In this episode of the Pool School Podcast, your host Roy "Al. G." Free dives deep into the often-overlooked yet crucial aspect of pool maintenance: Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) and Its Effect on Swimming Pool Maintenance.

Al. G. begins by explaining what TDS is—basically, everything dissolved in your pool water that isn’t water, from salts and minerals to sunscreens, oils, and even sweat. It's a combination of all the substances in the water that can directly affect the overall water quality.

As TDS builds up, it can lead to a series of headaches for pool owners, such as reduced effectiveness of chlorine, scaling on pool tiles and equipment, and even cloudy water. Al. G. explains how these issues arise when TDS levels go above the ideal range of 500 to 1,500 ppm and what that means for your pool. He also shares some practical tips for controlling and managing TDS, including regular testing, proper chemical use, filtration maintenance, and the ultimate fix—water replacement (yes, sometimes you’ll need to dilute your pool!).

And of course, what would a Pool School Podcast episode be without some dad jokes? Al. G. drops one or two zingers to keep the mood light, including one about a pool with a “bad attitude” due to “too many dissolved issues” (you’ll get it when you hear it!).

Tune in to get all the essential info you need to keep your pool TDS in check and ensure a sparkling, healthy swimming environment.

In this episode of the Pool School Podcast, host Roy "Al. G." Free takes a deep dive into the critical yet often misunderstood aspect of pool care: Calcium Hardness in Pool Care. While many pool owners focus on pH, alkalinity, and chlorine levels, maintaining proper calcium hardness is just as essential to ensure the longevity of your pool and its equipment.

Al. G. breaks down what calcium hardness is, why it’s important, and how it directly affects pool water chemistry. Learn how proper calcium hardness levels can prevent both scaling and corrosion, two common issues that can cause long-term damage to your pool surfaces, tiles, equipment, and plumbing. Al. G. also explains how to test for calcium hardness, interpret the results, and adjust it when necessary to keep your pool in top condition.

The episode covers practical advice on how to raise or lower calcium hardness, including the best methods and chemicals for making adjustments. Al. G. also discusses how different types of pools—concrete, plaster, vinyl, and fiberglass—can be affected differently by calcium hardness levels and why it’s crucial to manage it properly.

Whether you're a pool service professional or a first-time pool owner, this episode will equip you with the knowledge needed to manage calcium hardness effectively. Tune in to learn how maintaining the right balance of calcium hardness ensures a clean, safe, and efficient pool while protecting your investment in the long run!

In this episode of the Pool School Podcast, host Roy "Al. G." Free dives into the often-overlooked yet crucial aspect of pool water chemistry: Understanding Carbonate Alkalinity in Pool Care. While most pool owners are familiar with total alkalinity, the specific role of carbonate alkalinity and its importance in stabilizing pH often goes unnoticed. This episode breaks down everything you need to know about carbonate alkalinity, from its definition and how it’s calculated to its vital role in maintaining a balanced and comfortable swimming environment.

Al. G. explains how carbonate alkalinity is a subset of total alkalinity, excluding the influence of cyanuric acid, and why this distinction matters for effective pool care. The episode provides step-by-step guidance on calculating carbonate alkalinity and demonstrates how proper levels can serve as a buffer to prevent pH from fluctuating, which can cause discomfort for swimmers and damage to pool surfaces and equipment.

Listeners will learn how to manage carbonate alkalinity by adjusting it through chemicals like sodium bicarbonate and muriatic acid, and how these adjustments can help keep pH stable. The episode also highlights the importance of carbonate alkalinity in saltwater pools, where it plays a significant role in maintaining pH stability and preventing issues like CO2 outgassing, which can otherwise destabilize pH levels.

Whether you're a pool professional or an owner managing your own pool, this episode will provide practical advice on maintaining proper carbonate alkalinity, ensuring your pool stays balanced, efficient, and safe for swimming. Tune in to learn how to optimize your pool chemistry for the best performance and long-term health of your pool!