Choosing a pool 01
Which type of pool suits your garden?
Above-ground, concrete, ICF, panel, fibreglass and natural pools: compare how they are built, finished and used.
Read the guide
Pool guides, calculators and troubleshooting
Understand your pool from planning to everyday care
Independent guidance on choosing a pool, installation, equipment, water care, troubleshooting and costs.
Clear explanations Practical advice Sources you can check
Interactive tools
Search, troubleshoot or estimate pool volume
ProblemGreen pool waterCommon causes, what to check and how to start treatment. Read the guide Water chemistryCopper pool ionizersHow copper and copper–silver ionizers work, when they help and why they do not replace a primary sanitizer. Read the guide CostsHow much does a pool really cost?Budget for installation, equipment, water, electricity, chemicals and annual maintenance. Read the guide ComparisonDWF or metal-frame pool?Compare appearance, stability, assembly, price and everyday use. Read the guide
These tools are a starting point. The full guides and calculators explain the assumptions, limitations and next steps.
See all toolsWhat do you need help with?
Choose where to start
Find guides for the decision you are making or the problem you need to solve.
Suggested reading
I am planning a pool
Start with pool types, available space and budget, then check the common mistakes to avoid before buying.
Start choosing a poolStart with the basics
Before you choose a pool
Compare pool types, total costs and equipment, then check the common mistakes you can avoid before buying.
Costs 02
How much does a pool really cost?
Plan for the pool, site preparation, equipment, water, electricity, chemicals and annual upkeep.
Read the guidePool care 03
Pool maintenance made straightforward
A practical routine for water tests, filtration, cleaning and chemical dosing throughout the season.
Read the guideBuying a pool 04
Common mistakes when buying a pool
Check the base, filtration, equipment, chemicals, spare parts, warranty and full costs before buying.
Read the guideBrowse topics
Find the topic you need
Each section takes you from the basics to detailed guides, comparisons, troubleshooting and calculators.
01
Basics
learn the basics
02
Practical guides
follow the steps
03
Tools
check the calculation
Choosing a pool
Compare pool types, sizes, construction, benefits, drawbacks and budgets for your available space.
concrete and ICFpanel poolscompositenatural
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Pool construction
Planning, ground preparation, bases, concrete slabs, plumbing, assembly and common installation mistakes.
sitebaseplumbing and electricsinstallation
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Equipment
Pumps, filters, heaters, robotic cleaners, covers, lighting and automation.
pumpsfiltersheatingcovers
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Pool care
Water chemistry, pH, chlorine, filtration, cleaning, opening and winterizing.
pHchlorinealgaefiltration
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Problems and solutions
Troubleshoot water, circulation, leaks, pumps, filters, heating and equipment.
green waterleakpumpcloudy water
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Calculators
Calculate water volume, filtration, chemical doses, heating, energy use and seasonal costs.
volumechemicalsheatingcosts
Browse this topic Troubleshooting
What is wrong with your pool?
Start with the symptom you have noticed. Each guide explains possible causes, checks you can make yourself and when to call a professional.
All problems and solutionsWhat to check first
1Symptom
2Water testing
3Filtration
4Next steps
My pool water is green
Find the cause, treat the water correctly and reduce the chance of it happening again.
Find out what to doThe water is cloudy
Check pH, filtration, sanitizer and fine particles in the water.
Find out what to doPool pump not priming
Check for air, blockages, low water and suction-side problems.
Find out what to doPool losing water
Tell evaporation from a leak and find out where to check first.
Find out what to doThe water smells strongly of chlorine
Why a strong smell does not necessarily mean too much chlorine, and which readings to check.
Find out what to doThe filter is not working properly
Check flow, pressure, filter condition, trapped air and valve settings.
Find out what to doPractical tools
Pool volume, equipment and cost calculators
Estimate pool volume, chemical doses, filtration, heating and seasonal costs. The calculators explain their assumptions and do not replace professional assessment.
Pool volume
Calculate water volume from the pool shape, dimensions and average depth.
Open the calculatorHeat pump size
Estimate heating capacity from water volume, temperature and swimming conditions.
Open the calculatorChemical dosage
Estimate a chemical dose using pool volume and current water-test results.
Open the calculatorPump flow and filtration
Estimate the required flow and a starting filtration schedule.
Open the calculatorRunning costs
Estimate seasonal electricity, water, chemical and routine service costs using your own local prices.
Open the calculatorHeating and heat loss
See how water volume, target temperature, overnight cooling and covers affect pool heating.
Open the calculatorComparisons
Compare the options for your pool
Consider price, maintenance, durability, comfort and limitations before choosing equipment or a pool type.
vs
DWF or metal-frame pool?
Compare appearance, stability, assembly, storage and price to decide which suits you.
Compare the options vs
Sand or cartridge filter?
Compare everyday use and maintenance for small, medium and larger pools.
Compare the options vs
Heat pump or solar heating?
When a heat pump is worth considering and when solar heating may be enough.
Compare the optionsSeasonal maintenance
Care for your pool throughout the season
Follow the guides from spring opening through summer use to closing for winter.
01Opening a poolA checklist for inspecting equipment, filling, starting filtration, testing and initial treatment. Read the guide 02Summer pool maintenanceA summer routine for testing, cleaning, filtration and adding chemicals when needed. Read the guide 03Winterising your poolPrepare the water, equipment, plumbing and cover for the off-season. Read the guide
How we check information
Pool Explained distinguishes facts, professional recommendations, estimates and commercial content. We cite manufacturer information, regulations and other external sources so you can check them. Where more than one approach is suitable, we explain the benefits, limitations and who each option is for.
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