Oh, so you saw some algae, panicked, and dumped in half a bucket of chlorine? Bravo. If chemicals alone solved pool problems, every swampy backyard pool would look like a resort. But here’s the harsh truth: if your pool is dirty, tossing in more chemicals is like spraying cologne on sweaty gym clothes. You’re not fixing the problem, you’re just masking it, badly.
Mistake #1: Thinking Chemicals Replace Cleaning
You wouldn’t spray air freshener instead of taking out the trash, right? Yet pool owners think chlorine will scrub walls and floors. Spoiler: it won’t. Dirt, leaves, and algae cling to surfaces, and no amount of chlorine can magic them away.
Simple Fix: Brush and vacuum your pool at least once a week. Physical cleaning always comes first, chemicals second.
Mistake #2: Ignoring Your Filter
A pool filter that hasn’t been backwashed or cleaned in months is basically a clogged sink. Chemicals can’t circulate properly, so the water stays cloudy and gross. And yes, you can keep dumping shock in, but it’s just going to float around like a wasted paycheck.
Simple Fix: Backwash sand and DE filters regularly, and clean cartridge filters as directed. A dirty filter equals a dirty pool.
Mistake #3: Forgetting About Circulation
Your pool pump isn’t just for show. If you run it for two hours and call it a day, don’t be surprised when algae sets up camp. Stagnant water is a vacation spot for bacteria.
Simple Fix: Run your pump at least 8 hours a day during swim season. Good circulation means chemicals actually move around and do their job.
Mistake #4: Balancing Nothing but Chlorine
Many pool owners test chlorine and stop there, convinced it’s the only thing that matters. Wrong. If pH and alkalinity are out of range, chlorine becomes lazy and ineffective.
Simple Fix: Keep pH between 7.2 and 7.6, and alkalinity between 80–120 ppm. Balance first, chlorinate second.
The Ranty Reality Check
Dumping in more chemicals doesn’t make you a responsible pool owner. It makes you the pool equivalent of someone spraying Febreze on a couch stain and pretending it’s clean. Stop wasting money on shock treatments when the real solution is elbow grease, filtration, and proper balance.
Your “Don’t Be That Person” Checklist
- Brush and vacuum weekly
- Clean or backwash the filter
- Run the pump at least 8 hours daily
- Balance pH and alkalinity before adding chlorine
- Shock only after cleaning and balancing
Take care of the basics, and your pool won’t need a chemical overdose to look inviting.
