Pool Care Tips & FAQ

  • Cloudy water is usually caused by poor filtration, low chlorine, high pH, or debris in the water. Start by checking your chemical balance and make sure your filter is running long enough each day.

  • If your pool is still green, the chlorine may not be effective due to high pH, low circulation, or established algae. The water needs to be properly balanced before chlorine can do its job.

  • At minimum, pool water should be tested 1–2 times per week, but espevially during heavy use, high heat, or after storms. Testing daily is ideal to keep everything balanced.

  • The ideal pH range is between 7.2 and 7.6. This keeps the water comfortable for swimmers and allows chlorine to work effectively.

  • Pools should be vacuumed at least once a week; more often if there’s visible debris, algae, or after storms.

  • It depends on the size of your pool and the speed of your pump.

    A good rule of thumb is to run your system long enough to cycle the entire volume of your pool water through the filter about 3 times per day. For many pools, that typically lands somewhere between 8–12 hours, but it can vary.

    If you’re clearing up cloudy water or treating algae, running the pump longer can help speed up the process.

  • Algae typically forms when chlorine levels drop, water circulation is poor, or debris is left in the pool. Warm weather and storms can accelerate growth.

  • Backwash your filter when the pressure gauge rises 8–10 PSI above normal operating levels. This helps maintain proper filtration and water clarity.

  • Eye irritation is often caused by improper pH levels or imbalanced chlorine, not just “too much chlorine.” Balanced water should feel clean and comfortable.

  • Chlorine levels should be maintained consistently, not just added occasionally. Most pools need regular adjustments several times per week to stay in the ideal range.

There’s a lot of guessing when it comes to pool care.

At Anchor Pool Services, we work to educate you so you feel confident taking care of your pool. You’ll find straightforward answers here on what’s actually going on with your water and how to fix it.

No fluff. No overcomplicating it. Just practical guidance that works. And when you don’t have the time, or just don’t want to deal with it, we’re here to handle it for you.

Whether you’re trying to understand why your pool is cloudy, how to keep your chemicals balanced, or what it takes to maintain a clean and safe swimming environment, you’ll find answers here. We break down water chemistry, maintenance, and common issues into clear, practical guidance you can actually use.

And when life gets busy or the situation gets beyond a quick fix, we’re here to help.

We offer professional pool cleaning, water balancing, and full-service maintenance so you don’t have to worry about it. You can stay as hands-on or hands-off as you’d like.

Learn what it takes to keep your pool in great shape…


and know you’ve got a team ready when you need it.