Free Chlorine vs Total Chlorine: What Pool Pros Need to Know
Understand the difference between free chlorine and total chlorine, why it matters for pool maintenance, and how to interpret your test results.
· 8 min read
THE POOLOPS FIELD NOTES
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Practical guides to pool chemistry, service work, and running your operation. Find the answer you need, then get back to the day.
FROM THE LIBRARY
Pool Chemistry
Jan 30, 2026 · 8 min readFree Chlorine vs Total Chlorine: What Pool Pros Need to Know
Understand the difference between free chlorine and total chlorine, why it matters for pool maintenance, and how to interpret your test results.
Read the guide →16 articles
The Complete Guide to Pool LSI: Why Water Balance Matters
Everything pool professionals need to know about the Langelier Saturation Index (LSI), how to calculate it, and why it matters for pool surfaces and equipment.
· 12 min read
Best Pool Service Software for Solo Operators 2026: Complete Comparison
Compare the best pool service software for independent pool pros in 2026 — including the most affordable and free options. Side-by-side pricing, features, invoicing, and honest reviews of PoolOps, Skimmer, Pool Brain, Jobber, and more.
· 12 min read
How to Lower Pool Alkalinity: Pro Guide with Dosage Charts
Step-by-step guide to lowering total alkalinity in your pool using muriatic acid or sodium bisulfate. Includes dosage charts by pool size and common mistakes to avoid.
· 8 min read
How to Raise Pool pH: Chemicals, Dosages & When to Adjust
Learn how to raise pH in your pool using soda ash or borax. Includes dosage charts by pool volume, common causes of low pH, and when pH adjustment is actually needed.
· 7 min read
Pool Algae Treatment: How to Kill Green, Yellow & Black Algae
Complete guide to identifying and treating pool algae. Covers green, yellow (mustard), and black algae with specific shock levels, brushing techniques, and prevention strategies.
· 10 min read
Salt Water Pool Chemistry: Complete Guide for Service Pros
Everything pool professionals need to know about saltwater pool chemistry. Covers salt levels, cell maintenance, CYA management, LSI considerations, and common salt pool problems.
· 10 min read
How to Shock a Pool: Types, Dosages & Step-by-Step Guide
Learn how to shock a pool properly. Covers when to shock, which shock type to use, exact dosages by pool size, and the breakpoint chlorination method pros use.
· 9 min read
Pool Water Chemistry 101: The Complete Guide for Service Pros
Master the fundamentals of pool water chemistry. Covers all 7 key parameters, ideal ranges, how they interact, and a professional testing routine for pool service technicians.
· 12 min read
Pool Maintenance Schedule: Daily, Weekly & Monthly Tasks for Pros
The complete pool maintenance schedule for service professionals. Daily, weekly, monthly, and seasonal tasks organized into a professional checklist you can follow on every route.
· 8 min read
How to Fix a Green Pool Fast: The Step-by-Step Recovery Guide
Turn a green pool clear in 24–72 hours. This guide covers the SLAM method, exact shock doses, filter management, and the recovery timeline pros follow.
· 8 min read
Pool Opening Checklist for Service Professionals (Spring 2026)
The complete pool opening checklist for professional pool service technicians. Step-by-step procedure from cover removal through water balance, equipment startup, and customer handoff.
· 7 min read
How to Start a Pool Service Business in 2026: Complete Guide
Everything you need to start a pool service business from scratch. Covers licensing, equipment, pricing, finding customers, and the software tools that help you look professional from day one.
· 12 min read
Skimmer vs PoolOps: Honest Comparison for Solo Pool Operators
Detailed comparison of Skimmer and PoolOps pool service software. Pricing, features, LSI calculator, offline mode, and which is better for independent pool operators.
· 10 min read
Why Your Pool Route Is Costing You Money (and How to Fix It)
Pool route optimization can save solo operators 2+ hours per week in drive time. Learn the strategies pros use to organize routes by day, minimize backtracking, and serve more pools.
· 8 min read
Cyanuric Acid (CYA) in Pools: When It Helps and When It Hurts
Complete guide to cyanuric acid (stabilizer) in pools. Covers ideal CYA levels, the FC/CYA ratio, what happens when CYA is too high, and the only way to lower it.
· 7 min read