your steps and permanently solve this problem.


The 2016 Canadian Pool & Spa Conference & Expo - The Canadian Pool & Spa Expo 2016 was from December 5 to December 8 in Niagara Falls Ontario. If you did not attend, or you do not understand why people would go to these events, this article will explain the specific reasons why your business is leaving money on the table by not attending. In this article you will also learn the most important question that every pool company should be asking their pool product suppliers.


Common Pool Industry Worker Personalities - After over 25 years of working in the swimming pool industry I have noticed that many of the "interesting personalities" I have met are actually not all that unique. Here are 17 specific personality types that work for almost every swimming pool company. How many of these personalities can you identify at your pool company?

November 2016

How To Market A Pool Company Website Online - If you own or operate a swimming pool company this article will teach you how to effectively market your company online, set up social media campaigns, how to get organic search traffic and how to grow the digital footprint for your business. If you need more traffic on your website this article will be a huge resource for you.


Swimming Pool Plaster Repairs - If you have a concrete swimming pool with cracks or delaminated areas in the plaster surface then this article will teach you how to mix plaster ingredients and patch your pool. Also included is information about the different ways that pool plaster can fail and how to fix these most common problems.


Vinyl Pool Floor Repairs - This article talks about the three main types of flooring in vinyl liner swimming pools and how to tell the difference between each. This information also covers how to make repairs to sand bottom pools, vermiculite bottom pools and grout bottom pools.


What Would The "Perfect" Pool Guy Look Like? - In the swimming pool industry it is a constant struggle to find reliable, honest and experienced workers. This puts a tremendous strain on human resources departments for pool companies. This article is a light hearted look at what attributes would make someone perfect for working in the pool industry.


Pool Liner Wrinkles - This article discusses all of the different ways that you can end up with a wrinkle (or wrinkles) in a vinyl pool. This includes information about measurement errors, manufacturing errors and installation errors for new liners as well as leaks and chemical damage for older liners.

October 2016

Pool Salt Water Systems - This huge article compares the chlorine output ability of every major salt water chlorinator brand including Hayward, Pentair, Jandy, Zodiac, CompuPool, AutoPilot, Intex, CircuPool and Solaxx. Also included is a breakdown comparison of every model that each manufacturer offers. If you are shopping for salt water this article is the most inclusive resource you will find anywhere.


What NOT To Do To Your Swimming Pool - Too many pool owners do not understand how to properly care for their pool. If you are guilty of having a swimming pool that you do not maintain well, or at all, then you should at least read these 8 things that you should definitely avoid doing to your pool.


Pool Leak Detection - Swimming pool leak detection is a complicated subject. In this article (and videos) you will learn a series of tests that you can do to narrow down and isolate the leak in your pool including information about evaporation, dye testing, structural leaks, plumbing leaks and pressure testing for swimming pool applications.


Pool Heater Installation - Most pool heaters will fail early as a result of improper installation. This article teaches you how to install a pool heater properly and most importantly what installation errors you need to avoid. Errors in installation will most likely cause the heater to fail early and will result in no warranty coverage for the heater no matter how old (or new) it is.


How To Install A Steam Shower - If you are looking for something unique to add to your backyard oasis (or inside your home) then a steam shower may have the benefits that you are looking for. Whether you are interested in a prefabricated steam shower unit, or designing a custom built steam shower room or bath house, this article will teach you what you need to know.

September 2016

Hayward MaxFlo VS Pumps - The Hayward MaxFlo variable speed pool pump is a great option for entry level VS pump shoppers looking for value. It has an affordable price tag when compared to other variable speed pumps and it has the ability to lower your electricity use dramatically. There have been three major revisions to the MaxFlo models and this article will help you to understand which models have which features.


Swimming Pool Steve on the "Homeowner with Danny Lipford" radio show - I was recently invited as a guest expert to be on the award winning radio show, Homeowner with Danny Lipford, which aired on 130 radio stations in the USA. We discussed the effectiveness of using solar heaters to extend your swimming pool season. My segment starts at the 28 minute mark of hour 2 (part 2).


Hayward Pool Heaters - This article details the Hayward Universal Digital pool heater including all BTU sizes this heater comes in. Also included is information about how to size this heater for your pool, vent hood adapters for both horizontal and vertical venting applications, as well as how to install your new heater properly.


Common Pool Closing Mistakes - Closing your own pool can save you some money but if you make a mistake it can end up costing you far more than you saved doing it yourself. Read this article about the most common mistakes that pool owners make when closing their own pool and how you can avoid these problems.


How To Get A Pool Ready For A Party - If you are planning a pool party then you are going to want to make sure that your water is heated, chemically treated and crystal clear for the big day. This article talks about what you need to do to get the pool ready as well as the timeline that you should follow to get everything ready in time.


Don't Forget These Items For Closing Your Pool - Since you only close your swimming pool once per year it can be very easy to forget some of the little things that you might need to get the job done. Check this list as a reminder to see if you have everything you are going to need to close your pool properly.

August 2016

Why Did The Olympic Pools In Rio Turn Green? - A swimming pool expert explains the possible reasons that the Olympic pools in Rio turned a bright emerald green color during the 2016 summer Olympics in Brazil.


Toronto Star Article On Green Olympic Pools - Recently the largest news publication in Canada, the Toronto Star, contacted me to discuss the reasons for the green swimming pools at the Olympic games in Rio. Here is the article that they were working on including my comments on the situation.


How To Clean A Pool Filter - Pool cartridge filters need to be periodically cleaned in order for them to operate normally. Many pool owners do not clean their filters properly which can result in poor water filtration and damage to the filters. This article will teach you how to clean a pool cartridge filter and more importantly what to avoid!


How To Winterize A Swimming Pool Heater - If you need to winterize your pool heater to protect it from damage during the winter season then this article will teach you how to winterize a pool heater and get it ready for cold weather.


Pool Pump Overheating - If you have, or you think you have, a pool pump that is overheating then this article will help you to understand exactly what is happening, what to expect next from your pump, and how you can prevent your pump from getting too hot again.


Is Salt Water Bad For Your Pool? - This informative article explains the truth about salt water in swimming pools. If you have salt water, or are thinking about converting to salt water, then you need to read this article to be informed about the risks of salt.


How To Close Your Pool & Open To Crystal Clear Water - If you want your pool water to be perfectly clean and crystal clear when you open it in the spring then follow these expert tips for what chemicals you need to add to your pool when you close it.

July 2016

Swimming Pool Tile Repair - If you have tiles in your pool that are cracked, chipped or fallen off completely then this article will teach you why tiles fail, how to prevent it from happening again, and how to properly install or repair swimming pool tiles.


Swimming Pool Safety Essentials - An important article on pool safety equipment that every pool owner should consider having. The idea with safety equipment for your pool is that hopefully you will never need it but you are much better off to have safety equipment and not need it versus needing it but not having it.


Things Your Pool Guy Is Too Polite To Say - This is a list of things that your pool guy is too polite to say to you (or just won't say). If you could read the mind of your pool technician then these are some of the things that they might be thinking but not saying.


How To Get The Most Life Out Of Your Pool - This article highlights common small problems that develop into bigger, more expensive problems for your pool in the future. Learn where you should NOT skimp on your swimming pool maintenance and upkeep.


Famous People Who Could Have Been Pool Builders - It takes a certain something to be a swimming pool builder. In this funny article Steve identifies famous people who had what it takes to be a pool builder had they not been led astray by being powerful, rich and famous instead.


How To Replace A Pool Skimmer - If you have a broken or cracked skimmer on your pool then this article will show you the process of how to replace a pool skimmer as well as first hand tips on how to deal with common problems that you might encounter. Both concrete pool skimmers as well as vinyl liner pool skimmer replacement is covered.

June 2016

How To Make Fake Rocks - Learn directly from Steve how to make fake rocks and artificial stone garden statues. Steve has perfected these techniques after thousands of hours of practice, trial and error to make realistic, strong and weather resistant fake rocks. You can use these techniques to make landscaping rocks, address stones, outdoor kitchens, waterfalls, sculptures, statues and much more.


The Hayward Ecostar VS Review - One of the most commonly asked questions emailed to Steve is about which variable speed pump is the best. While "the best pump" is a subjective question, this blog article looks at one of the best variable speed pumps, the Hayward Ecostar, in more detail. Flow rates, efficiency, comparison with the Pentair Intelliflo as well as important warranty information for USA and Canadian Ecostar owners.


How To Loosen Tight PVC Fittings - looks at the very common problem of stuck or seized PVC fittings, unions or valves and how you can try to open them. Learn which tools you can use to deal with this problem and which are better off left in the toolbox (or kitchen drawer).


The Pool Heater Checklist - is a list of common reasons why swimming pool natural gas and propane heaters tend to fail early. By following the steps in this article you will dramatically increase the service life you can expect to get from your pool heater.


How To Fix Pool Plumbing Leaks - if you have a suspected leak somewhere in your pool system, or in a known location such as with the pump, filter, heater, skimmer or returns, this article talks about common pool leaks as well as information about different repair options.

May 2016

Important Hot Tub Care Tips - talks about the most important hot tub chemicals that you are most likely NOT using properly. Spa water should be crystal clear and have no smell or foam at all. This article will teach you how to get your spa clean, clear and smell free.


Pool Customer Profiles is a funny and lighthearted article for people who work in the pool industry about the different types of pool owners and pool customers you will encounter in your life as a pool service technician.


How To Install A Pool Solar Heater will teach you how to determine how many solar collectors you will need for your pool as well as tips for installing a zoned bypass plumbing configuration for both manual as well as automatic control of a pool solar heater. Solar heating is the least expensive form of pool heating available - so long as you understand the limitations of this form of heat.


How To Open A Swimming Pool is a great article for pool owners looking to learn more about the steps usually involved with opening a pool for the season in the spring. This is one of the better maintenance tasks for pool owners to try to take on themselves.


What Is The Best Pool Equipment is the most common question that I receive from pool owners. This article looks at some of the motivating factors behind how to decide what is the best pool equipment for you to buy.

April 2016

Concrete Mixes 101 is a detailed article about how to work with concrete as well as a list of every common concrete mix recipe that you might need. There are also tips on how to get professional results as well as a list of which tools and materials you might need. If you are new to concrete, or looking to improve your understanding of concrete application then this would be a great article to start with.


Fact VS. Fiction - Common Myths About Swimming Pools is an interesting and funny article that dispels some common misconceptions about swimming pools and the swimming pool industry in general. Pop culture references, a working dog, a live bear and an homage to Spaceballs the movie...what's not to love?

March 2016

The Best Pool Toys is a look at they types of swimming pool toys and inflatables that are available for kids (and adults) now. If you are looking to make your pool party extra amazing - or simply want to have the most fun in your pool possible then this is the article to get you started.


Help For New Swimming Pool Owners looks at some of the less commonly discussed problems and questions that people new to owning, operating and caring for a swimming pool might not know yet. This article serves as a starting point for new pool owners to begin the process of researching and understanding how to clean, care for and maintain a pool.


Hand Held Pool Vacuum Reviews Similar to a dust buster style vacuum these hand held pool vacuums can operate on a battery charge which means they do not require an electrical cord like robotic pool vacuums or any hoses to be connected to the pool circulation and filtration system. This article looks at the different hand held vacuums on the market and compares the abilities of each model.

February 2016

How To Install A Pool Liner is a very detailed article that serves to discuss every aspect of measuring, ordering and installing a new pool liner. This first hand information is perfect for any person thinking of trying to install their own pool liner themselves since this is something most commonly left to the experts to do.


Pool Slide Reviews see all models of pool slide from S.R Smith as well as Inter-Fab compared side by side including both total height and seat height for each model. Also includes total deck area needed for each as well as general information how how to install a pool slide yourself.

January 2016

7 Common Mistakes That Pool Owners Make is a funny article designed to help pool owners (especially new pool owners) to understand some of the common mistakes that pool owners can make - and how to avoid them.


Pool Ozone Generator Reviews learn how ozone works in pools, how much you need to have to make a difference in the water as well as a side by side comparison of every brand, make and model of pool ozone generator including total ozone output from each.


The Swimming Pool Steve Video Blog is a candid, conversational video blog series where Steve talks about subjects relating to the pool and spa industry. Organized into YouTube playlists these video blog entries are simple enough for any pool owner to understand, and still in-depth and technical enough for experienced pool and spa technicians to learn as well. Have a coffee with Swimming Pool Steve and learn from an industry expert in these "one on one" lessons.

December 2015

Pool Pump Reviews for single speed pumps for above ground and inground swimming pools. This detailed review and buyers guide compares flow rates for every model of pump from all major pump manufacturers.


How To Paint A Concrete Pool with this tutorial from Swimming Pool Steve that gives pool owners the lowest possible cost approach to long term maintenance of their pool interior surface. Using this painting process you can paint the pool yourself and save many thousands of dollars!


How To Install A Pool Safety Cover including how to measure, order and install swimming pool safety covers for all types, shapes and sizes of swimming pools. This extensive article also includes concrete deck installations, interlock stone deck installations and safety cover installations into grass or garden areas. Also covered is exclusions such as step covers, slide legs, diving board bases, diving rocks and pool-side waterfalls.

November 2015

Swimming Pool Heat Pump Reviews by Swimming Pool Steve will help you to understand how a heat pump works to determine if one will meet your expectations for heat. Also included are calculations for sizing as well as general guidelines for how to get the most out of your investment in a pool heat pump. Compared in this buyers guide are all above ground and in ground swimming pool heat pumps from Hayward, Pentair, Jandy and Raypak.


The Online Hot Tub Buyers Guide reviews the difference between classes of hot tubs from entry level inflatable spas to permanent 220 volt hot tubs. If you are shopping for a new hot tub this article is a must read. Hot tubs are often purchased from dealerships much like purchasing a new car (and the prices are similar) but if you have limited access to local spa dealers and want to make an informed purchase online, then this article is perfect for you.

October 2015

The Pool Vacuum Cleaner Buyers Guide & Review by Swimming Pool Steve is an in-depth review of every brand, make and model of swimming pool vacuum on the market. This includes all suction based cleaners, pressure side cleaners and robotic pool vacuum cleaners including a breakdown of comparable models and features. It can be difficult to tell what the difference between different models is - but this article will help you to determine which pool vac is right for your needs. Models for both above ground pools as well as in ground pools are covered in this article.

September 2015

Swimming Pool Steve is featured as an industry expert author in Pool & Spa Marketing Magazine September 2015 edition with an in-depth look at one of the most misunderstood concepts in the pool and spa industry - Understanding the electromechanical process of galvanic corrosion.

August 2015

High pH Causes Extreme Calcification - A very interesting case study of a concrete pool where the pH and calcium hardness levels were left unattended in a running pool for almost a year. The result was extremely high pH and high calcium levels resulting in calcium to come out of solution and form crystal growth over the entire interior surface of the pool.


9 Items That Every Pool Should Have - In this informative and light hearted article, Swimming Pool Steve talks about some of the must have items that every pool owner should have for their pool. From the best gifts for Mom & Dad, to the most fun pool toy, to saving the most money possible operating your pool, this article is a must read for any pool owner.

July 2015

**Must see for pool owners!**Tips For Installing Pool Equipment - As part of a new ongoing feature, watch Swimming Pool Steve review installations of swimming pool and spa equipment, and discuss the deficiencies in these systems. Additional sections on pipe materials, plumbing fittings, glue, primer, valves and unions explaining some of the commonly used materials for installing pool and spa equipment. Warning - This article is HUGE and the page will take a minute to load!

May 2015

The Ultimate Salt Water Review & Buyers Guide - Are you thinking of switching to salt water chlorine for your pool? In this article Swimming Pool Steve discusses the most common brands and models of salt water systems available for swimming pools. Also covered are the myths and facts about whether salt water can damage your pool and information about do-it-yourself installation of a salt water generator.

April 2015

How To Clean A Dead Body From A Swimming Pool (and other really dirty pool solutions) - Every year swimming pool professionals get asked the same questions about how to clean up a dirty swimming pool. This article is the end of the line for this common question as Swimming Pool Steve describes how to clean the dirtiest of swimming pools!

February 2015

6 Things You Should Never Say To Your Pool Guy - Take a look at the lighter side of the pool and spa industry with this funny article about common things that swimming pool technicians hear from customers. Read this list and avoid the embarrassment of saying these six things you should never say.


3 Things To Buy For Your Pool Instead Of Salt Water - Before you go ahead and make the switch to salt water you should consider the risks as well as the benefits. This article outlines some of the common reasons that people buy salt water chlorine systems and 3 alternatives that you might want to consider instead of going with salt.


The Pool Builder Nightmare Questionnaire - Any person looking to have a new pool installed knows well the concern over how to find a reputable builder to work with. This nightmare questionnaire will put your pool installer in the hot seat with these questions designed to find out who really knows swimming pools and who just wants your money.

January 2015

Chlorine VS Bromine - Learn the difference between using chlorine versus bromine in your pool and spa as the chemical sanitizer and why one of these may be more suitable for you than the other.

December 2014

Pool Buyers Beware - Read an interview with Swimming Pool Steve that talks about the current state of the pool and spa industry and how this impacts customers currently shopping for pool installers.

Contact Swimming Pool Steve On Twitter

Tweets by @stevethepoolguy