Reliable Pool Services

05/24/2026

What to test every week (and what you only need to check monthly)

The seesaw trick for fixing high alkalinity and low pH at the same time

The exact order to add chemicals (it's alkalinity first, then pH, then chlorine, then CYA, then calcium hardness)

How much to add with real dosing examples for common pool sizes

When and how to use shock (both chlorine and non-chlorine shock) and why it matters

Once you know the order, the whole thing gets a lot easier.

Happy Swimming! 😁

05/20/2026

05/11/2026

05/09/2026

Hey!

If your pool pump is running but won't hold water, it means it's lost its prime. And it's actually one of the most common pool problems, and in most cases, you can fix it yourself.

The Quick Fix

The first step is to fill the pump housing directly with a garden hose. But if that doesn't work, the video covers more things to check, including your water level, a clogged impeller, a worn-out O-ring, and a sneaky trick using shaving cream to find hidden air leaks.

When the Pump Keeps Losing Its Prime

If your pump is priming fine but losing water overnight, you might have a check valve issue. And if your pump is old and you've tried everything, the video also covers how to tell if it's finally time for a replacement.

Watch it now so you're not stuck Googling pump problems at 9 pm with a murky, stagnant pool and no working pump.

Happy Swimming! 😁

05/05/2026

Hey !



If you're staring at a green or cloudy pool right now, I've got good news...You don't need to buy any fancy "pool opening kits" to get crystal clear water.



Don't Waste Money on Opening Kits

Pre-packaged pool opening kits are convenient but often include chemicals you don't need, like clarifiers or algaecides. You probably already have everything you need on hand.



Add THESE Chemicals in THIS Order

After you've cleaned your pool surfaces, here's the exact sequence you need to follow:

Chlorine Shock: Use a double or triple dose for green water.

Alkalinity Increaser: Get this between 80-120 PPM.

pH Increaser or Decreaser: Aim for 7.4-7.6.

Chlorine: Get to 3 PPM and set up your automatic sanitizer.

Chlorine Stabilizer: Only if you're using unstabilized chlorine.

Happy Swimming! 🏊

04/25/2026

Hey Raudy!

So you've taken one look at your pool water, and... it's green. Maybe light green, or maybe full-on swamp green 🤢

Whatever the shade, you don't have to drain your pool or start over. You can clear it up in one or two days with the right steps in the right order.

A few things to keep in mind when clearing algae:

Brushing your walls before adding any chemicals actually makes a huge difference (it breaks up the algae so your shock can do its job).

The amount of shock you need depends on how green your water is. I say how much in the video.

You can tell the shock is working by how cloudy blue the water gets (yes, cloudy is good!).

Watch the full video to see all eight steps and get your pool ready for swimming.

Happy Swimming! 😁

04/21/2026

Hey !

If you're planning to open your pool (or it's already there), you're probably also thinking about what it costs.

Good news: if you do it yourself, it's a lot less than you think.

I break down all the costs it takes to open a pool so you can decide whether or not it's worth doing it yourself... or if you're overspending.

DIY vs. Hiring a Pro

Hiring a professional pool service to open your pool typically runs between $200 and $500. Doing it yourself? You're looking at $50 to $150 in chemicals and supplies for a standard opening. And if you stocked up last season, you might spend as little as $30 to $60.

That's a potential savings of $150 to $450 every single spring.

What Drives That Cost Up?

Your pool size, surface material, and water condition all affect your bottom line. Concrete and gunite pools are the most expensive to clean by the pros ($300 to $500) because they require more work.

And if you open late and find green water? That's even more labor and chemicals.

Opening Earlier Saves You Money

Once temperatures warm up, algae starts growing in standing water. The longer you wait, the more chemicals you'll need to fix the mess you'll find under that cover.

Need a Step-by-Step Guide?

The full article breaks down every cost you'll run into, from chemicals to electricity to filling your pool with water.

And if you want a complete walkthrough on how to open your pool yourself, we've got you covered on YouTube .

Happy Swimming! 😁

04/18/2026

Hey !

Do you know what every valve on your pool equipment does? Are they set up correctly? If you don't, that's totally fine... until something goes wrong and you have no idea where to start.

I just put out a new video that walks you through exactly how your pool's plumbing works and how to actually use your valves like a pro.

I explain what each valve does on your pool and when to use it.

Then I show you a simple step-by-step method for mapping out your own plumbing lines so you know exactly which valve controls what.

Once you label everything, troubleshooting is so much easier.
Call 647 995 3978 for more information.

Happy Swimming! 😁