Category Archives: Pool Chemistry

100-Year-Old Pool Technology and Naked Ankles

After too many years in the pool biz and the chemicals that keep pools disinfected and sparkling, I’ve developed a physical inability to tolerate most synthetic or manufactured chemicals.

EWWWW, That Smell. That Chlorine Smell.

Roseanne from Kansas City, Mo,  was apparently appalled by my last post–the one about peeing in the pool.  She emailed the following question: Dear Pool Master.  Your post about urinating in public swimming pools was disgusting.  Who does this? If you didn’t have the scientific proof noted, I would have screamed, “BALDERDASH!”  Every Thursday withContinue reading “EWWWW, That Smell. That Chlorine Smell.”

Peeing in the Swimming Pool & Bladder Cancer! My Worst Nightmare.

  Let it be known that I DO NOT SWIM IN PUBLIC POOLS.  The following news piece recently crossed my desk and ripped open my nightmare of being tossed into a public swimming pool that’s not blue, but a golden urine-yellow.  That’s right, folks, good, old-fashioned pee in the pool. That combined with everyone else’sContinue reading “Peeing in the Swimming Pool & Bladder Cancer! My Worst Nightmare.”

Scale Build-Up On Pool Tiles–A Case of Mini-Stalagmites & Elbow Grease

Dateline Brian.   Please, help! I’ve tried everything to remove hard water build-up from the tile around my pool. I’ve had no luck, and I’m at a loss.  Thought you might have an answer for me. Well Brian, the Pool and Spa Master does have an answer–actually several answers.  Sadly, they all involve the age old cureContinue reading “Scale Build-Up On Pool Tiles–A Case of Mini-Stalagmites & Elbow Grease”

Calcium Hardness–It’s Not About Your Bones

In the last post, one of the questions I asked the spa tech with a sludge-like spa water nightmare was “What is your calcium hardness reading?” A proper test kit should contain a calcium hardness test mechanism.  Calcium hardness tests were once just for swimming pools–but we’ve discovered that it is also important for your backyard hot tub. TheContinue reading “Calcium Hardness–It’s Not About Your Bones”

Chlorine-Free Alternatives For Your Pool

It’s warm in some parts of the country today.  And soon enough we’ll all be complaining about the unbearable heat, and we’ll be ready to jump into the swimming pool. The biggest complaint about swimming pools: Chlorine.  Is it safe?  As opposed to no disinfectant in the pool, I’ll take chlorine.  But I don’t likeContinue reading “Chlorine-Free Alternatives For Your Pool”

Spa is Not Hot Enough, and Ross & Carlos are Coughing & Itching. Plus No Pool Chlorine.

Here are a few questions I was recently asked about spas and pools: Question.  My spa won’t get any hotter than 105 degrees.  It’s not hot enough.  The company I bought it from refuses to adjust the thermostat to make it reach 108 degrees.  I’m very disappointed. Mary in New Mexico  Answer.  Mary, your spaContinue reading “Spa is Not Hot Enough, and Ross & Carlos are Coughing & Itching. Plus No Pool Chlorine.”