Swimming Pool 101: A Crash Course for Rookies

This is a video that covers many of the basic aspects of swimming pool care all in one long lesson. I think you will find helpful if you know nothing about your pool. I did this in one shoot where I go over the basics of the pool water itself, equipment, testing, cleaning tools and much more. All of this information can be found in my eBook also and you will see pages from my book drop down during the course of this video.

My friend Ben who currently runs a landscaping company wants to possibly expand into pool service in his area. Since he knows next to nothing about pools I agreed to give him a crash course. So I recorded my conversation with him and created this video. I think you will find it extremely helpful.

The first point I make and one that is very crucial is to know that a pool is a very unnatural way to keep a body of water. The natural state of water is more in line with a lake or a pond. But for the pool to be maintained so that it is safe to swim in you need to do these three things:

Balance the pool water
Circulate the pool water
Clean and maintain your pool

If any of these three elements is off the pool can turn on you very quickly. Let the chlorine zero out and algae will form. Go long enough and the pool will turn green. Or even if you add tons of chlorine to the pool but the water is not circulating, the pool will overtime turn green. And if you don't remove the dirt and leaves from the pool the water quality will also suffer. It is not hard to do but you need to be diligent and on top of these three things to be successful in your pool care.

Knowing your basic pool equipment is also essential. The pump is the heart of your system. If it is not running long enough or not running well, the pool can turn on you quickly in the Summer. Same with the filter. If it is not cleaned on a regular basis the water will not circulate properly. Knowing how the water flows into the pool and how the pool valves operate is also essential.

Testing the pool water weekly is a key part in keeping everything looking good. You should invest in a good test kit, one that does the basic four:

Free Chlorine or Bromine
pH
Alkalinity
Calcium Hardness

It is also a good idea to invest in a more advanced test kit so that you can
also test for:

Combined Chlorine
Acid Demand
Base Demand
Cyanuric Acid (CYA)

If you don't keep your pool water in balance all kinds of bad things can happen. It is actually quite easy once you get the hang of it so don't be scared if all of the terminology makes it sound like you need to be a scientist to get it right. You don't and it is easy.

One area that is often overlooked is cleaning your pool on a regular basis. If you don't have time investing in a good automatic cleaner can be a lifesaver. I have reviewed a good percentage of the cleaners on the market today and have an extensive video library on automatic cleaners. It is an investment but it will pay off in time saved and a clean pool each week.

If you don't have time or are physically unable to maintain your pool, hiring a good pool service company is the way to go. Each week your pool will be clean and balanced. In the long run it is worth every penny to avoid he headache of a pool that has turned bad on you. And if you are like my friend Ben and are thinking about doing pool service keep watching my videos or join my group on Patreon where I can give you one on one real time help.

Again, the eBook I created is a great resource that pulls everything together for you in one place. I can't stress enough that it is a great investment for you if you are a homeowner maintaining your own pool or new to the service industry.


Follow Me:

[cityoftrees]

Just subscribed and liked. Best video for beginners. I’ve watched 4 videos before finding this one. And this is by far the most detailed one. And you kept It real. I wouldn’t need a pool guy. But my dad would. Liked and subscribed

[rebeccaburke]

Thank you for posting this. My dad has a pool cleaning business he's maintained for over 20 years but he recently suffered a stroke that has left him paralyzed on his right side and unable to continue working. I've decided to take over the manual labor of it but I have no basis to learn from because he was very private. This is will be instrumental to keeping his business alive!

[billwesolowski]

Dave I just wanted to let you know that you have helped me tremendously over the past few years. I started Englewood Pool Care in Englewood Florida 2 years ago with only the knowledge from your videos and having my own pool for 5 years. I have learned so much from your experience and I am so grateful. I am now at a point where I am at full capacity with a customer waiting list making excellent money. You are a true blessing for anyone that needs this info. I just felt like I had to say thank you because this journey would have been much more difficult without your videos as a guide. You're the best! Thanks again.

[loghawgtv]

I just started as a pool service tech and all of this is very helpful !! Very helpful especially for someone like me who has no pool background

[AG-flkl]

I love how you say "It's pretty basic" but it's kinda confusing when you first start. You give us great confidence 😂

[jacobalfaro]

Just bought a house with a pool and was clueless about all the components and maintenance.... but this video gave me alot more confidence maintaining myself .. thanks 👍🏽

[probono]

“This is a pool, of course.” Wait, you’re going to fast.

[sunshinegyrl]

I have never owned a pool and although I have hired pool service this video was extremely informative to help me understand the basics

[RJ.]

Why would anyone give this guy thumbs down The information he shares spot on.
Jealous hacks I'm guessing

[the_macadocious_perspective]

Starting a pool cleaning business.. I will continue to watch your videos and learn daily.. thank you!

[dipzno]

1. Chemistry
2. Circulation
3. Removal of debris/foreign matter

[hallandrewe]

This was the first video I watched after starting at pinch a penny pools in Florida and 6 years later I have my own company doing commercial and residential pools and bringing in 10k a month, thanks bro!

[WalkwithGodeternity]

As someone new to pool maintenance and just obtaining my CPO certification I really appreciate your tips. Thank you! I love the battery operated filter bag vacuum on the cart. So much easier than trying to prime a vacuum hose where I work. No turning several valves. So convenient!

[Eder.]

I just purchased a home with a pool, honestly I came here without knowing anything! Thanks to you, I'm learning a lot. I'm subscribing to your channel to learn even more.
Thank you so much for been easy and helpful 👍

[seinispiker]

Omg, so happy I found you, best one out there. so clear, how I wish the pool cleaner company here are half as good as you.

[jndassaro]

Dude- you rock. Some of the best videos I have seen on pool care (I am a new owner of a 25k gallon inground ). I appreciate you taking the time and effort to video and post.

[patrickfort]

Dude! Incredible! I know this has been posted awhile ago. Just ran across your video and my interest with pools. Thanks. U seem like the guru of pools

[thebrowser]

Man, I watch your videos every now and again just to keep me inline with my pool maintence schedule. I have NO IDEA how I've missed the part about opening the filter to prime the pump... WOW, really... Thank you that's absolutely mind-blowing to me

[HoustonATVRidingClub]

I have been watching your videos since yesterday. I knew allot of stuff but the great indepth knowledge you into everything is super great I really appreciate all your videos greatly! I have a plaster company but for years I been trying to expand on the service maintenance side and now that I found your videos I feel more confident to do so. Thank you!

[mrjmart]

Just started cleaning pools with a friend I love it I can't wait to start my own pool business thank you for your wonderful tips